Introduction/Context
The Future of ELICOS findings have raised a number of important considerations for both the ELICOS sector and regulatory bodies.
The preliminary research conducted by English Australia found that students and providers have come to expect some degree of flexibility afforded by online modes of delivery that the existing regulatory environment does not account for. Providers said they recognise that the existence of a strong regulatory framework for ELICOS enhances the quality and attractiveness of the Australian ELT sector but that extending provisions to incorporate online and hybrid modes of delivery is desirable. Further, reverting to pre-pandemic structures of course design and delivery would be both counterproductive for providers, given the scale of innovation and investments already made, and would be misaligned to the student learning preferences that have emerged during the pandemic.
The majority of respondents of the English Australia survey indicated that there are opportunities for the sector and government to work together to ensure that ELICOS remains attractive to international students, for quality and integrity to be maintained, and for the regulation requirements to be in step with the innovations implemented throughout the pandemic.
English Australia wants to now explore implications from a provider perspective should the regulatory framework include provisions for a range of modes of delivery for students located in and outside of Australia.
Your input into this process is even more valuable at this time in light of the upcoming Department of Education, Skills and Employment ESOS review consultation process which is due to commence shortly.
In the further stage of this research, providers are asked to consider implications in terms of:
1. Course and assessment design
2. Academic quality and integrity
3. Teacher recruitment, development and conditions
4. Student marketing and course fees