Australia's skill needs to be addressed by
the Framework in 2006
Tackling some of Australia's most pressing skill needs will be a key
focus of the 2005 - 2006 Australian Flexible Learning Framework ( Framework) in
2006.
Federal Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary
Hardgrave MP announced AUD$15 million for the Framework to continue to
increase the use of e-learning within the vocational and technical
education (VTE) system in 2006.
The Australian Government and all States and Territories have agreed to
fund 14 Projects under the Framework in 2006 which will focus on:
• increasing the uptake of e-learning in target areas where there are
skill needs including industry and business, Indigenous communities,
community groups, learners with disabilities and disengaged learners
• accelerating e-learning innovation processes
• mandating a set of standards and protocols for education and training
providers
• consolidating the work already carried out, leveraging and promoting
VTE e-learning capabilities.
The Framework's 14 Projects will sit under four Program areas and a
full list of all 2006 Programs and Projects appears at the end of this
release.
Chair of the Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG), which provides
strategic advice and direction to the Framework, Jim Davidson said
addressing areas of skill needs is a significant challenge for the
future:
"Australia's skill base must be continually enhanced as advancements in
technology require new and existing employees to possess different and
more sophisticated skills.
"E-learning is about creating a more flexible and responsive VTE system
which meets the changing needs of industry, now and into the future.
"In 2005 we have seen the release of e-learning benchmarking statistics
which show that teachers and trainers believe e-learning is improving
the outcomes for their students.
"The results show a positive return on investment and in 2006 we must
focus on ensuring we are investing in the right areas and moving in the
right direction."
Expressions of Interest for funding will be called through a special
edition of the Framework's monthly online newsletter Flex e-News
in January, as well as in national newspapers and through the Framework
website: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au
To view the 2006 Framework Business Plan please visit: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/aboutus/keydocuments.htm
Program 1:
Client Engagement aims to strengthen the role of industry, individuals
and communities in shaping vocational and technical education (VTE)
provision to meet their needs. It encompasses three Projects (listed
below) and is managed by Queensland. |
Project
|
Description
|
Industry Engagement - ACT |
This Project aims to increase the use of e-learning in
workplaces by demonstrating the flexibility of e-learning to respond to
and deliver on industry’s workforce development needs. In 2006
Demonstration projects across different industries, including
partnerships between industry and training providers, will showcase how
e-learning can be used to develop skills and support industry
priorities and local business growth. Funding available through
merit based selection: Yes. |
Indigenous Engagement - QLD |
This Project will contribute to improving employment
opportunities for Indigenous people by advancing skills through
e-learning. It seeks to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous
organisations and communities by using e-learning to recognise and
identify skills and qualifications needed to gain successful employment
outcomes. In 2006 the Project will use partnership models, professional
development of mentors, and promotion of Indigenous e-learning
resources to show how Indigenous communities with limited access to
mainstream training delivery options can benefit through the use of
e-learning. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes. |
E-learning for Creative Community
Partnerships - ACT |
This Project aims to create sustainable demand for, and use
of, e-learning in communities, to foster both learning in the
communities, and through learning, economic and regional development
outcomes. In 2006 the Project will continue to develop and network with
eight communities which were funded in 2005. It will also support a
further six communities to integrate e-learning into their learning and
regional development initiatives and use e-learning to increase
participation of disengaged and disadvantaged client groups in
education. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes. |
Program 2:
Resources and Innovation aims to take an integrated approach to
supporting sustainable e-learning uptake by bringing together a blend
of innovative ideas, educational values, client focus and technical
standards. It encompasses five Project areas (listed below) and is
managed by Victoria. |
Project
|
Description
|
New Practices in Flexible Learning
- WA |
This Project aims to explore and increase the uptake of
innovative, practical and sustainable approaches to e-learning in
workplaces, communities and training organisations. In 2006 the Project
has a dual focus to continue to stimulate engagement in the development
of educationally effective innovative teaching and learning practices.
