SA E-learning Innovations Information Session

www.flexiblelearning.net.au/SA1

Australian Flexible Learning Framework

E-learning Innovations Projects 2010

“The way it works in South Australia”


• What's this all about?

• Where does this money come from?

• Are we eligible to apply?

• What would increase our chances?

• What's involved in running a project?

• What would be expected of us?

• How would we benefit?

With the really important bits highlightedhighlighted…

It’s all in the Guidelines…

…but here’s the plain English version.


The funding comes from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework….

…which is the VET sector’s national e-learning strategy…


The latest strategy is focussed on:


What are Innovation Projects…in a nutshell?

They are e-learning projects which seek to further embed e-learning into their organisation/s. To make it part of their business planning and the way they conduct their training.


Use the embedding checklist to determine:

1. Where you are ‘at’ with regard to embedding e-learning…and…

2. How your project will further embed e-learning into your organisation/s.

Checklist Link:


If you cannot tick ANY boxes, you are probably not ready for an Innovations project…BUT….you now have a ‘road map’ to head in the right direction…ready for next year!!??

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yewenyi/166592483/

This way to embedding e-learning into

your organisation


Need help? Put these dates in your diary:

March 12th – Workshops: Intro to Toolboxes & Learning Objects / Designing e-learning

March 26th – Workshops: Intro to customising Learning Objects / Quality online course design

April 22nd – Workshops: E-learning on a shoestring / Rapid e-learning development using ARED

Promotion & Registration via SA e-Learning NewsletterPromotion & Registration via SA e-Learning NewsletterOther workshops & events will be run throughout the year.Other workshops & events will be run throughout the year.


ALLALL Innovations projects must focus on one or the other of the following:

1. Business/RTO partnerships2. Empowering specific learners

eg indigenous, disabled, mature-age, remote, youth at risk, skills shortage areas etc…


ONLYONLY RTOs are eligible to apply

(This includes government departments and private enterprises, even if training is not the core business)…


So…what do you do if you are a business/enterprise, or community organisation, or industry sector…or getting RTO status is in the future?

Talk to your RTO partners about working together on an e-learning project that will benefit everyone!...


• The learners must be situated in SA.

• Your organisation (or your RTO partner) must be registered and deliver training in SA.

• The training must be vocational education, from a qualification that is part of the AQF.


Let’s talk money. How much funding can

you apply for?

Applicants can apply for between $10,000 and $50,000….noting that the amount must be matched (this may be in kind).


In kind?…like…????• Staff time?• Administration?• Facilities eg training rooms?• Cost of internet access?• Catering?• IT or other expertise?


What can the funding be used for?

• To buy time! • Project Managers• Facilitator/s• Team participants• Coaches/mentors• Technical expertise• Consultants…


Other items may be:

• Travel funds• To attend the Induction Day (30th April)• Other events/workshops that build

knowledge and skill in e-learning

• Catering

• Equipment hire, internet access etc…


What CAN’T the funding be used for?

• Purchase of hardware and equipment

• Purchase of software & licences

• Entry-level e-learning awareness training

• One-off training workshops

• Providing security to obtain credit…


What would be expected of us?

• Attendance of all team leaders at an Induction Workshop (Friday 30th April)

• A Project Plan, Progress and Final reports• Showcase of final outcomes (mid November)• Be part of promotional strategy.• Share knowledge & materials with

the VET sector...


What is the benefit to us?• Will have broader access to a range of e-

learning solutions including content, people & infrastructure.

• New opportunities to form and strengthen business partnerships.

• Ongoing professional networking opportunities.

• Acceleration of your e-learning directions…


What’s involved in running a project?

1. Get your team together…people with the following skills & attributes:

– project management & facilitation– getting support from senior members of staff– knowledge of e-learning tools & technologies– experience in teaching in a virtual environment– e-learning design– administration– students/learners


What’s involved in running a project?

2. Develop a Project Plan – your ‘map’ of where you are going:

– Your plan of action – your implementation strategy– Detail of who is involved…and what they will do– Milestones & timelines– How you will measure the results– Description of the tools & technologies you will use– What will the final result ‘look like’.– How you plan to share…


What else do I need to know?

• IFIF you produce learning content, you need to get your head around e-standards, copyright and intellectual property requirements (page 8 of the Guidelines)

• You will get LOTS of help!!! Don’t panic!!...


Learner & client groups

• Up-skilling/re-skilling, including mature age learners

• Recognition of Prior Learning• Disengaged from Workforce eg

Youth / Disability• Indigenous learners• Migrants/English as Second

Language• Remote/Regional Learners• Social inclusion

What are the Innovations priorities?

Industry areas & groups

• Skills shortage areas • Sustainability skills

(environmental, green skills)• Arts• Emerging Areas eg Mining,

Defence etc• Adult Community

Education/Community Groups• Small Businesses • E-assessment


What will the Selection Panel be looking for?What will the Selection Panel be looking for?

YES YES No XNo X•Evidence of a compelling need •A strong business case that clearly explains the need.

•Indication that the funding is the driver•An application which ‘talks around’ the apparent need.


YES No X•An obvious and clear understanding of who the learner is…and their needs.

•Vague and general references to learners•Assumptions about learner needs with no substantiating facts.


YES YES No XNo X•Evidence of a real and committed relationship with partners (where applicable).

•‘Make believe’ partnerships springing only out of a desire to win funding.


YES YES No XNo X•An educationally sound e-learning strategy.•The project accesses and/or builds on existing national e-learning infrastructure.

•A project focussed on technology, rather than quality education.•‘Re-inventing wheels’.


YES YES No XNo X•A project plan demonstrating effective regulation & monitoring of project activities & outcomes.

•A project plan with lots of hope and affirmations but no real foundation of good business processes.


YES YES No XNo X•A willingness (and plan) to share outcomes

•No mention of sharing or dissemination of the new knowledge & outcomes.•An apparent desire to keep it all ‘in house’.


YES YES No XNo X•A varied project team with all the capabilities & experience to execute and implement the e-learning strategy

•Explanation of project team is vague.•Experience is not adequate for project.


YES YES No XNo X•Budget is realistic & matches the outcomes.•Clear explanations of budget items and calculations.

•Evidence that the amount came first then expenses decided.•No explanations of how figures were calculated.


Do you have a project in mind? Think…

• Will it directly benefit and involve learners? (not just staff)• Can you show that it has a direct link with local and state

e-learning priorities?• Will the final result demonstrate good e-learning practice

and design?• Does it build on current resources and practices...rather

than re-inventing any wheels?• Would it be run as a project using work-based models...

(as opposed to just providing a salary)?• Would your team be willing to share the outcomes

(including any product developed) with the VET sector?

Link to movie file: http://www.vimeo.com/3157299


What now?

• Talk to me about your ideas

• Become familiar with the Guidelines

• Talk to colleagues, partners, managers• Do your research! (go to SA Innovations site)

• Write your application online

• Applications close COB: 2nd March


Contact Details:

SA Innovations Coordinator/

Toolbox Champion

Douglas Purcell

Ph: 8348 4074

Mob: 0438 824 583

Email: [email protected]


Contact Details:

SA E-learning Coordinator

Marlene Manto

Ph: 8348 4073

Mob: 041 882 7852Email: [email protected]