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
flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations
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
flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations
The model
flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations
• 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
flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations
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
flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations
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
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