The Project also aims to embed innovative practices through sharing of
innovative solutions and leveraging other 2005 - 2006 Australian
Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) activities to increase
workforce knowledge and skills necessary to implement and sustain
quality e-learning practices. Funding available through merit
based selection: Yes. |
Flexible Learning Toolboxes - VIC |
This Project will continue to develop world-class e-learning
products to support the national training system and ensure that
Australian providers remain at the forefront of e-learning development
and delivery. In 2006 the Project will develop new Flexible Learning
Toolbox (Toolbox) products, additional learning objects for the Toolbox
Repository, and build teachers’ skills in using and customising
e-learning content. Toolbox Champions will be available in each State
and Territory to support people in their use of Toolboxes. Funding
available through merit based selection: Yes. |
E-standards for Training – VIC |
In 2006 this Project aims to formalise and maintain a
national vocational and technical education (VTE) interoperability
framework (including technical standards, information formats and
rights management) for exchange, distribution and access to e-learning
resources. Research consultancies available: Yes. |
Learning Object Repository Network
– WA and VIC |
The Network aims to build the capacity of the national
training system to share teaching and learning resources. As the key
source of e-learning resources for the system, the Network provides a
foundation to share resources through the establishment and embedding
of agreed principles in the design and development of resources and
resource repositories. In 2006 the Network will increase the number and
diversity of participating repositories with an aim to make 5,000
learning objects available across a range of disciplines and media. Funding
available through merit based selection: Yes. |
Inclusive
E-learning - VIC |
This Project aims to improve employment-related training
opportunities for young people and learners with disabilities. The 2006
Project will build on the 2005 finding that e-learning is pivotal to
providing access to education and training for these target groups to
consolidate and disseminate lessons learned, conduct further exemplar
e-learning programs, strengthen links with industry groups involved in
the development of e-learning tools, products and research and trial
e-support mechanisms. Funding available through merit based
selection: Yes. |
Program 3:
Capability Building is underpinned by processes which will sustain the
changing patterns for workforce development and organisational
development. It is based on the underlying principles for the
integration of working, learning and knowing. It encompasses three
Projects (listed below) and is managed by New South Wales. |
Project
|
Description
|
LearnScope - NSW |
LearnScope is designed to build the capacity of vocational
and technical education (VTE) organisations to integrate flexibility in
teaching and learning through the use of sustainable
e-learning and e-business strategies. In 2006 the Project will support
national education and training outcomes and 2005 - 2006 Australian
Flexible Learning Framework (Framework)
priorities by targeting activities to teams and individuals who
demonstrate links to: areas of skill needs, industry groups, Indigenous
communities, community groups, learners with disabilities and
disengaged learners. Funding available at State and Territory level
through merit based selection: Yes. |
E-learning Networks – ACT |
This Project aims to advance the national training system by
ensuring individuals gain access to the best national and international
knowledge about e-learning. Within an environment of online networking
and knowledge sharing, the Project aims to foster sustainable
professional learning practices. These practices are based on
individuals, providers, industry, researchers, clients and suppliers,
nationally and internationally, making valuable professional
connections. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.
|
Knowledge Sharing Services – NSW
flexiblelearning.net.au
|
This Project delivers widespread, well-timed access to
knowledge and resources that support vocational and technical education
(VTE) e-learning practices, research and policy development. It will
make an extensive knowledge base accessible, in particular through the
2005 - 2006 Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s (Framework)
website, flexiblelearning.net.au. VTE resource databases will be
leveraged, and the capturing and transferring of knowledge across
different contexts facilitated. It will also concentrate on platforms
for collaboration, informal communication and social interaction. Funding
available: No. |
Program 4:
VTE System Support aims to support the 2005 - 2006 Australian Flexible
Learning Framework’s (Framework) purpose to increase the sustainable
uptake of quality e-learning and its goal for a flexible national
training system which meets diverse client needs. It includes three
Projects (listed below) and is managed by South Australia. |
Project
|
Description
|
Research and Policy Advice – SA |
This Project aims to provide high quality, timely and
evidence-based research and policy advice to inform the Flexible
Learning Advisory Group’s (FLAG) decision-making and development and
implementation of 2005 - 2006 Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework)
activities. FLAG will use the Project’s research activities to inform
NSOC (National Senior Officials Committee) and AICTEC (Australian
Information and Communications Technology in Education Committee) on
e-learning issues. In 2006 the Project aims to consolidate and promote
e-learning capabilities and build stronger links with other national
and international research agencies. Research consultancies
available: Yes. |
Access to Bandwidth - TAS |
Access to adequate high capacity connectivity at a reasonable
cost is essential to the continued development of a flexible national
training system. The full potential of e-learning and the benefits for
learners, industry and providers cannot be realised where access to
bandwidth is a constraint. This Project will advocate for and pilot
development towards a national backbone network for the education and
training system that delivers high capacity connectivity at affordable
prices and suitable quality of service. Funding available through
merit based selection: Yes. |
National Communication - QLD |
The role of the National Communication Project (NCP) is to
increase awareness about e-learning and the 2005 - 2006 Australian
Flexible Learning Framework’s (Framework)
products, resources and support networks in order to generate an
increased uptake of e-learning across the vocational and technical
education (VTE) system through the coordination of strategic
communication and media activities. Communication and media activities
coordinated by NCP include the management of the Framework brand and
communication strategy, the development of communication tools such as
brochures, case studies, CD-ROMs, media releases, and ads for
placement, the identification of events to be attended and/or held by
the Framework, media liaison and the development of media plans, and
the distribution of the Framework’s monthly online
e-learning newsletter Flex e-News. Funding available: No. |
|
Latest News
Do you want e-learning information more frequently than once a month?
Why not visit: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/newsandevents
where the latest 2005 Framework news is posted as it happens.
Need help?
If you need help accessing Flex e-News please contact the
2005 Framework's National Communication Team:
Email: flex...@flexiblelearning.net.au
Phone: (07) 3247 5511
Fax: (07) 3237 0419
Feedback
We need your input to make Flex e-News a key information
source on e-learning for VTE professionals in Australia. Please send
feedback and contributions to the 2005 Framework's National
Communication Team: flex...@flexiblelearning.net.au
|