Australian Flexible Learning Framework - Details of e-Gems Sessions

Details of e-Gems Sessions

Australian Flexible Learning Framework

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You are viewing historical data created prior to July 2009. View current data at www.flexiblelearning.net.au/e-events

2009 e-Gems Session Details

Second Life, scenarios, Sloodle and an outbush community
This session explored and discussed learning snapshots brought from in-world and online environments that can inform our work. Life-based scenarios and fieldtrips in Second Life can immerse participants in situations like the clinic, Centrelink, shopping, interpreting in Court, dealing with customers, exhibiting artwork and job interviews. Links from Second Life to resources located on the web can enhance the learning experience for both educators and learners.

Remotely possible? Virtually!

Presenter: Georgina Nou has worked in Central Australia with Deadly Mob and other aboriginal learning communities, to promote educational opportunities available through online platforms. She's presently based in Adelaide, initiating and facilitating online learning in virtual environments for people living in remote APY Lands, SA.

Useful links: http://secondlife.com/ http://secondlife.com/events/

Using the QTImPlayer for effective and efficient workplace training and assessment
In the current economic environment, the QTImPlayer mobile device is enabling training providers to provide more effective and flexible training and assessment, while also increasing efficiencies. The device allows teachers and trainers to remotely assess learners on the job, and eliminates the need for paper work and double entry of data. It recently received the Best Mobile Learning Solution award at the 2009 IMS Global Learning Impact Awards. Using the QTImPlayer, learners can complete assessment questions and gather electronic evidence of their competency - including documents, photos, videos and audio files - in the workplace. This evidence is then automatically emailed to their training provider'slearner management or human resource system. This session will provide a step by step introduction to using the QTImPlayer for mobile workplace assessment.

Presenter: Peter Higgs is Tasmanian Polytechnic's Manager of Learning Technology. Peter has led the redevelopment of the QTImPlayer since 2007, with funding and support from the Framework. Peter also led Tasmanian Polytechnic's QTImPlayer and camera glasses trial in 2008, allowing learners to video record themselves performing workplace tasks and submit this video evidence for assessment.

From the Classroom to the Web - Creating and identifying effective online resources
Translating your classroom practice to the online learning environment can be daunting. This seminar introduces a way of applying online learning design principles developed by Professor Ron Oliver that should help you design effective online learning experiences for your students and identify online alternatives for the activities, supports and resource presentations you currently favour in the classroom.

Presenter: As the ACT Toolbox Champion Helen is a committed advocate of Flexible Learning Toolbox resources and learning object based e-learning strategies. Helen is currently enrolled in a professional doctorate at USQ researching learning objects and interprofessionalism and is keen to share expertise with other teachers and trainers across the ACT and support the effective use and implementation of Toolbox resources in online teaching and learning.

E-learning Solutions @ Central West TAFE - How to embed e-learning in your organisation
Developed by the Framework, Innovate and Integrate research can help you to move through the process of adopting, diffusing and implementing e-learning, so that it becomes a core part of your teaching or training practice.

This session will show you how Central West TAFE in Western Australia used Innovate and Integrate research as the basis for a three year strategy to embed e-learning in training for regional and remote mature age learners. The presenters will take you through the process of selecting a steering committee, developing a business case, implementing a focused strategy and working with e-learning mentors.

Presenters: Kath Wallace and Cheryl Galloway are Principal Lecturers at Central West TAFE with significant e-learning experience, and a passion for delivering the benefits of e-learning to learners, teachers and trainers, employers and registered training organisations.

Deb and Ellen The shifting sands of e-Portfolios
Swinburne TAFE has spent many years developing their "Skills Passport" system which allows students to document and provide evidence of their employability skills, such as communication, team work and problem solving. Traditionally a physical document, the Skills Passport is keeping pace with the growing popularity and adoption of e-portfolios by expanding into the digital realm. In 2008, the passport won Swinburne TAFE the Innovative Business Award at the Australian Training Awards.

This session considered the challenges faced by RTOs in establishing an e-portfolio system, including wide scale implementation, and technology training for students and teachers.

Presenters: Deb Petty and Ellen Prior provide advice, direction and support to Swinburne TAFE staff, through the Centre for VET Practice. The role of the Centre is to enhance student learning experiences by assisting in achieving and maintaining excellence in learning, teaching and assessment practice. Deb and Ellen are heavily involved with supporting teaching staff to integrate employability skills into training packages, and to use the Skills Passport system to its full potential.

