rtos to get $288,800 funding for e-learning innovation - apply now
National Monday Update Issue:
Tasmanian registered training organisations (RTOs) can apply for a share of $288,800 in funding to develop innovative e-learning solutions and better support the training needs of Tasmanian business and industry.
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
· empower learners through projects which target the needs of individuals in the community or existing and future students of the RTO.
Applicants should demonstrate how their projects will support one or more of the action areas identified in the Tasmanian Skills Strategy:
· improve adult literacy skills
· improve workforce development
· meet industry demand for skills
· skills for innovation and future industries
· deliver responsive, high quality education and training
· build on local advantage
· attract skilled people to Tasmania
· attract and retain young people in education, training and employment
· increase opportunities through social inclusion.
Applicants are encouraged to build on existing Framework e-learning infrastructure when developing e-learning solutions, including Flexible Learning Toolbox (Toolbox) learning objects, e-standards, resources, guidelines and professional networks.
Tasmania’s funding is part of the $5.3 million allocated to E-learning Innovations nationwide in 2010. Funding is provided on a pro-rata basis to each state and territory to encourage the development of flexible training solutions that equip RTOs, business and industry to respond to the training needs of Australian businesses and workers.
In 2008 and 2009, 24 Tasmanian projects were supported by the Framework to embed innovative e-learning solutions. One example is:
With the support of the 2009 Tasmanian E-learning Innovations funding, Tasmania’s largest private sector employer, the Federal Group, partnered with GlobalNet ICT to develop e-Orientation, a high quality and dynamic online orientation training and assessment program. The program was developed to address the challenges involved in the retention and training of its remote, geographically dispersed and seasonally-based workforce.
e-Orientation is delivered via Moodle and provides tailored orientation information for each group’s tourism and hospitality business online, such as an organisational video, overview of workplace protocols and health and safety guidelines. It significantly reduces the need for costly face-to-face orientation programs and enables the company to more effectively train and re-train employees, creating equity, access and a real sense of organisational culture, regardless of geographical location.
Refer to the Tasmanian E-learning Innovations Team Profiles to access information on all past projects.
Online applications open 1 February 2010, and a Word version of the application form is currently available to use as a working document in preparation for completing the online application. Applications close on Tuesday 2 March 2010 and the successful applicants will be notified from Friday 26 March.
All applicants are encouraged to contact the Framework’s Tasmanian Innovations Coordinator, Fiona Huskinson, by phone: (03) 6233 2140 or email:fiona [dot] huskinson [at] skills [dot] tas [dot] gov [dot] au to discuss project ideas.
For more information, read the 2010 Tasmanian E-learning Innovations Guidelines for Applicants.
Free information sessions for people interested in Tasmanian E-learning Innovations funding will be held on Tuesday 9 February in Launceston and on Wednesday 10 February in Hobart. For more information or to RSVP, email: fiona [dot] huskinson [at] skills [dot] tas [dot] gov [dot] au orJennifer [dot] Dunbabin [at] skills [dot] Tas [dot] gov [dot] au
For more information about the Framework, its products, resources and support networks, contact: (07) 3307 4700, email enquiries [at] flexiblelearning [dot] net [dot] au or visit:http://flexiblelearning.net.au