$283,150 funding for e-learning innovation in western australia
National Monday Update Issue:
Western Australian registered training organisations (RTOs) can apply for a share of $283,150 in funding and support to develop innovative e-learning solutions for businesses and individuals in line with key WA training priorities.
E-learning Innovations funding and support, provided by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), will be awarded to RTOs based on their ability to:
- support business-training provider partnerships that can drive the integration of e-learning into business and training
- develop innovative e-learning practices that target the needs of a more diverse range of learners.
WA’s funding is part of the $2.65 million allocated for 2011 E-learning Innovations projects nationwide, provided to each state and territory on a pro-rata basis. This follows yesterday’s announcement that the Framework has received the go ahead for its activities until the end of June 2011*, opening up new opportunities for Australian RTOs, business and industry to embed e-learning as a key aspect of their business strategy and tailor training to meet learners’ needs.
Projects will need to align with key WA training priorities including:
- increasing and improving the provision of RPL (recognition of prior learning)
- increasing delivery of higher level qualifications
- engaging Indigenous and young learners
- supporting regional communities
- developing innovative and new models of workplace delivery and assessment.
Applicants are encouraged to build on existing Framework e-learning infrastructure when developing e-learning solutions, such as Flexible Learning Toolbox (Toolbox) learning objects, e-standards, resources, guidelines and professional networks.
Since 2008, the Framework has helped 47 WA projects embed innovative e-learning solutions, including:
My Beach
In 2008 Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA) used E-learning Innovations funding and support to develop an online assessment system for its Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue). Following the system’s successful launch, SLSWA received further Framework funding to make updates in line with training package revisions and to extend the system to include online, self-paced delivery of theoretical units. Practical skills training and assessment will still be conducted face-to-face in the workplace and in the classroom.
The resource has helped to overcome common barriers to training in the surf life saving industry such as geographic distance and lack of time among trainers and volunteers.
Refer to the E-learning Innovations Team Profiles to access information on all past projects.
Applications open on Tuesday 24 August 2010.
Read the 2011 WA E-learning Innovations Guidelines for Applicants for more information on how to apply for funding in WA.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 20 September 2010 and the successful applicants will be notified on Monday 4 October.
To assist you in applying for funding, a free online information session will be held:
Date: Thursday 9 September 2010
Time: 10:30am-12:30pm
Location: http://tinyurl.com/egems-2011innovations OR
https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=675&password=M.8831B0E4AD9F2C0338DBE968E80CB0
Registration is not required. Participants must have access to internet, headphones and a microphone and have installed and configured the Elluminate web conferencing software beforehand.
For more information contact the Framework’s WA Innovations Coordinator, Diane McLaren, by phone: (08) 9319 5516, diane [dot] mclaren [at] dtwd [dot] wa [dot] gov [dot] au (email) or visit the Western Australian E-learning Innovations page.
*The six month allocation, to end of June 2011, will bring the Framework funding cycle in line with other funding arrangements under the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), which are based on a financial calendar year.