Industry Sectors' Embedding E-learning
Participants in this session heard how two industry associations used the national training system's e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework's (Framework) Industry Integration of E-learning funding to embed e-learning in the water and medical technology sectors. Participants were also given information about the 2009 Framework funding opportunities for industry sectors to develop multiple year plans that include integrating e-learning in industry-led workforce development for their industry sector. Applications close Wednesday 1 April for Industry Integration of E-learning funding. For more information visit the E-learning for Industry website at: http://industry.flexiblelearning.net.au

Presenters:

MTAA logo Medical technology sector: The Medical Technology Association of Australia, in partnership with the Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association, will support companies to move the learning culture towards e-learning through careful change management, new incentives and success measures.

QldWater logo

Water sector: The Queensland Water Directorate in partnership with Wide Bay Institute of TAFE, are developing a workforce development strategy to provide the local government water industry with the support and assistance to increase not only the skills and knowledge of workers, but also the capacity of the sector as a whole.

e-Gems Industry Session
The session featured two industry associations who received Industry Integration of E-learning funding in 2008 to embed e-learning within the fertilizer and aged care sectors.

Presenters:

FIFA logo The Fertilizer Industry Federation of Australia (FIFA) business cluster in partnership with registered training organisation (RTO) Agsafe developed an e-learning solution for fertilizer sales staff across regional Australia to undertake training and assessment that to date, had been difficult to achieve. The e-learning format is allowing staff to undertake the course at times that suit their working and personal schedules - rather than when a training course might be available nearby. This e-learning solution has been piloted with business partners Elders and Landmark.

ACSA logo Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) partnered with RTO Australian Institute for Care Development to revise and trial two Toolbox learning objects with four aged care providers (two in WA and two in QLD). This has informed ACSA in developing their industry sector plan.

The session also included information on the funding opportunities for industry sectors to development multiple year plans that include integrating e-learning in industry-led workforce development.

2008 e-Gems Session Details

What's the next number in the sequence? 8 - 17 - 29?

Presentation overview: In August 2008 the Australian Flexible Learning Framework undertook its fourth annual survey of the uptake, use and impact of e-learning in the VET system. Previous surveys showed steady growth in the uptake of e-learning, with training organisations reporting that 29% of all VET activity involved e-learning in some form in 2007. To find out what the results are for 2008, and what students and teachers have to say about their e-learning experiences and preferences visit the e-learning indicators website at: http://e-learningindicators.flexiblelearning.net.au/survey_results08.htm

Presenter: Ian Phillips has been working with the Framework for five years to measure the uptake of e-learning in VET. He also runs surveys and conducts evaluations in the schools sector, in the information and communication technology industry, in human services, public libraries, banks and the building industry. He thinks data is fun - but still has a social life.

Engaging youth in online learning, Knowledge Tree 'live conversation'

Presentation overview: Bill Wade leads a discussion on his article AND gives lots of insights about a number of issues to do with quality e-learning and catering for youthful students!

Presenter: Bill Wade is a Lecturer of Multimedia and teaching/learning champion at Charles Darwin University's School of Creative Arts and Humanities. He is an emerging researcher in distance education and innovative educational technologies. Formally recognised in Canada as a leading new media educator, he is gaining growing recognition for his expertise in Australian e-learning through his multi-media teaching work and the coordination of the annual distance education technology conference, MobilizeThis.

Go to Edition 17 of the Knowledge Tree site to read or listen to a recording of Bill Wade's lead article.

Mobile learning in Melbourne, Birmingham, London, Paris...

Presentation overview: Fresh from the International Mobile Learning Conference and the Handheld Learning Conference, Caryl will either wow us with all the new things happening in mobile learning across the rest of the world or gloat about how far behind us they are!

Presenter: A self-confessed 'tech-head', Caryl Oliver understands that not everyone else has the same 'early adopter' tendencies as her. A Flexible Learning Leader in 2004, Caryl researched the then new phenomenon of mobile learning and is now considered to be a leader in this field. She is a founding director of the International Association for Mobile Learning. Her website, caryloliver.com, provides services to those who would like to embrace mobile and new technologies for learning, but don't know where to start.

Introduction to Podcasting and Vodcasting using WordPress

Presentation overview: This presentation introduces participants to podcasting and vodcasting and looks at the tools and techniques used in their production and delivery. It also explores their use in an educational context. For more information about podcasting and vodcasting, visit the presentation support wiki: http://sridgway.wikispaces.com/IntroductionToPodcasting

Presenter: Stephan Ridgway works as an E-learning Coordinator for Workforce Development at TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute. He has been involved with e-learning within TAFE NSW for around eight years, responsible for the development, maintenance and delivery of a wide range of online resources, delivering staff professional development and providing support for teaching and learning online.
Recently, Stephan has been exploring the use of emerging web 2.0 technologies, such as social software and social networking, in the context of networked teaching and learning communities. He has been an avid podcaster since 2005 and continues to provide professional development in this area. Stephan also currently syndicates at TalkingVTE and myLearning.

