Below you will find key resources developed through the Australian
Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) over the past four years. The
information has been broken up into various lists, with links provided
for further information where possible. The Framework is continuously
creating exciting resources for VET Practitioners, this list will be
updated throughout the year as new information and resources become
available.
Contents
Products
1. Flexible Learning Toolboxes (2000-2008)
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Toolboxes are high quality, cost effective interactive e-learning and assessment resources featuring scenarios, images, activities
and games that can be used to support learning in any situation. All Toolboxes support nationally endorsed training packages
and are designed for use by registered training organisations, business and industry. A Toolbox Champion Support Service operates
in every state and territory to support the implementation of Toolboxes.
Toolboxes are designed to support the delivery of vocational education and training (VET) qualifications from
Certificate I to Diploma level. The Toolbox collection includes more than 100 Toolboxes, helping to deliver approximately
170 qualifications and almost 900 units of competency, covering a range of educational and industry areas.
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2. Guidelines for developing Toolbox resources (2000 - 2008)
| These Flexible Learning Toolbox documents provide an insight into the design issues facing leading edge developers
of online
learning materials.
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3. LORN (Learning Object Repository Network) (2003-2008)
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| LORN aims to build the national training system's capacity to share teaching and learning resources that support the flexible
delivery of education and training programs. LORN allows teachers and trainers to access more than 2,500 quality, copyright
cleared, free or affordable online learning resources from repositories across Australia, which support the delivery of VET
programs. Enhancement of LORN in 2008 will provide improved online access to a greater range of e-learning resources from
contributing repositories around Australia.
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4. Innovate and Integrate (2007)
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This research investigates models and practices in the embedding of
innovation, examining characteristics of organisations, innovators and
innovative practices. It contributes to our understanding of the
interrelationship of the many complex factors involved in the process
of embedding innovation.
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5. E-standards for Training (2006-2008)
| The E-standards for Training website brings together the recommended
standards for VET e-learning content, repositories and associated
functions. It identifies the standards used by major national Framework
projects such as Toolboxes and LORN and provides practical case studies
showing how adherence to standards can enhance e-learning.
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6. AREDv2 (2006)
AREDv2 (Application for Rapid E-learning Development) is an e-learning development tool designed to allow teachers and trainers,
with little more than basic computer skills, to easily build their own e-learning resources. AREDv2 simplifies the creation
of media-rich web-based learning resources by taking care of the technical side of the development, leaving the teacher or
trainer to focus more on the subject matter. This allows teachers and trainers to build resources that are better suited to
the needs of their learners.
Choose from six common e-learning templates into which content is entered in an easy to follow, step-by-step
process. The published resources can then be used on CD-ROM, through a website or uploaded into a Learning Management System.
They can also be modified and updated at a later date.
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7. Designing e-learning (updated 2008)
| The Designing e-learning online resource offers teachers, trainers and multimedia developers in the national training system,
fast-track access to the latest tips on developing and delivering e-learning programs. The resource offers simple guidelines
to develop e-learning courses. It includes stories of successful e-learning programs and provides a detailed guide to online
assessment.
The online resource is set out in six easy-to-use sections to show how e-learning can be used to engage learners, provide
flexibility and improve the quality of learning within the national training system:
- Gallery of strategies: an A-Z showcase and guide to the full range of e-learning activities
- Learning design: 'show and tell' stories of successful e-learning, plus guidelines
- Learning materials: a guide to the options available for getting e-learning content.
- Assessing Online: a comprehensive 'step-by-step' guide for VET professionals.
- Inclusive e-learning: a collection of ideas and resources on e-learning for various disadvantaged learner groups.
- Further information: useful links and resources.
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8. YOLA (2003)
| Your Online Learning Assistant (YOLA) helps learners to understand basic numeracy concepts. YOLA provides immediate interactive
on-screen support to learners using online or web-based learning resources, like Toolboxes, which may include mathematical
concepts. This online resource can be used in a number of ways. Firstly, it can be used as a stand-alone learning resource
to teach a range of different mathematical concepts including angles, conversions, percentages, ratios and scale.YOLA also
provides immediate interactive on-screen help for mathematical concepts while learners are using online or web-based learning
resources.
