National e-learning strategy gets new direction

16/08/2007

A new four-year strategy for the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) has been given the go ahead.

The National Senior Officials Committee (NSOC) of the Department for Education, Science and Training (DEST) has signed off on a proposed new direction for the national training system’s e-learning strategy until 2011.

The 2008-2011 Framework Strategy will take a more strategic approach into the way technology is integrated within the vocational education and training (VET) sector.

This would take the Framework along a natural progression from capability building (2000-2004) to client engagement (2005-2007).

Since 2000, the Framework has been funded $15m annually with the backing of the Australian Government and all states and territories.

The three priorities of the proposed 2008-2011 Framework Strategy would be to:

• build on national investment into essential e-learning infrastructure – standards and repositories
• invest strategically in business–provider partnerships between public and private training providers and business
• invest in empowering the learner.

Jim Davidson, chair of the Framework's managing body, the Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG), said the proposed new strategy would work to ensure that e-learning resources were made accessible by anybody, regardless of technical ability.

"Resources and repositories will be developed in a standardised way to promote interoperability across the VET sector, other sectors and globally, in turn helping provide a maximum return on investment."

He added that the focus on business-provider partnerships would ensure that e-learning became part of the solution for workforce development especially in areas of skill shortages. "Using technology at work is now a normal part of doing business, with e-learning on and off the job the key," he said.

By focusing on empowering learners, those from traditionally disadvantaged communities, such as Indigenous, regional and remote, would be able to use technology to access education and training that others took for granted.

Framework funding for 2008 is due to be allocated by Ministers in November, but beyond that it is subject to renegotiation of Australian Government, state and territory funding for VET.

For more information visit:

http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au