E-learning and research

Presentation overview: Research conducted by the Framework aims to capture and apply evidence on the uptake, use and impact of e-learning to inform policy and encourage innovative practice in the VET sector. This presentation will include an overview of the Framework's Research program as well as research findings from 2007 commissioned research reports:

E-learning for mature age workers
E-learning for small business.

The E-learning for small business research report includes useful guidelines for engagement with small business on e-learning.

Presenter: Annie Fergusson, is Business Manager of the Framework's Benchmarking and Research business activity, which conducts national e-learning benchmarking surveys and commissioned research for the Australian VET sector. Annie has worked in the VET system in South Australia in private and public RTOs, as both a manager and teacher, in a range of programs including small business.

Embedding social e-learning capability

Presentation overview: Building on the resource, your guide to social e-learning, this session will aim to capture your ideas on how the resource can be implemented for collaborative learning and sharing practice - to build and embed social e-learning capability. Beth will talk about her implementation model for the resource which she uses at Western Sydney Institute. You can review the resource that includes practical guides, case studies and sample activities for using web 2 tools at: http://socialelearning.flexiblelearning.net.au

Presenter: Beth Hobbs, Manager Learning Technologies at WSI, has been involved in designing and delivering flexible learning options for students for the past 18 years. Beth is passionate about enabling rich learning environments that are supported by the appropriate use of technology tools. Chris Froissard, Senior Learning Designer at the Centre for Learning Innovation (CLI), is an avid user of web technology and is passionate about education. In his role at CLI, Chris combines these two areas of interest in the development of multimedia educational resources. Kim Raschepkin, Chief Learning Design Officer at the CLI, has extensive experience in producing media in education, training and corporate contexts, as well as teaching and managing training in the design field.

This session was blogged live by Carole McCulloch. To view the session blog visit: http://innovate2integrate.wetpaint.com/page/e-Gems

To get a copy of your guide to social e-learning CD ROM contact your State/Territory Coordinator

Facing the Future, Knowledge Tree 'live conversation'

Presentation overview: Barb McPherson discusses the implications of the declining national productivity for workforce participation and productivity. She argues that there is a need for businesses and RTOs to respond with innovative business practices and more effective training strategies. Some of Barb's observations focus on the insights she gained from her attendance at the Australia 2020 summit.

Presenter: Barbara McPherson is the Managing Director of River Murray Training Pty Ltd (RMT), a regionally based private RTO. Barb has been part of the VET sector for some 15 years, and apart from managing the RTO business, she undertakes projects around training package development, review and implementation. In 2002 Barbara was part of the Flexible Learning Leaders Program, and since that time has lead RMT into a new era of online learning. This has extended to involvement in Industry Engagement and Inclusivity projects for the Australian Flexible Learning Framework.

To read the lead article by Barb McPherson, and Edition 16 of the Knowledge Tree that look at a range of case studies and perspectives on using innovative business strategies and industry/Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) partnerships to embed e-learning and promote workforce productivity visit the Knowledge Tree site.

Teaching Successes in Second Life - A discussion

Presentation overview: Virtual worlds provide the teacher with a wonderful opportunity to provide their learners with an authentic learning experience. However, prior to embarking on the use of such technology there are a range of items the teacher should consider to ensure the experience is meaningful for all.

Presenters: Malcolm Jolly and Glenda McPherson work for the Innovation Department at GippsTAFE where for a number of years they have explored the use of virtual worlds as a teaching tool for the VET sector. They are both qualified teachers and are highly experienced in managing AFLF projects along with providing flexible learning solutions for students and industry clients.

Packaging learning objects in 3 easy steps

Presentation overview: Learn how to make a content package that could be uploaded to a repository, discovered by LORN and be used in an LMS. We'll look at the three steps - Develop, Package and Describe - in developing content for the VET sector focussing on the Package and Describe steps using the VET Reload tool.

Presenter: Felicity Farr is the technical manager of the Flexible Learning Toolboxes business activity. She is a representative on the E-standards Expert Group and LORN Reference Group and manages the Toolbox Learning Object Repository.

It's all about the customer

Presentation overview: One of the challenges for the hospitality and tourism industries is engaging employees in learning. This is the story on an organisation's partnership with a training organisation to deliver a range of e-learning options for a remote and dispersed workforce.

Presenters: Having spent 10 years with corporations like Sheraton and Westin hotel chains, Kumar Kumaraseelan embarked on a career in education and training with William Angliss Institute. With a Masters Degree in Adult Education from UTS, Kumar is currently responsible for Business Development at the Faculty of Workforce Development at Victoria University.

David Gigg worked at McDonald's for 29 years. He started in the operations area running Restaurants, then managing State Territories and Franchising Operations, before spending 8 years running the McDonald's Training Academy.
In 2007 he joined Compass Group, where he is the National L&D Manager. His industry experience gives him a unique insight into the whole learning, development & training field.

