Australian Flexible Learning Framework

Common Jargon

Australian Flexible Learning Framework

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Jargon and Acronyms

We try to avoid using jargon and too many acronyms, but we know it does happen. Therefore we have provided a guide to our top offenders below and links to other more comprehensive guides to common terms.

Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework)

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) provides the vocational education and training (VET) system with e‑learning skills, professional development opportunities, products, resources and support networks to meet today's increasingly technology‑driven learning environment.

More information: About the Framework

Australian National Training Authority (ANTA)

ANTA was established in 1992 and was the Government body responsible for overseeing a range of vocational education and training (VET) strategies including the 2000 - 2004 Framework and the 2005 Framework until 30 June 2005. From 1 July 2005 the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) took over this responsibility.

Any product, resource or output produced after 30 June 2005 is managed by DEST, and will continue to be a collaboration by the Australian Government and all states and territories.

More information: the DEST website

Blended learning

Learning methods that combine e‑learning with other forms of flexible learning and more traditional forms of learning such as face to face classes.

Broadband

Broadband is a transmission medium that can carry signals from multiple independent network carriers on a single cable, by establishing different bandwidth channels. Broadband technology is used to transmit data, voice, and video over long distances and, because many different frequencies operate concurrently, more information can be transmitted more quickly that conventional telephone lines (in the same way that more traffic can flow on a motorway than a single lane road).

Community of Practice

A loosely‑coupled group of practitioners who work and learn together around a certain broad topic over an extended period of time. Communities of Practice operate on the basis of joint interest, spontaneous interaction, and mutual development.

Digital Divide

The gap between those who can access technology and those who cannot.

E-business

Using computer networks and electronic communication to service individual business requirements in new and more effective ways.

E-learning

E-learning refers to the use of technology in the delivery of education and training. It includes the use of social networking software as well as mobile technologies to create more flexible learning options.

More information: What is e-learning?

E-standards for Training

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework supports the development of a national infrastructure for managing electronic training resources through its development of e-standards.

The E-standards for Training reference website brings together the recommended standards for vocational education and training (VET) e-learning content, repositories and associated functions. It identifies the standards used by major national projects such as Flexible Learning Toolboxes and the Learning Object Repository Network and provides practical case studies showing how adherence to standards can enhance e-learning.

More information: E-standards for Training

edna

Education network Australia (edna) is a service that aims to support and promote the benefits of the Internet for learning, education and training in Australia. It is organised around Australian curriculum, its tools are free to Australian educators, and it is funded by the bodies responsible for education provision in Australia: all Australian governments. It provides a directory about education and training in Australia and a database of web-based resources useful for teaching and learning.

More information: the edna website

Electronic authentication

Authentication is the process of establishing whether someone or something is who or what its identifier states it is. The key benefit of electronic authentication is that it enables electronic transactions to take place in an environment of trust and confidence.

Flex e-News

Flex e-News is the Framework's monthly online newsletter. It provides you with the latest
e-learning news and information, including updates on the Framework, its products, resources and support networks.

More information: Flex e-News

Flexible learning

Flexible learning, which includes e-learning, is about the learner deciding what, where, when and how they learn.

More information: What is flexible learning?

Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG)

The Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG) is a strategically-focused group of senior vocational education and training (VET) officers tasked to advise:

the National Senior Officials Committee (NSOC)
the Australian Government's Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST)
the Australian Information and Communication Technologies in Education Committee (AICTEC)

on national issues related to the directions and priorities for flexible learning in VET, with particular reference to e-learning technologies. In all of its activities, FLAG includes consideration of the Adult and Community Education (ACE) sector and its needs. FLAG is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation and accountability of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework.

More information: Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG)

Flexible Learning Leaders

Flexible Learning Leaders was a Project under the 2000-2004 Framework that provided professional development funding to individual vocational education and training professionals who were leaders of change in flexible education and training. Flexible Learning Leaders were middle or senior managers and practitioners with a track record in flexible learning. They came from every state and territory and represented the public, private and community sectors. Flexible Learning Leaders' Project reports and research can still be accessed in the 2004 section of the Project Archives.

More information: Flexible Learning Leaders

Flexible Learning Toolboxes (see also Toolboxes)

Flexible Learning Toolboxes are cost-effective, high quality e-learning products that are provided on CD-ROM and can be installed on a server or used on a stand-alone computer. Teachers and trainers can use Toolboxes to deliver more than 135 qualifications and more than 850 competencies.

More information: Toolboxes

Interoperability

Interoperability describes the ability of electronic systems and services to operate effectively together, exchanging data and/or information with maximum efficiency. Interoperability depends upon use of accepted technical standards and protocols. Common information formats and business processes also facilitate interoperability.

More information: E-standards for Training

LearnScope

LearnScope is a project of the Framework. Since its inception in 1998, LearnScope has been part of a national strategy to increase the capacity of vocational education and training (VET) professionals to use flexible learning approaches and new technologies in the delivery of training.

LearnScope focuses on professional development to enhance the skills and understanding that underpin e‑learning and e‑business. It provides funding for work-based professional development projects and encourages both individuals and teams to model sustainable practices in their own learning through a range of strategies including engagement with recent thinking about professional development in the ' knowledge era'.

More information: LearnScope

National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)

NCVER provides research, evaluation, statistical and other information to a wide range of stakeholders involved in the development of a quality vocational education and training system in Australia.

More information: the NCVER website

Registered training organisation (RTO)

An RTO is an organisation registered by a state or territory recognition authority to deliver training and/or conduct assessments and issue nationally recognised qualifications.

State training authority (STA)

Also called a state/territory training authority. This is the body in each state or territory responsible for the operation of the vocational and technical education system within that jurisdiction. Each state or territory training authority participates in the formulation of national policy, planning and objectives, and promotes and implements the agreed policies and priorities within the state or territory.

TAFE

TAFE is a publicly funded post-secondary organisation which provides a range of vocational education and training courses and other programs including: entry and bridging courses, language and literacy courses, adult basic education courses, Senior Secondary Certificate of Education courses, personal enrichment courses and small business courses. Each state and territory has its own TAFE system.

Toolboxes

Flexible Learning Toolboxes are cost effective, high quality e-learning products that are provided on CD-ROM and can be installed on a server or used on a stand-alone computer. Teachers and trainers can use Toolboxes to deliver a wide range of vocational and education qualifications and competencies.

More information: Toolboxes

Vocational education and training (VET)

Vocational education and training is post-compulsory education and training, excluding degree and higher level programs delivered by higher education institutions, which provides people with occupational or work-related knowledge and skills.