YOLA is flexible and if you have the right technical expertise, it can be pulled apart and reinvented to provide 'just-in-time'
support for other online resources or skill areas such as literacy or computing.
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9. Copyright Kitchen (2005-2008)
| The Copyright Kitchen online resource focuses solely on copyright and
intellectual property issues. It offers an interactive, user-friendly
guide to the legal loopholes and pitfalls of copyright law. Users can
read about a number of common copyright and intellectual property
issues including the length of time copyright lasts and the costs
involved for using copyright material.
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10. NurseryLive! 2 (2004)
| NurseryLive! 2 is an interactive 2D and 3D computer-based simulation of
a horticultural nursery. This online product is especially useful for
learning environments which lack physical resources. It allows learners
and trainers in different locations to exist in the same virtual
horticultural environment. Trainers are also able to deliver
problem-based scenarios within the virtual environment. In addition,
NurseryLive! 2 can be used as a useful interactive resource for
business students, where they can learn how to run a horticultural
nursery.
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11. New Practices in Flexible Learning (2005-2007)
| The Framework's New Practices in Flexible Learning Projects aimed to
explore and increase the uptake of innovative, practical and
sustainable approaches to e-learning in workplaces, communities and
training organisations. They also aimed to reset the benchmarks for VET
e-learning practices.
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12. Media on the Move (2006)
| Media on the Move provides a 'how to guide' for organisations wishing
to embed online casting, such as podcasts, audio and video files, RSS
and playback on mobile devices, into the delivery of education and
training programs. The online resource also contains case studies and
analysis tools to assist when implementing online casting in an
educational environment.
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13. Virtual Worlds (2006)
| A 'virtual world' is a computer-created environment in which users can
see, move, use and modify simulated objects. Users interact via 'avatars'
- a graphical representation of a human. The Virtual Worlds online
resource outlines how teachers and trainers can use virtual worlds as a
way of giving students 'real' work experience and engaging them in
learning.
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14. QTImPlayer (2007)
| The Question and Testing Interoperability (QTI) Mobile Player
(mPlayer) is an online resource that provides acceptance testing and
proof of product for a mobile application - QTImPlayer. It allows the
VET system to create assessing instruments for teachers and trainers to
test students anywhere and anytime using mobile devices.
The 2007
version of the QTImPlayer conforms to new QTI standards, making
assessing students and record management easier. The player enables
users to access, read, play, record and report outcomes to IMS QTI 2.0
standards, using AQTF (Australian Quality Training Framework) validated
assessment tools.
The
assessment tools can include oral, written and multiple choice
questions, observation checklists, workplace testimonials and
recognition checklists, with the ability to create new types of
assessment. The QTImPlayer can also attach multimedia files such as
audio, photos and videos as additional assessment evidence.
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15. Different voices, Different spaces (2005)
Different voices, Different spaces is a collection of resources that features a 'good practice' model applied to voice technologies
in teaching and learning within a range of vocational education and trainig settings. Currently only available on CD-ROM,
the resource examines the concept of educational mentoring and how it can be reapplied in other educational initiatives and,
specifically, in e-learning projects. Different voices, Different Spaces also provides professional development materials
which
examine the application of the 'good voice practices' model from theree focal points: learners, teachers and organisations.
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16. Social Interaction Packs (2005)
| This online resource is designed to help teachers and trainers overcome
some of the barriers different learners have to online learning. A
Social Interaction Pack is a series of practices that can be used to
establish a social dimension to online learning programs. Each social
interaction pack presents an activity designed to develop and support
the social engagement of specific learner groups who face particular
barriers to online learning.
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17. Turning Point (2007)
| Turning Point is designed to help teachers and trainers engage their
learners through the use of mobile learning (m-learning) technologies.
This online resource has practical case studies, research reports,
mini-films and tools and tips that will help VET professionals who are
interested in exploring the potential of m-learning technologies.
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18. Your guide to social e-learning (2007)
| Your guide to social e-learning provides VET teachers and trainers with
a 'how to guide' to e-learning implementation. This online resource
includes examples, step-by-step guides, case studies, plus e-learning
strategies, tools and activities which a novice or advanced e-learning
user will find useful. Your guide to social e-learning takes the guess
work out of e-learning by providing users with a simple-to-use
interface where they can select a particular activity and instantly be
provided with advice on what is the best tool for their needs.
