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It’s confirmed! 2009 Framework activities and funding opportunities announced
The announcement coincides with recent research showing that 36% of all VET activity in RTOs now formally involves e-learning, compared to just 3-4% in 2003-2004. Research also confirms that 91% of students and 88% of teachers and trainers now use e-learning as part of their VET experience.
In 2009, funding opportunities will be available for organisations that have the ability to:
Announcing the 2009 Framework, Jim Davidson, Chair of the Framework’s managing body, the Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG), said this second year of the 2008-2011 Framework Strategy will focus on mainstreaming e-learning in VET by encouraging partnerships between business and training providers. “We are working with RTOs, business and industry to provide flexible, interactive educational opportunities for learners in the national training system, including young people, mature age workers, Indigenous people and people with disabilities,” he said. “This year, the Framework has provided $5.3 million in funding to states and territories to support the development of 147 E-learning Innovations projects, which have worked to address local VET priorities and needs. A range of industry sectors also received funding and support to embed e-learning in industry-led workforce development.” In 2008, the Framework also trialled the use of new technologies for VET, such as virtual worlds, mobile devices and remote video assessment, and continued its important role in establishing infrastructure standards that allow learners and teachers and trainers to gain access to emerging e-learning tools, such as virtual classrooms and e-portfolios. A number of free or low cost learning objects were added to LORN (Learning Object Repository Network), which now provides access to more than 2,800 online training resources for the VET sector. Seven new Flexible Learning Toolboxes were built to help combat skills shortages in sectors such as aeroskills, water and Indigenous health. The Framework’s comprehensive research program helped provide valuable understanding of the use, uptake and impact of e-learning by measuring demand for e-learning from both business and individuals, while profiling statistical results from each state and territory. VET practitioners and providers also received e-learning expertise and advice through the Framework’s online resources, networks and communities of practice. Mr Davidson said that, in 2009, the Framework will continue its role in providing the VET system with the essential e-learning infrastructure and expertise to assist RTOs, business, industry and learners. “The Framework is using e-learning to provide learners with greater choice over the time, place and the way they learn, while giving RTO teachers and trainers the opportunity to be flexible and effective managers of learning. “For business and industry, it means they can engage in new ways of delivering education and training for workers, combating the challenges of skills shortages, attracting and retaining staff, and dealing with the regional and remote isolation of some industry sectors.” The Framework’s activities for 2009 are outlined in the 2009 Framework Business Plan. The Australian Government and state and territory ministers have approved a total of $15 million in funding to implement the Framework in 2009. Interested organisations can explore the opportunities for funding and support by visiting: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/fundingopportunities For more information about the Framework, its products, resources and support networks, contact: (07) 3307 4700, email: enquiries@flexiblelearning.net.au or visit: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au
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