Framework gets the green light for 2010!

The national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), today received the green light to continue its work in driving the uptake, use and embedding of e-learning within the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system.

In 2010, the Framework will provide more than $7 million in funding opportunities to registered training organisations (RTOs) and businesses that have the ability to:

• trial emerging technologies to inform e-standards ($100,000)
   
• conduct implementation trials for e-portfolios ($25,000)
   
• produce further Flexible Learning Toolboxes (Toolboxes) ($1.1m)
   
• continue multiple year funding for nine industry sectors, plus fund one new industry sector ($650,000)
   
• develop innovative e-learning solutions in their state/territory through E-learning Innovations projects ($5.3m).

Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG) Chair Rod Arthur said the third year of the 2008-2011 Framework Strategy would be a driving force in working to achieve Council of Australian Government (COAG) agreed targets.

“The Framework is well positioned to help achieve COAG’s target to halve the proportion of 20-64 year olds without qualifications at Certificate III level or above by 2020, by encouraging the VET system to adopt greater flexibility in learning strategies and practices,” Mr Arthur said.

“In the context of this ambitious target, the continuation of Framework funding confirms the capability of e-learning to increase national skill levels by engaging traditionally marginalised groups and providing much needed pathways to further learning and work.”

Recent research confirmed that e-learning is being embedded in VET, with 45% of RTOs reporting that e-learning is included in their overall organisational strategy, suggesting that it is no longer a question of ‘if’ training involves e-learning, but ‘how’ e-learning is used that matters.

In 2009, the Framework contributed to the uptake of e-learning in VET through:

• the launch of the new interactive flexiblelearning.net.au website, which provides a hub for VET practitioners and training providers to share e-learning resources and knowledge
   
• the release of the findings of three key research projects, informing the development of policy and direction in VET teaching and learning:
  
  
  • How organisations are using e-learning to support national training initiatives (February 2009)
     
  • The impact of e-learning on employability skills development (March 2009)
     
  • The impact of e-learning champions on embedding e-learning (April 2009)
     
• the VET E-portfolio Roadmap, a national strategic plan designed to support the diverse requirements for e-portfolios in the VET system.
   
• the completion of five successful E-standards for Training technology trials, testing the advantages of key emerging technologies for VET, such as GPS and geo-tagging, cloud computing, RSS, mobile devices and wikis.
   
• a new version of the LORN online portal, providing easy access to quality national education and training resources.
   
• the development of Series 12 Toolboxes which support the delivery of nationally endorsed training packages in industries including forestry, retail, community services and electrotechnology.
   
• the continuation of multiple year Industry Integration of E-learning funding and support to help 10 industry sectors to embed e-learning into long term workforce development.
   
• the funding and support of more than 145 E-learning Innovations projects around Australia, which enable innovation in training design and delivery.
   
• the provision of a range of free online events and resource publications updating VET on the latest developments in e-learning, including The Knowledge Tree, Flex e-News and the e-Gems and e-Events web conferencing series.

Applications for 2010 funding will open in early 2010. Continue to read Flex e-News for funding updates, or check the Framework funding opportunities page for announcements.

The Framework's activities for 2010 are outlined in the 2010 Framework Business Plan.

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Published on 17/12/2009