Article 2025

‘I could replicate the situation exactly the same as I do in class’: apprentice lecturers use of a learning management system at an Irish university during and after COVID-19

Journal of Vocational Education and Training
Journal
Abstract

While technology is playing a more critical role in learning, apprentice lecturers’ use of technology to support learning is under-researched. This qualitative study explores apprentice lecturers’ use and experience of a Learning Management System during and after COVID-19. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of the rich data, gathered using semi-structured interviews, from ten apprentice lecturers. The analysis revealed that technology use largely mirrored participants’ teacher-centric face-to-face methods. This approach did not sustain apprentice online engagement. Applying the theoretical framework, TPACK revealed that limited pedagogical expertise and, to a lesser extent, limited technological proficiency shaped participants’ approaches. Systemic constraints diminished participants’ agency, and their experiences should be understood from this perspective. Hence, tailored professional development is recommended to cultivate the pedagogical skill set and mindset required to use technology to support apprentice learning. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Vocational training Thematic analysis Learning management system Apprentice lecturers technology enhance learning

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Centre of Craft Studies, Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
Teaching and Learning Unit, Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
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