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19. VERBL (2007)
| The VERBL (Virtual Experience of Risk-Based Learning) online resource
is designed to help the VET sector take up emerging virtual
technologies as a viable learning platform for future risk-based
learning. The resource suggests ways immersive technologies, such as
virtual worlds, can be implemented in risk-based learning in the
future. VERBL includes the VERBL model, case studies, reports and
information on risk based learning.
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Industry
20. Practical guide to e-learning for industry (2005-2008)
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The Practical guide to e-learning for industry is an online guide
that de-mystifies the process of introducing e-learning to
industry-based training. Similar in design to a travel guide, the
Practical guide to e-learning for industry helps training designers
navigate over unfamiliar e-learning terrain, negotiate arrangements
with information technology professionals and establish
e-learning-based training programs in their businesses.
The
Practical guide to e-learning for industry is tailored for all
businesses, large or small. It contains nine sections which can help
those involved in training staff within their organisations understand
what e-learning is about and then lead them through the process of
introducing e-learning training programs.
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21. E-learning for Industry website (2005-2008)
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The E-learning for Industry website offers a host of resources for businesses and industry groups interested in integrating
technology into workplace learning, set out in three easy-to-use sections:
1.
Business e-learning examples: includes 40 industry e-learning
demonstrations developed by businesses from 2005-2007; and five
industry sectors that will embed e-learning in workforce development in
2008.
2. Where to start: A guide to how your industry
can get involved in e-learning,
a portal to the Practical guide to e-learning for industry and valuable industry e-learning contacts.
3. What's happening: includes general news,
e-learning events focused on industry
and project-based resources.
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22. E-learning for Industry booklets (2005-2008)
| E-learning has become an important component of learning in the
workplace. The main benefits it offers are cost effectiveness and
increased flexibility. For these reasons it is not hard to see why
businesses are exploring e-learning to improve their bottom line. Five
publications are now available (three include a CD-ROM) that include
case studies on how industry e-learning demonstrations have been
conducted for different industry areas.
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23. Industry e-learning examples (2005-2008)
| From 2005-2007 the Framework funded 40 Australian businesses to develop
industry applications of e-learning for workforce development. Each of
these demonstrations include websites, case studies and business cases.
In 2008 five industry sectors will embed e-learning into workforce
development. Information on each industry sector plan includes a
business case, summary, contact details and information on their
progress.
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24. E-learning in the Trades (2006)
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The E-learning in the Trades website outlines research and
practical online resources and tools to support the training of
traditional trades. It focuses on building and construction but the
research findings and e-learning tools can easily be adapted for use in
other trade areas.
There are four entry points to the website:
- Case studies: Six examples of teachers from the building trades that are currently
using technology to improve the flexibility and the impact of their teaching.
- Research report: E-learning within the building and construction and allied trades.
- E-learning model: A model to guide trades teachers through their e-learning journey.
- E-learning tools: A list of mostly free e-learning tools that teachers are using
in the building trades, including a description of what they are and where to find them.
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25. enAble (2004)
| enAble is an interactive four-step model which enables small to medium
sized businesses to implement e-learning within their business. This
model includes interactive questionnaires, valuable information and
additional resources that can be downloaded and modified to suit
different purposes.
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Learner Groups
26. Indigenous Engagement (2005-2007)
| The Indigenous Engagement Project worked to contribute and improve
employment futures for Indigenous people by helping to advance their
skills through e-learning. The key focus of this project was to
strengthen communities' economic growth, identify areas of skills gaps
and build on existing skills and knowledge and the development of
culturally appropriate products to enhance and support learning
outcomes.
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27. Jobs for our Mob CD-ROM (2006)
| This CD-ROM has been specially designed for Indigenous learners
using diagrams, voice-overs, animation, tick-sheets and culturally
appropriate language. The CD-ROM introduces trainees to the Myuma
mining and civil construction camp and its facilities; helps them
understand what is important to them in terms of their culture and
wellbeing; supports them in gaining life skills to reach their goals;
and explains what it is like to be in a workplace.
Email: indigenous at flexiblelearning.net.au
(Replace 'at' with @ to use the address above.)
