Remember the annual NSW Australian Flexible Learning conferences, well it’s on again this year but under a new name.
This years conference launches the new National VET E-Learning Strategy (NVELS); a strategy driven by the vision of a globally competitive Australian training system underpinned by world class e-learning infrastructure and capability.

eLearning11 is designed for VET managers, learning and development coordinators, trainers and assessors interested in new ideas and the design of effective e-learning solutions.
There are lots of exciting changes and some top level speakers to help you with ways to look at and work on the new goals and funding programs we offer.

• NBNCo and RTOs in lively discussion around what e-learning looks like in an NBN world
• Jane Hart ( UK ) on social media
• Dr John Buchanan on what makes the 21 st century workplace tick

The national event, held on 25 May in Melbourne, demonstrated to more than 230 delegates how e-learning is overcoming the workforce development challenges of access, motivation and past experiences.

Much of this information is now available to you  on the brand new look E-learning for Industry website

• Refreshed version of the popular Practical guide to e-learning
• Publication on Enabling workforce development: Insights from eight industry sectors using e-learning
• New multimedia video on How e-learning is enabling workforce development
• Research report on Enabling workforce development: insights from industries using e-learning
• Paper and supporting PowerPoint and multimedia video on The role of RTOs in partnering with business and industry to embed e-learning.
  

Following on from the event, a series of four free ‘lunch and learn’ online sessions, targeted at business and industry, will explore how to develop your workforce with e-learning.

7 June – What benefits will e-learning bring to my business?
14 June – Why not? Explore the practical challenges in using e-learning.
21 June – Where can I find a training partner to support my business?
28 June – How can e-learning help with workforce development?

The one hour ‘lunch and learn’ sessions will be held over four consecutive Tuesdays via Elluminate from 12noon for a 12.30pm start AEST.

Registration is not required. Full details, including practice sessions on how to use Elluminate, are on the E-learning for Industry website – industry.flexiblelearning.net.au

Keep up-to-date with what’s happening by following @e4industry on Twitter

CC licensed photo by nickrate

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework has been exploring the use of ePortfolios in the educational context since 2008.

In 2009 they began funding national trials of ePortfolios.

On 2010 three registered training organisations (RTOs) were awarded funding to implement and trial an e-portfolio system to support learner transitions. Conducted over six months during 2010, these trials also adopted the Framework’s VET E-portfolios Privacy Draft Guidelines, and provided feedback about their usability and ‘adoptability’, as well as developed resources to support learners’ understanding of privacy risks when using an e-portfolio system.  Click here to read more about these trials.

Each year a conference is held will brings together national and international educators and thought leaders to showcase the ways e-portfolio practice is making a difference to adult education in Australia.

The 2011 conference, titled “ePortfolios Australia Conference 2011 (EAC2011)” will be held at Curtin University, Perth on the 17-18 October 2011

For more information see the conference website

cc licensed photo by plantronicsgermany

With the eLearning innovations funding behind us the Australian Flexible Learning Framework has announced another round of funding.

Emerging Technologies Trials

http://e-standards.flexiblelearning.net.au/fundingopportunities/index.htm

A total of up to $45,000 is available for up to three trials and the maximum funding available for any single trial is $15,000. The amount provided to each successful trial will be determined by a selection committee and will depend on the size, complexity and resource requirements of the trial.

The following is a list of emerging technology priority areas that have been identified as being of particular interest to the national training system:

• HTML5
• e-assessment
• cloud computing/web 2.0 including mash-ups
• alternative input devices to support users with disabilities
• e-book applications and devices
• mobile technologies
• evaluating new or emerging e-learning content development tools.

If you are considering an application related to an emerging technology not specified in this list, we recommend that you contact us Bronwyn Lapham
Phone: (03) 9661 8781 / Email: bronwyn.lapham[@]eworks.edu.au before submitting your application to discuss your idea further.

Closing Date: 5pm AEDT on Wednesday 20 October 2010

Up to $500,000 funding to develop e-learning Toolboxes

http://toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au/

Funding is allocated for the six month period from January to June 2011* and successful applicants will be notified in mid-December 2010. Applications are open and submissions close at 12.00 noon (AEDST) on Thursday 21 October 2011.

Read the Toolboxes Series 14 Tender Guidelines http://toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au/news/index.htm for more information on how to apply for funding and a full list of priority training packages.