Mashups - Using Web 2.0 tools to create spaces for learning

Presentation overview: Blogs, Wikis, Nings, Facebook! So many tools, so little time! How can we link them together to create useful, personalised learning spaces? During this session, Jo Kay will demonstrate how to 'mashup' engaging learning and community spaces using a collection of Web 2.0 tools. It will include tips and tricks on how to use blogs and wikis to collate, mix and share content using freely available, simple-to-use tools. For more information about this session, including links to a range of useful online tools visit: http://jokay.wikispaces.com/mashups08

Presenter: Jo Kay aka jokay Wollongong(in SL) is a freelance geek, designer, and facilitator based in Wollongong, Australia. She has broad experience in educational technology, web development and virtual worlds, with a particular focus on the vocational education sector. In recent years Jo's work has focussed on the innovative use of Web 2.0 and virtual worlds in teaching and learning.

This session was blogged live during the event by Carole McCulloch. To view this session summary visit:: http://innovate2integrate.wetpaint.com/page/e-Gems.

Copyright: not as scary as you think! (Using the Copyright Kitchen)

Presentation overview: Copyright has always been a topic people go running and screaming from, but it doesn't have to be as scary as you think. You don't need to be lawyer to understand what s200AB allows you to do - you just need the Framework's Copyright Kitchen. This session will introduce you to the kitchen, show you different recipes and how to build a cookbook - all in the name of answering your copyright queries of course!

Presenter: Andrew Blundell has vast experience in both public and TAFE library environments. In his current role, Andrew advises staff and students on their copyright obligations and IP (intellectual property) rights at the Canberra Institute of Technology.

e-Portfolios - Managing Learner Information

Presentation overview: e-Portfolios are digitalised collections of personalised information which illustrate an individual's learning, employment, and lifelong experiences and achievements.
This session will highlight how e-Portfolios can allow learners to manage their own information through structured online environments, whilst supporting:
.   transitioning between educational and employment sectors
.   delivery and assessment of Employability Skills
.   Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes
.   Career and Personal/Professional Development Planning

Presenters: Owen ONeill is the Manager of the E-standards for Training Business Activity of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework which commissioned the VET e-portfolio report in 2007. He has worked on a number of e-learning projects over the last 7 years and has an IT background.

Allison Miller has also worked with the Australian Flexible Learning Framework as the Inclusive e-Learning (Youth) Project Manager, and Learnscope SA Project Officer.

What is LORN and how can it help me?

Presentation overview: Presentation overview: LORN (Learning Object Repository Network) allows teachers and trainers to find and use online training resources from across the Australian VET sector. Learn about how LORN works and how you can use the resources from LORN in your teaching and learning practice, step by step!

Presenter: Kim Edgar is the Framework's Business Manager for LORN. Her role as Manager VET Projects also includes the management of the Framework's web services and she has a background in managing a private RTO.

Creating learning sequences with Toolbox resources

Presentation overview: Creating a learning sequence can be a challenge. But with Flexible Learning Toolboxes (Toolboxes), and a simple teaching model, it is very easy to create an engaging and satisfying learning experience for your students. Toolboxes are high quality, cost effective products featuring scenarios, images and interactive activities that simulate real-life, and are designed for use by registered training organisations (RTOs), business and industry. The ACT and WA Toolbox Champions demonstrated the necessary steps using the new Build Right and Retailer Toolboxes from the 2008 Series 10 Toolbox range.

Presenters: Helen Lynch, the ACT Toolbox Champion, has a background as an educator and flexible learning enthusiast in the VET and university sectors in NSW.

Stuart Knox is the WA Toolbox Champion. He has a background in instructional design, international education, computer-assisted learning, and flexible learning environments. Stuart has a Masters degree in education and has worked with the Australian Flexible Learning Framework team in Western Australia where he was involved in WA Framework activities and coordinated the development of multimedia product outputs from the New Practices in Flexible Learning Project. Stuart's professional interests include accessibility and usability of online products, computer-assisted learning, and interactive multimedia.

RPL: one goal - many solutions

Presentation overview: This presentation will show how you can become involved in the RON RPL Online Network so you can share RPL resources, extend your RPL professional practice and discuss strategies to embed RPL within mainstream delivery and assessment.

Presenters: Jo Fuller is the Manager of Learning and Development at TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute and managed the RON project which was recognised as the 2007 TAFE NSW category winner in Teaching and Learning.

Christine Cooper is the Principal Lecturer for the WA Horticulture and Environmental Science Skills Centre, Challenger TAFE in Perth. In 2007 Christine managed the TAFE WA Skills Recognition Project which had an emphasis on professional development and assessment tool development for RPL. As part of this project, Christine started the WA TAFE RPL Network and received funding to start up a national RPL network.