Getting started with Toolboxes

Flexible Learning Toolboxes (Toolboxes) are a great way for teachers, trainers and employers to get started in e-learning. While research has shown that 90% of vocational education and training (VET) learners would like at least ‘a little’ e-learning in their course, creating online content that is standards compliant and tailored to learner needs is not always easy.

Toolboxes can provide the answer!

So what are Toolboxes?

Toolboxes are online learning resources that use scenarios, images and interactive activities to reflect a real life workplace environment. They are developed by registered training organisations (RTOs) with funding and support from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework). They are designed for use by RTOs, business and industry to deliver on and off the job training.

How can Toolboxes help me?

Toolboxes support training packages

Toolboxes are aligned to nationally endorsed training packages and are developed in line with Industry Skills Councils’ and Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) priorities, including access, equity and skills shortage areas.

There are currently more than 110 Toolboxes, covering approximately 190 qualifications and more than 1,000 units of competency across a wide range of industry areas including education, horticulture, IT, tourism, retail, management, health and in-demand trade areas.

In addition, there are 12 Equity Toolboxes, developed to support Indigenous learners, learners with a disability and learners with low levels of literacy and numeracy.

Download the 2010 Toolbox product catalogue for a full list of Toolboxes.

Toolboxes increase the relevance of training

Toolboxes offer a more engaging form of learning, providing the opportunity to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in an authentic virtual environment.

For example, each competency in the Panel Beating Toolbox is supported by activities that simulate the tasks carried out in a real-life workshop. This provides an engaging learning environment for apprentices who may not respond well to theoretical or text based approaches to training. Many of the competencies are also supported by images demonstrating the correct way to perform practical tasks on-the-job.

Toolboxes can allow learners to complete the theoretical component of their training online at their own pace, during down time at work or in their own time. With the necessary theoretical knowledge in place, trainers are able to focus more of their time and energy on the hands-on, practical side of training.

Toolboxes increase access to training

By cutting down on the amount of face-to-face training required, Toolboxes can make training more cost-effective and efficient and can remove or reduce physical barriers to training such as distance.

For example, Royal Adelaide Hospital used the Interactive Ochre Toolbox to strengthen staff awareness of Indigenous culture and improve the way they perform their jobs. The Toolbox allows staff to hear first-hand from Indigenous Australians about the historical and current issues which have affected Indigenous people. Bringing this range of speakers together in one place and providing such a rich learning experience would not be economically or logistically possible without the Toolbox.

Toolboxes can be customised to meet individual learning requirements

Toolboxes can be easily customised to meet individual requirements and help employers and VET practitioners increase the flexibility and relevance of their e-learning programs.

For example, RTOs could customise the A Balancing Act Toolbox to meet the requirements of two distinct learner groups: young learners with no bookkeeping experience and business owners with existing bookkeeping knowledge and experience. When customised for younger, inexperienced learners, the Toolbox would be highly interactive and engaging, with a focus on explaining basic bookkeeping concepts. By contrast, the version for business owners would cater for learners who understand bookkeeping but are seeking a formal qualification.

How easy is customisation?

According to New South Wales Toolbox Champion, Shane Dowd, Toolboxes are easy to customise. Mr Dowd said that because Toolboxes are built with HTML content, they can be edited and customised using web editing software. He said that teachers and trainers with skills in using Microsoft Word can be trained to use web editing software basics (eg Adobe Dreamweaver, Microsoft FrontPage, Microsoft Expression, Kompozer) in 2-3 hours.

Toolbox Champions operate in every state and territory to provide advice about customising Toolboxes.

How much do Toolboxes cost?
 
Toolboxes cost approximately $400 and come with a teacher guide and installation booklet. Toolboxes can be copied or distributed within a RTO or workplace free of charge, provided they are not on-sold for commercial gain or made publicly available.

Where can I get Toolboxes?

Toolboxes can be purchased as an entire resource on a CD, which can be installed on a server or used on a stand-alone computer. To purchase a Toolbox, email: sales [at] tvetaustralia.com.au (replace at with @ to use the email address) or visit TVET Australia.

Alternatively, smaller self-contained components of Toolboxes (learning objects) can be downloaded for free from the Toolbox Repository. The LORN online portal allows you to find and download learning objects from collections across Australia, including the Toolbox Repository.

Where can I get more information?

The Toolbox website includes guidelines for developers, case studies, national reports on the use of Toolboxes and current news. The website also includes detailed information about each Toolbox, related training packages, qualifications and competencies, and previews of the Toolbox resources.

Who can help me with Toolboxes?

Toolbox Champions operate in every state and territory to support the implementation of Toolboxes. They are available to organise and conduct professional development activities, mentor teams wishing to implement Toolboxes and provide advice about using and customising Toolboxes.

For technical support, phone the Toolbox help desk: 1300 736 710 or email: toolboxhelp [at] flexiblelearning.net.au (replace at with @ to use the email address).

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Published on 22/07/2010