Visit the Toolbox website to preview the Framework’s full range of Toolboxes. Alternatively, you can access learning objects from past Toolboxes through the Toolbox Repository

http://flexiblelearning.net.au/toolboxes

For more information contact Jo Jenson, by phone: (03) 9661 8715 or email jo.jenson[@]eworks.edu.au

E-Portfolio Implementation Trials

http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/content/e-portfolios-funding

Funding for two trials of up to $9,000 (matched in kind) is available for RTOs to investigate and identify the features of an e-portfolio system which supports workforce development requirements and/or improves learner participation.
The trials will aim to identify which features of an e-portfolio system help:

• increase the efficiency of the learning process – through the better flow, use, re-use and exchange of information to improve communication and collaboration
• enhance the learning experience – through either individual learning plans, personal/career/workforce development planning and/or continuous professional development requirements.

These trials will produce resources which enable learners to use their e-portfolio to connect their learning experiences and their assessment requirements with other key stakeholders, such as teachers/trainers, employers, career advisors, mentors, professional associations, job service agencies, case managers and industry experts etc.

Successful trial teams will be expected to use an e-portfolio system with an authentic group of learners who need to communicate with one or more of these key stakeholders as part of the learning and assessment process.
Each applicant will submit a 2011 E-portfolios Implementation Trial application form to the E-portfolios Business Manager by email Allison.Miller[@]flexiblelearning.net.au no later than 5.00 pm AEST, Monday 8 November

WORKSHOP A – Flexible Learning Toolboxes

1 September from 9.30 – 1.00 at 1 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.

Shane Dowd the NSW Toolbox Champion  will demonstrate how easy it is to find , download and adapt learning content that supports accredited delivery across a wide range of industry areas. All you need to bring is your laptop

To Register for the Free Content from Australian Flexible Learning Toolboxes please go to

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/794205490

WORKSHOP B – ARED v2.1
1 September 2.00 – 4.00 pm – 1 Oxford St , Darlinghurst NSW 2010

In this workshop Shane will  demonstrate how to use this free resource that is available from the Framework website. With ARED you can quickly build short, snappy packets of teaching and learning content for your students. Shane will demonstrate 3 of the most popular templates that let you create instruction units and activities. All you need is your laptop

To Register for ARED v 2.1 please go to :

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/794216523

For further information please contact Melanie Doriean from the Australian Flexible Framework

Where:
Department of Education and Training
Level 4, 1 Oxford Street – Conference Room

When:
Tuesday 6 July

Flexible Learning Toolboxes

Tuesday 6 July 9.30 am – 1.00 pm

Part A: Introduction to The Australian Flexible Learning Framework, Flexible Learning Toolboxes, Toolbox Repository, AREDv2.1, LMS implementation.
Part B: (Starts at 11:00 am) – Customisation of Toolbox content, so that you can contextualise learning material for your group. Includes the opportunity for attendees to apply what they have learnt on their own laptops – either individually or working in multiples at each laptop.
Your laptop will need web-editing software. For eg, Dreamweaver, Ms FrontPage or Ms Expressions or Kompozer which is a free (open source), simple to use web authoring tool. Download it here!     http://www.kompozer.net/

Creating an AREDv2.1 Interactive Activity

Tuesday 6 July 2.00 – 4.00 pm

Includes the opportunity for attendees to apply what they have learnt on their own laptops, either individually or working in multiples at each laptop.
Your laptop will need the AREDv2.1 software installed. Download it here! http://pre2009.flexiblelearning.net.au/flx/go/home/projects/2006/newpractices2006/pid/369

Register now:

Click on the link below and register for the chosen event.
Please note that if you would like to attend both events you must register in each event.
Flexible Learning Toolboxes (Morning)

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/738345411

Creating an AREDv2.1 Interactive Activity (Afternoon)

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/738344408

We have only 30 spots available for each of these workshops so hurry and register as we will be giving them away on a first come, first served basis.

More Info:

Please note that we will be providing tea, coffee and biscuits at the workshops. Lunch may be purchased by attendees at the café on Ground Level.

For futher information please contact:

Shane Dowd
E-mail: Shane.Dowd[at]tafensw.edu.au
Ph (02) 9244 5509 or (02) 6569 2008
Mob 0439 486635

Melanie Doriean
E-mail: Melanie.Doriean[at]det.nsw.edu.au
Ph (02) 9244 5784 or 6627 8408
Mob 0407 459 550

image used with permission of project

Congratulations to the 2008 Australian Flexible Learning project team “eLearning@yourlibrary” from Sutherland and St George Libraries. They recently became the winners of the TAFE NSW 2010 Library Excellence Awards for the category 2010 Team Excellence Award.

Team members were ShirleyAnn Summers, Diane Honeyman, Clare Stapleton, Sue Gock, Patricia Murdoch, Stacey McFarlane, Helen Arundell, Stephan Ridgway, Jenny Jarvis, Felicity Halloran.

