E-portfolio implementation trials - funding available

The national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) is committed to investigating the development and implementation of e-portfolio systems which support a learner's ability to easily move into vocational education and training (VET) and beyond.

In March 2009, the Framework released the E-portfolios for RPL Assessment report which includes the outcomes of an environmental scan and two trials commissioned by the Framework and identifies the benefits and future development needs of using e-portfolios to support RPL (recognition of prior learning) in VET.

On Thursday 30 April 2009 the Framework will release the application details for seed funding which will build on and broaden the scope of this report.

Funding overview
This seed funding aims to identify the contributing factors and resources required to support the use of an e-portfolio system to verify an individual’s current competence. This will enable a learner to quickly and effectively transition between educational sectors, job roles and industry areas. 

The funding provides the opportunity to implement an e-portfolio system to generate, manage and validate evidence for learners from skills shortage areas, and/or to assist in the fast tracking of apprenticeships or traineeships.

Preference will be given to project applications which focus on one or both of the following areas:

• investigating the potential of an assessor or ‘group’ e-portfolio which integrates evidence validation and results recording to support quality assurance requirements
  
   
• examining the use of an e-portfolio system to manage the generation of ‘live’ workplace or work-ready evidence ie using audio recordings, video recordings or point of view devices to capture the skills of an individual while they carry out a workplace task, such as an apprentice electrician completing some wiring.

The trial teams will produce the following outputs, which can be accessed by other registered training organisations and practitioners at http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-portfolios. This will include:

• written reports which detail the key stages of the trial
  
   
• support resources for learners and assessors.

Funding opens on Thursday 30 April. More information, funding guidelines and an application template will be available from http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-portfolios from this date. Funding will close on Thursday 21 May.  

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Published on 22/04/2009