$7 million in e-learning funding and support for rtos

Australian registered training organisations (RTOs), business and industry can apply for more than $7 million in funding and support to help embed e-learning as a key aspect of their business strategy and tailor their training to meet learners’ needs. 

The national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), is providing vocational education and training (VET) organisations with the opportunity to:

• Implement innovative e-learning solutions for business and learners through E-learning Innovations funding and support available in each state and territory ($5.3m nationally). Applications close 2 March. For more information and application guidelines, visit: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

• Produce further Flexible Learning Toolboxes (Toolboxes) ($1.1m). Applications close 16 February. For more information and application guidelines, visit: http://toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au/tenders/index.htm

• Conduct trials into emerging technologies and tools that may impact on the VET sector, with support from E-standards for Training funding. A maximum of $100,000 is available for up to six trials in 2010. Applications open 1 March and close 31 March. Once the funding has opened, information will be loaded to: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-standards

• Conduct implementation trials for e-portfolios to investigate and identify the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of an e-portfolio system which supports learner transitions. A maximum of $25,000 in E-portfolios funding is available for three trials. Applications open 24 March and close 21 April. Once the funding has opened, information will be loaded to: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-portfolios

• Embed e-learning in industry-led workforce development, with support from Industry Integration of E-learning funding ($75,000* available for one new industry sector). Applications close 15 February.For more information and application guidelines, visit: http://industry.flexiblelearning.net.au