The team has demonstrated an innovative approach to providing customer services, by implementing more flexible learning options and new delivery models, that were highly rated by their customers.

Their project has assisted students from Non-English speaking backgrounds to develop library information literacy skills, that will help them to achieve a level of English where they can undertake further studies.

For more information see their project wiki

Date: 19 May 2010

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Presenters: Owen ONeill & Kristena Gladman, Australian Flexible Learning Framework, Manager, E-standards

This session will provide an overview of the VET Teacher E-Learning Toolkit produced by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework the resource provides information about the requirements for supporting e-learning in vocational education and training (VET) organisations

myLearning session page

cc licensed flickr photo shared by sridgway

Recently the 2010 Australian Flexible Learning Framework announced it’s 2010 funding to support e-Learning & innovation nationally.

An overview of this funding is outlined in the Flex News website @
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/content/framework-gets-green-light-2010

The most common funding for sections to support E-Learning is the NSW E-Learning Innovations program.
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/content/nsw-innovations-team

The Workforce Development Unit will be supporting the development and submission of application in 2010.

Within NSW applicants may apply for funding ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for E-learning Innovations projects which fall under 2 categories :-

• Business-training provider partnership
  ie e-learning innovation for the employees of a business partnership (Enterprise Market Segment)

• Empowering learners
  ie e-learning innovation for (enrolled) learners (targeting youth at risk, indigenous learners, learners with disabilities, mature age workers and learners who are disadvantaged because of their location and/or their inability to access technology).

Workforce Development will be conducting an online information session programmed as part of the online Hot Topic Conversations sessions next week on the Wed. 3 feb. 1:00pm. As well as a f2f application writing workshop on the 10 feb.

Key dates for the project proposal process are listed below and on the myLearning wiki.

Key Dates:

28 January – 10 February – Consider your project, project team and partnership for your application for the E-Learning Innovations projects (essential).
3 February – Attend Sydney Institute Hot Topic conversation to understand the process and criteria (essential)
10 February – (2hr) Application Writing Workshop DG.40 or at St George D2.16 at 9.30 – 11.30 or 1 – 3 pm.
Prior to this session, ensure you consult with your Line Manager and/or College management regarding priorities.  At this workshop a draft application will be developed.
11 – 19 February – Further advice can be sought from the Workforce Development Unit in relation to your application.
12 February - 2:30-4:00 pm – Online AFLF Information Session (optional)
16 February 10:00 am F2F AFLF Information Session ( (Level 4, 1 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst) (optional)
22 February (Monday) Submissions emailed to Workforce Development Unit for the approval of the Review Committee.
26 February (Friday)  Endorsement by Institute Director.
2 March (Tuesday) Applications to the AFLF Close

More information can be found on the myLearning wiki page @
http://wiki.tafensw.edu.au/sydney/mylearning/index.php/2010_NSW_E-learning_Innovations_Projects

Or contact Stephan Ridgway or Paulis Cheung at the Workforce Development Unit.

image by Marlene Manto

The annual NSW Framework elEarning conference is underway in Sydney.

For thos not able to make the conference you can participate online in numerous ways including

Tags

Tags are key words used to classify online content and increase searchability. Our conference tag is elearning09 : please use this for all related media located and created in relation to the event

Live Blogging

We will be using Cover IT Live to enable those present and those listening to the audio stream to converse via text chat.
You can either chat via Twitter (The hashtag #elearning09 is fed into Cover It Live) or chat direct into the Cover It Live chat box.

Live Conference Audio Stream

Keynote and plenary sessions held in the Sydney Room will be live broadcast via Adobe Connect throughout the conference.
To access the live audio click on the following link http://webconf.det.nsw.edu.au/nswframework
What you need :-

• Internet connection
• Adobe Flash Player version 8 and above installed on your browser
• Set of headphones or speakers to hear the audio
• click this link to test your setup

One option is to minimise the window and engage in the chat conversation on the live blog

Conference Podcast

The eLearning09 keynotes and panel will be recorded and podcast on Talking VTE when edited.
Thank you to Stephan Ridgway for once again taking charge of this.
The podcasts for eLearning08 can still be found at http://talkingvte.blogspot.com/search/label/elearning08 if you missed out.

FlickR Feed

Photos from the day will be displayed here.
Our conference tag this year is elearning09 – please use this with your images in FlickR.

image by sridgway

Last month Gail Watt & myself had the opportunity to attend and present at the inaugural E-portfolios Showcase 09 conference held in Melbourne 16 October 2009. Organised by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework the showcase was attended by more than 140 teachers, trainers, managers and ICT professionals looking  to learn from some of the most highly regarded e-portfolio researchers and leaders.