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28. Indigenous e-learn = e-skills n work CD-ROM (2005)
| This CD-ROM is a free collection of resources to help Indigenous people
get ready for the workplace. The multimedia learning materials, web
links and suggested text resources support the delivery of the
Queensland Certificate I in Work Education.
Email: indigenous at flexiblelearning.net.au
(Replace'at' with @ to use the address above.)
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29. Making IT Real (2008)
| The Making IT Real online resource uses culturally appropriate
e-learning content to improve literacy and numeracy levels of regional
and remote Indigenous communities. This resource has easy-to-use web
page templates that allow users, with basic levels of technical skills,
to create culturally appropriate web interfaces suited to their
community - by using local languages, place names, landmarks and
people.
Making
IT Real can help individuals complete trade apprenticeships or VET
qualifications. Indigenous Knowledge Centres, community and other
training organisations can also use Making IT Real for self-paced
learning, and for teachers and trainers to incorporate into an existing
education and training program.
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30. Community Engagement (2006-2007)
| From 2006-2007 the Community Engagement Project worked to foster
and embed e-learning within some of Australia's most disadvantaged
communities and strengthen the foundation of workforce skills. The
project aimed to support economic and regional development and
sustainability by creating close partnerships within training
organisations and adult and community education (ACE) providers. A
range of booklets, brochures, case studies and reports are available
from the website.
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31. E-learning on a Shoestring resource kit (2006-2007)
| The resource kit provides community organisations with helpful online
guidance, ideas and tools for developing and facilitating e-learning in
communities and regions. The kit includes suggestions and options on
the why and how of e-learning. You'll find guidance on low cost tools
and technologies, as well as ideas and stories to help you get started.
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32. Inclusive E-learning (2006-2007)
| From 2006-2007 the Inclusive E-learning Project aimed to increase the
uptake of e-learning as an effective and efficient delivery strategy
for increasing VET participation by under-represented and priority
learner groups including youth at risk, learners with a disability and
mature age workers. A range of booklets, brochures, case studies and
reports are available from the website.
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Research and Measurement
33. Benchmarking and Research (2000-2008)
| During 2008, benchmarking will be undertaken to determine the use,
impact and uptake of e-learning within different learner groups, states
and territories, registered training organisations (RTOs), business and
industry. Research is also being conducted to inform the development of
policy and new direction.
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34. what matters series (2005-2008)
| The what matters' series publicise key findings from research undertaken by the Framework.
Produced since 2005, what matters have focused on:
- e-learning for small business (2008)
- e-learning for mature age workers (2008)
- innovate and integrate (2007)
- e-learning for trades (2007)
- m-learning (2006)
- e-learning benchmarking (2006)
- e-learning for youth (2005).
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35. E-learning Indicators (2005-2008)
| The uptake and use of e-learning and e-business in the VET system
can now be measured by a set of 12 indicators, which have been
identified by the Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG), which
directs the Framework. The indicators can be used by individual
education providers to establish their own goals and benchmarks for
e-learning.
The E-learning indicators' website
is split into sections offering comprehensive information and resources:
- E-learning indicators: A list of primary e-learning, e-business and teaching and training indicators used to measure the impact
of e-learning in VET.
- Survey results (from 2005-2007): The full 2005, 2006 and 2007 survey results from
the perspective of the teachers and trainers; students; RTOs; employers; and ACE.
- Templates and tools: Easy to use resources for running your own surveys.
- Case studies: Survey transcripts in audio, PDF and video formats from three organisations
which have been involved in the benchmarking process.
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36. e-Tools n Tips (2007)
| In 2007 the Framework's E-learning Networks Project ran a series of
online professional development sessions using Elluminate Live! The
e-Tools n Tips' sessions covered topics including moblogs, podcasts,
virtual worlds, social bookmarking, personal learning spaces, digital
storytelling, videos in e-learning, and wikis and blogs.
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Case Studies
37. Case studies (2003-2008)
| The case studies' section of Resources showcases e-learning
in action. The case studies are from a range of RTOs with differing
levels of e-learning experience. They also detail the involvement and
perspectives of various types of VET professionals. For ease of use,
the case studies can be browsed by categories relevant to position or
organisation.
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