$5.3m funding for e-learning innovation across Australia

Australian registered training organisations (RTOs) can apply for a share of $5.3 million in funding to develop flexible and innovative e-learning solutions, which better support the training needs of business and industry.

The national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) is allocating E-learning Innovations funding on a pro-rata basis to each state and territory as follows:

• Australian Capital Territory: $259,200
• New South Wales: $1,428,400
• Northern Territory: $237,000
• Queensland: $925,200
• South Australia: $481,200
• Tasmania: $288,800
• Victoria: $1,113,900
• Western Australia: $566,300

Funding and support will be awarded to RTOs based on their capacity to:

• support business-training provider partnerships that can drive the integration of e-learning into business and training
• empower learners through projects which target the needs of individuals in the community or existing and future students of the RTO.

Applicants should demonstrate how their projects will support their respective state/territory vocational education and training (VET) priorities.

Online applications open 1 February 2010. A Word version of the application form is currently available to use as a working document in preparation for completing the online application. Applications close on Tuesday 2 March 2010 and the successful applicants will be notified from Friday 26 March.

Visit your state/territory page for:

• state/territory specific 2010 E-learning Innovations Guidelines for Applicants (including state/territory priorities)
• Word version of the application form
• updates on free public information sessions in your state/territory
• Innovations Coordinator contact details to discuss project ideas.

Since 2008, the Framework has provided funding, resources and support to almost 300 E-learning Innovations projects. A selection of these projects include:

E-learning for remote night patrol workers

The Sundowner Project uses digital stories to allow night patrol workers to see and hear the experiences of others. The Sundowner DVD is a raw, emotional and captivating story of life in the NT. It contains photos, videos, music and drawings which are overlaid with storytelling and focus on Indigenous learners in remote communities. The project has been so successful in its roll out to 73 remote NT communities that it was highly commended at the 2009 Australian Safer Communities Award.

E-learning helps the community address sustainability

Not-for-profit organisation, Great Gardens, used e-learning to increase delivery of their sustainable land management program. In its initial phase, Great Gardens used e-learning to supplement and support the delivery of face-to-face workshops, which included redeveloping the Great Gardens website and resulted in a 35% increase in site usage. The free revamped site comprised a series of short gardening instructional videos; a soil search database; Ning software to create a social network (currently more than 300 members); and e-business services including an online events calendar and an electronic booking system where users can see upcoming workshop dates, and book in to attend.

E-learning integral for manufacturing and allied industries

This project provided learners in the engineering trades with greater choice and control over when and where they undertook learning, and access to a range of quality, engaging and dynamic e-learning resources. Resources developed include learning objects which use animation and movies to demonstrate how to carry out manufacturing tasks, and online assessment activities that provide instant feedback.

Searchable profiles of all E-learning Innovations projects can be accessed at: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations/teamprofiles

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Published on 20/01/2010