Gail Watt & I presented to a break out session on the progress of our nationally AFLF eportfolio project titled Hair E-portfolio were we outlined the trial of Mahara for skills recognition in the Hair Dressing Section, Ultimo college.

All of the main presenters and 3 of the break out sessions have been podcast on the Talking VTE podcast.

Five of the main presentations were streamed live using Elluminate and the recordings can be accessed here.

Links

Conference podcasts

Elluminate recordings of keynotes

Conference Website

images from the conference

AFLF are pleased to offer 2 FREE workshops in the vitally important area of Copyright.  

This will help increase awareness in the digital area of a practitioners rights and responsibilities.

The Learning Technology Mentors 2009 program focuses on building Institute wide staff capability to use and embed new technologies in teaching and learning.

In your potential role as a Learning Technology Mentor discuss from your current context or industry area the challenges and benefits of embedding new technologies.

Comment briefly in less than 300 words.

image by sridgway

Synopsis

Hot Topic Conversations session for the 11 Feb. 2009.

This session covered the 2009 Australian Flexible Learning Framework (AFLF) eLearning Innovations funding submission process.

Participants: Melanie Dorriean, Paula Williams,  ShirelyAnn SummersMorrow, &  Glen Cassidy

Links

myLearning wiki entry

image by sridgway

On the 4-5 of December 2008, I  attended the annual Australian Flexible Learning Framework eLearning08 NSW innovations showcase held in Sydney @ the University of New South Wales Roundhouse.

The conference comprised a mix of Keynote presentations from the likes of Mark Pesce, Kate Carruthers, NMC representatives & Steven Collins along with facilitated panel sessions from each of the funded teams across the NSW VET sector.

For those who know Learnscope, NSW Innovations is it’s successor program which began in 2008 and funded 38 project teams from across the VET sector in NSW.

The annual conference is a great opportunity to network with eLearning practitioners from across the educational sector while providing an excellent forum to gauge the pulse of innovation from those @ the cutting edge.

image by sridgway

One of the distinctive features of eLearning08 was the efforts by the organisers to connect the participants to online communities through the use of contemporary social networking techniques & technologies.

During the day attendees with wifi enabled devices were able to access the network and participate in live conversations in twitter, flickr, diigo and blogs.

All the sessions were recorded and have been podcast. If your interested in the contemporary elearning landscape, want to listen to an engaging keynote on the way to work or are considering applying for funding in 2009 the recordings are great resource.

All in all a great conference, well done everyone involved!!

Links

Conference wiki

Australian Flexible Learning Framework NSW

Flickr cloud

Twitter Cloud

eLearning08 is a celebration and showcase of technology enhanced education and training practices in New South Wales (NSW).

Come and join colleagues from across the vocational education and training sector to explore the ways new and emerging technologies can support learners and improve the delivery of training.

The eLearning08 program includes:

• Keynote speaker Mark Pesce, researcher, teacher and futurist.
• Launch of the inaugural Horizon.au report by Larry Johnson, Alan Levine and Rachel Smith from New Media Consortium.
• An interactive enterprise panel led by Kate Carruthers.
• Presentations from 38 E-learning Innovations Projects from across NSW.
• Hands-on workshops and informative displays.
• Plenary session with Stephen Collins from acidlabs.org

When:       4–5 December 2008
Where:     University of NSW Roundhouse, Anzac Parade, Kensington, NSW
Cost:          $110.00 (GST inc) – includes morning, afternoon tea and lunch
Pre-paid parking and a buffet dinner are optional

Register at:    http://flexiblelearning.net.au/NSW

Further details:    http://nswinnovations.wikispaces.com/eLearning08
Or contact:        Melanie Doriean (02) 9244 5784 or melanie.doriean at det.nsw.edu.au

 Sydney Institute staff who would like to attend

Workforce Development will fund 30 people to attend. This is a 2 day conference and if staff cannot attend both days they can share the conference fee with a colleague. Staff need to complete a Professional Development Application (available on SydNET) and forward to Workforce Development (92174616) to secure a place.

Can you also please pass this blog post on to your colleagues?

Click here for a flyer you can distribute to promote the conference.

image by sridgway

Synopsis

Presentation by Stephan Ridgway titled “Introduction to Podcasting and Vblogging using WordPress” to the Australian Flexible Learning Framework e-Gems’ series of web-conferencing sessions.

The session was conducted in Elluminate and this audio recorded simultaneously for the podcast.

