Case study: Innovative practices at Central West TAFE

As the basis for its E-learning Solutions project Central West TAFE used the Innovate and Integrate: Embedding Innovative Practices research report which was developed by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework). 

This report outlines the process of change and provides a four-phase strategy along with a full range of tools to help embed innovative practices within the workplace.

Central West TAFE developed and implemented a three to five year strategy to embed e-learning, build a team of e-learning specialists across a variety of industry areas and use new skills to create e-learning resources for key qualifications. To achieve this, the project used the Innovate and Integrate report in the following ways:

• Four-Phase Strategy for Embedding E-learning Innovations – used in the planning stage of the project to identify the level of individual expertise available within the organisation and to ensure the right level of professional development was provided to staff.  
  
   
• GippsTAFE case study – six key organisational enablers from the case study were used as a benchmark to identify the capacity for embedding e-learning at Central West TAFE.
  
   
• Enablers for Embedding Innovative E-learning checklist – used to rate the level of support required to embed the innovative e-learning practices that already existed at Central West TAFE. Ratings for each of the enablers identified the gaps in the institute’s capacity and prompted the project to remove some of the barriers where possible. The checklist also provided a quick reference to measure whether there was appropriate infrastructure in place to achieve the best outcomes possible.

E-learning Solutions project announcements:

• Creation of e-learning resources for key qualifications –
  
  • The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAA40104) is being delivered through the organisation’s learning management system (WebCT) and includes LORN objects from the TAA Flexible Learning Toolbox and learning objects developed with the ARED tool.
  • Online resources and collaboration tools are being used to complement face-to-face workshops for the Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services.
  • Easily accessible pre-enrolment and RPL (recognition of prior learning) information resources such as ‘frequently asked questions’, podcasts and digital stories have been developed for the Certificate IV in Occupation Health and Safety and the Certificate IV in Teacher Assistant qualifications.
    
     
• Establishment of better support systems across the organisation – including providing support for managers, who regard e-learning as a means of achieving specific business goals; the establishment of a steering committee to support the embedding of e-learning across the organisation; organisation-wide support for teachers in customising their own e-learning products (such as Moodle, Blackboard Version CE6 or new e-learning products that they identify as appropriate).
  
   
• Improvement of skills within the project team – supported by a three year plan that provides focus on each phase of the embedding process; and the establishment of e-learning champions and e-learning resources for staff, including ‘how to’ guides, pre-delivery checklists and best practice examples.
  
   
• Development of a range of e-learning products – to meet the specific demands of the institute’s regional location, targeted industries and client groups, including a professional development resource repository in WEBCT (Version CE6), and a ‘Getting Started with CE6’ learner orientation learning module embedded in all course master shells.

Under the Four-Phase Strategy for Embedding E-learning Innovations model, Central West TAFE identified that it has now advanced through to phase three (early adoption) of the e-learning embedding process. The project team are now looking at ways to empower champions to grow their confidence in creating e-learning resources and strategies, to ensure they have continuous improvement in their e-learning capacity and move seamlessly into phase four (mainstream adoption).

Read the case study Innovate and Integrate: Embedding Innovative Practices Central West TAFE.

Access the Innovate and Integrate resource: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/innovateandintegrate

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Published on 18/06/2009