Technology-based learning (TBL), which is an umbrella term for any learning via electronic technology, has enormous potential for state and local workforce investment systems, but the large-scale picture of how broadly these possibilities are being realized remains murky. This research is the first to systematically describe the policy and environmental context that shapes TBL adoption as well recent patterns of actual use.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) launched a national initiative in 2008 to systematically explore TBL’s role and its adoption within the workforce system. Abt Associates, with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor conducted a study during 2012-2013 to gather information about the use of TBL at the state and local levels of the workforce system. Data about state policies and support for TBL were collected in an online survey of state workforce agency (SWA) administrators (82 percent response rate). Data on local implementation of TBL were collected in an online survey of the Executive Directors of Local Workforce Investment Boards (69 percent response rate). These are the technical appendices to the final report.

Read the full report.

Read the survey appendix.