Links

e-Gems’ series of web-conferencing sessions

Elluminate Recording

Power Point Presentation

Supporting Wiki

image by vermininc

The eLearning innovations blog has just has just posted on to days publication of the Australian report titled  “The Review of the National Innovation System”  The report of the Review, Venturous Australia – building strength in innovation, and associated materials, can be accessed from the following location.

http://www.innovation.gov.au/innovationreview/Pages/home.aspx

September ‘e-Gems’ sessions

Presentation overview: 

‘Embedding social e-learning capability’ -  Building on the resource, Your guide to social e-learning, this session will aim to capture your ideas on how the resource can be implemented for collaborative learning and sharing practice — to build and embed social e-learning capability. Beth Hobbs will talk about her implementation model for the resource which she uses at Western Sydney Institute. You can review the resource that includes practical guides, case studies and sample activities for using web 2 tools at: http://socialelearning.flexiblelearning.net.au

Presenters:  Beth Hobbs, Chris Friossard and Kim Raschepkin
Date:  Wednesday 3 September 2008
When:  2:00 – 3:00pm (AEST)
Where:  http://tinyurl.com/6s355n
Full URL for session (copy the complete link):
https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.74960E682D17B9E545CDDEF67CBE6C

Presentation overview: 

E-learning and research’ - Research conducted by the Framework aims to capture and apply evidence on the uptake, use and impact of e-learning to inform policy and encourage innovative practice in the VET sector. This presentation will include an overview of the Framework’s Research program as well as research findings from 2007 commissioned research reports:

• E-learning for mature age workers
• E-learning for small business.

Presenter: Annie Fergusson, Business Manager of the Framework’s Benchmarking and Research business activity
Date:  Wednesday 17 September 2008
When:  1:00 – 2:00pm (AEST)
Where:  http://tinyurl.com/5skwu3
Full URL for session (copy the complete link):
https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?password=M.B8DD31476C1026FADD127A81F6AE58
NOTE to Sydney Institute Staff

The session is entirely online using the Elluminate platform. See their event page for more information for the session room url and requirements. If you are a Sydney Institute staff member you will probably not be able to access the room due to the DET firewall and the java download required to run the conference room.

If there is enough interest Workforce Development (formally Learning & Innovation) will set up a laptop and lightpro in DG-40, Ultimo campus for a group viewing. Contact WFD on 9217 3731 to register your interest in attending.

If you are @ home all you will need is a microphone head set (if you wish to ask a question) and an internet connection.

image by aflf

Synopsis

This session profiled a 2008 elearning project funded jointly by SI and AFLF involved library staff and EFS (English for further study) teaching staff from St George College and Sutherland College, Gymea Campus. The aim of the project is to develop online resources for students to teach them to use the library more effectively to find quality information and assess that information.

myLearning wiki page
NOTE: This link is on the DET intranet

Adobe Connect Recording

AFLF Library Project Wiki

AFLF Library Project Blog

AFLF Library Flickr stream

2008 selected NSW E-learning Innovations projects
Framework’s national E-learning Innovations projects blog
NSW e-Learning Innovations Wiki

‘e-Gems’ are a series of web-conferencing sessions coordinated by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework and provide unique learning and networking opportunity that are free and require no registration.

Next upcoming session:  It’s all about the customer
Date:   Wednesday 16 July, 2008
When:  12:30 – 1:30pm (AEST)

Presentation overview:  One of the challenges for the hospitality and tourism industries is engaging employees in learning. This is the story on an organisation’s partnership with a training organisation to deliver a range of e-learning options for a remote and dispersed workforce.

Presenters: Having spent 10 years with corporations like Sheraton and Westin hotel chains, Kumar Kumaraseelan embarked on a career in education and training with William Angliss Institute. With a Masters Degree in Adult Education from UTS, Kumar is currently responsible for Business Development at the Faculty of Workforce Development at Victoria University.

David Gigg worked at McDonald’s for 29 years. He started in the operations area running Restaurants, then managing State Territories and Franchising Operations, before spending 8 years running the McDonald’s Training Academy.

In 2007 he joined Compass Group, where he is the National L&D Manager. His industry experience gives him a unique insight into the whole learning, development & training field.

The session is entirely online using the Elluminate platform. See their event page for more information for the session room url and requirements. If you are a Sydney Institute staff member you will probably not be able to access the room due to the DET firewall and the java download required to run the conference room. If there is enough interest Learning & Innovation will set up a laptop and lightpro in DG-40, Ultimo campus for a group viewing. Contact L&I on 9217 3731 to register your interest in attending.

If you are @ home (on holidays) all you will need is a microphone head set (if you wish to ask a question) and an internet connection.