flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas

A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC

1. The issue

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

The issue - TAFE• Traditional RPL processes are:

– Expensive– Time-consuming– Paper-based– Confusing for learners

• Learners spread across vast distances – cost of travel

• Process needs to be simplified & holistic

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

The issue - CENTROC• CENTROC provides services to 19 central NSW councils• Spread across 70,000 square kilometres• Council middle-managers need further qualifications to

progress• Training is costly:

– Cost of trainers/training program

– Cost of staff taking time off work

– Cost of travel and accommodation

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas

A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC

2. The solution

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

Overview• Conduct RPL via online platform (Moodle)• Emphasis on digital evidence (eg audio, video), not

paper• Online communication limits need for travel• Four staff selected for trial• RPL for four units from Graduate Certificate in

Management Communication• Provides a fast-track to achieve qualification

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

Technology platform• Moodle – free, online course management

system• Set-up & supported by technology consultants• Allows secure online submission of evidence• Facilitates learning community: forums, email

through platform

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Developing the model• Needed to be:

– Simple & user friendly– Allow for holistic assessment/evidence

• Decided on separate sections for each unit, with:– Unit overview– Self-assessment checklist– Critical evidence guide– Submission of evidence

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The model

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• Lee Forrest, Teacher, Bathurst TAFE

• Sonia Battye, Regional Learning & Development Manager, CENTROC

• Narelle Druitt, Prevocational Head Teacher, Bathurst TAFE

• Kirsty Ford, Teacher, Bathurst TAFE

• Alex Hayes, Technology Consultant

• Robyn Jay, AFLF

The team

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas

A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC

3. Outcomes

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Key success indicators1. Ease of use for all stakeholders

2. Suitability of technology

3. Learner satisfaction

4. Strategy meets the needs of: – learners in council workplaces– TAFE Western Institute’s strategic goals

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

Outcomes - learners• Learners happy with Moodle platform • All learners submitted evidence for RPL• RPL has been applied for in each unit• RPL awarded for all 4 units – simple &

complex units• Uptake limited by workplace demands on

time

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Outcomes – project team• Steep learning curve – both technological

& RPL processes

• Model proven successful

• Identified improvements to expand platform next year

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas

A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC

4. Stakeholder reactions

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

Stakeholders• CENTROC

– Looking at future applications for model/online training

• Learners– Looking to seek further

RPL – Easy to use

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

Stakeholders cont.• Western Institute TAFE

– Supportive– Valuable feedback for future uses of Moodle

• Project team– Remain enthusiastic– Preparing for expansion next year

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas

A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC

5. Lessons learned

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

Key learnings – team • Establish clear roles in team

• Ensure depth of skills – support other roles

• Paid support to trouble-shoot technical issues

• Skilled consultant invaluable in skills transfer

• Organisational buy-in critical to sustainability

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

Key learnings – learners• Trust-building more difficult online

• Privacy issues for uploaded evidence

• Time-poor learners in work-based learning

• Easier to use than previous RPL experiences

• Forces consideration of additional e-learning technology uses in the workplace

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

What is evidence?• Need strong learner support at beginning• Provide clear guidelines on evidence:

– What is it, eg documents, audio/video recordings– Amount needed– Examples of acceptable evidence– Critical evidence for unit

• Set maximum upload limit in Moodle• Auditor’s requirements?

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

Conclusion• The model works

• Greater personalisation/support of learners needed in beginning

• Closer deadlines may stop procrastination

• Organisation needs to fund support/ technical roles to ensure sustainability

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas

A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC

6. Next steps

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

Future development• Expand units offered for RPL

• Expand number of learners

• Add online learning pathway via Moodle

flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

LinksProject summaryNSW e-learning Innovations wiki with 9-minute video summarising project

http://nswinnovations.wikispaces.com/079

EdnaFree online network for educators, based on Moodle, good examples and training

www.edna.edu.au

MaharaE-portfolio tool

www.mahara.org

MoodleResources and ideas for using Moodle

www.moodle.org