The Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) is the e-learning strategy for the vocational education and training (VET) sector. It provides the VET system with the essential e-learning infrastructure and expertise needed to respond to the challenges of a modern economy and the training needs of Australian businesses and workers.

The Framework was launched as a strategy in 2000, responding to information and communication technology (ICT) developments in workplaces and society. The Australian Government and all states and territories agreed to work together nationally to advance the use of e-learning in VET.
 
The 2008-2011 Framework Strategy maximises and builds on the national investment to date in essential e-learning infrastructure. It will focus on embedding e-learning in registered training organisations (RTOs), business and industry.
The first 2000-2004 Framework Strategy focused on raising awareness of the potential of e-learning, and starting to build capability. The second 2005-2007 Framework Strategy continued this work, and focused on engaging with key target groups.

Together these strategies have created a considerable infrastructure and a sound foundation on which to establish e-learning as an integral part of the national training system.

The 2009 Framework Business Plan provides the blueprint for the Framework in the second year of the 2008-2011 Framework Strategy, detailing the Leadership and Innovation programs, and their related business activities. Further information can be found on the 2009 business activities or by downloading the 2009 Framework policy brochure [1MB, PDF]

The 2009 Framework corporate brochure, E-learning in Action [2MB, PDF] demonstrates the depth of e-learning in VET by focusing on innovative e-learning case studies and profiling specific e-learning products, resources and support networks.

Previous Framework projects are described in the past activities section. Earlier Framework business plans and strategies are available in the key documents section.

What do we offer to registered training organisations (RTOs)?

What support do we offer business and industry?

How are we managed and funded?

What support is available to people who are interested in e-learning?

Contact us

Products and resources: A diverse range of Framework products and resources are available to support your flexible learning and e-learning initiatives. Framework products and resources can help you either kick-start flexible learning within your organisation, or keep it moving in the right direction. Products and resources are mostly FREE* and are available from this website.

State and Territory web pages: Visit your local state or territory web page for more information about what's happening with e-learning in your area, including  events, contact information and information, guidelines and application forms for 2009 E-learning Innovations project funding.

Flexible Learning Toolboxes are high quality, cost effective interactive e-learning and assessment resources featuring scenarios, images and activities. All Toolboxes support nationally endorsed training packages and are designed for use by registered training organisations (RTOs), business and industry.

Support networks: We can also connect you to people who are already using e-learning, so that you can tap into their experience and knowledge and be part of the growing community of flexible learning novices, enthusiasts and experts.

Case studies: Be inspired by snapshots of individuals and organisations making inroads into flexible learning and e-learning. Their experiences and achievements can be viewed through our growing library of case studies, which illustrate e-learning in action.

Information communication technology (ICT) is being embedded into business and industry sectors across Australia to meet the challenges of workforce development.

In 2009 the Framework will build new partnerships and extend existing business arrangements with industry peak and professional bodies, employers, businesses and other industry stakeholders through:

• Industry Integration of E-learning funding of $625,000 will be provided for long-term workforce development in 10 industry sectors. The industry sectors will partner with their employer networks and use the funding to support the re-skilling and up-skilling of new and current employees.
  
  
• E-learning Innovations funding of $5.3M will be provided for projects in two funding categories:
  -  business-training provider partnerships, where RTOs work with businesses to embed innovative e-learning solutions that are tailored to the needs of the business , or
  -  empowering learners projects,  where RTOs can use funding to tailor their services to a more diverse range of learner needs, through the implementation of innovative e-learning practices.

These activities will advance e-learning and make workplace skills development less costly and more consistent, accessible and flexible.

Visit the E-learning for Industry website to investigate how industry sectors and businesses are embedding e-learning in workforce development. View the progress of the 2008 industry sectors and explore the industry e-learning demonstrations that were developed with Framework funding between 2005-2007. This industry-focused website provides rich resources, such as an online Practical guide to e-learning for industry where businesses can discover how to make e-learning work in their organisation.

A list of 2009 business-training provider partnerships and industry sectors receiving funding will be available mid 2009 and these can be accessed from the state and territory web pages or the E-learning for Industry website.

Flexible Learning Toolboxes are high quality, cost effective interactive e-learning and assessment resources featuring scenarios, images and activities. All Toolboxes support nationally endorsed training packages and are designed for use by RTOs, business and industry. Many businesses have customised the Toolboxes exactly for their needs.

The Framework is the national training system's e-learning strategy, collaboratively managed by the Australian Government and all states and territories.

The Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG) is an advisory group of the National Senior Officials Committee (NSOC) established in1996 as the key policy advisory group on national issues related to the directions and priorities for the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in vocational education and training system (VET) and Adult and Community Education (ACE)

Through collaboration, FLAG leads the development and ongoing provision of essential national ICT infrastructure; evaluates and provides advice on emerging technological opportunities; and facilitates access to e-learning products and practices that enable an innovative, flexible and responsive national training system. FLAG is also responsible for leading and managing the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, as well as providing advice on VET sector perspectives to both the Australian Information and Communication Technology in Education Committee (AICTEC) and to the education.au Board. It comprises a senior nominee of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), each state and territory VET CEO and one representative of the national Adult and Community Education (ACE) sector, with education.au as a standing observer.

If you would like to talk to somebody about e-learning, the Framework has an excellent national network of people who can help you.

You can also visit your local state or territory web page for more information about what's happening with e-learning in your area including contacts, events and information, guidelines and application forms for 2009 E-learning Innovations project funding.

If you're not sure who to speak to, contact the Framework:
Phone: (07) 3307 4700
Email: enquiries@flexiblelearning.net.au
GPO Box 1326
Brisbane QLD 4001

Find out more http://flexiblelearning.net.au/support