E-Learning for Participation and Skills Information session 20 July 2012

The Strategy The National VET E-learning Strategy was endorsed by the National Senior Officials Committee (NSOC) in 2011, replacing the former Australian Flexible Learning Framework. The Strategy aims to strengthen the Australian training sector’s use of new learning technologies and opportunities, such as the National Broadband Network, to make major advances in the achievements of government training objectives. The Strategy seeks to build the capability of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), industry and client support and community stakeholders to create more accessible training options and facilitate new ways of learning through technology. Tasmania is managing this $4.2m National E-learning for Participation and Skills activity in partnership with TAFE NSW on behalf of the Strategy.

In the financial year the E-learning For Participation and Skills business activity is seeking co- investment applications for funding of $25,000-$50,000 (plus GST). It is estimated that approximately 86 projects will be funded nationally. E-learning for Participation and Skills

Objective of the activity The key objective of this activity is to use innovative e- learning technologies, including those using high-speed broadband (where appropriate*) to deliver e-learning projects and strategies which improve individuals’ access to gain pre-vocational skills, skills in priority employment areas and/or to pursue educational pathways to gain higher qualifications. * can be either availability of high speed broadband or suitability in meeting the learners’ needs and capability.

Project streams applications are now open for proposals in the following streams: Pre-vocational Vocational Pathways to higher qualifications

Pre-vocational Training Target: Learners currently excluded or marginally attached to work and learning; allowing them to gain access to training and skills needed to participate in meaningful and sustainable work. (Part 2 Guidelines) Refer: The National VET Equity Advisory Council Previous projects (Partnerships for Participation)

Vocational Training Target: E-learning projects/strategies to improve access to recognised training in priority training areas, such as critical skills and specialist occupations; to maximise workforce participation and meet current and future skills needs. (Part 2 of the Guidelines) Refer: Skills Australia Skilled Occupation List can be found at: Previous projects (Access to Skills)

Priority Industry Sectors and Occupation areas identified by Skills Tasmania and Department of Economic Development are a focus of this funding. State Priorities Tasmanian Skills Strategy ategy ategy Department of Economic Development Plan development_plan development_plan

Pathways to Higher Qualifications Target: This stream focusses on preparing structured pathway programs leading to tertiary education qualifications. The starting point for this stream is Certificate IV where this leads to a professional or academic pathway. (Part 2 of the Guidelines) The projects could be aimed at e-learning for: Groups of individuals Employees within enterprises Industry sectors or industry sub sectors such as Aged Care. Refer: Previous projects (Pathways to Higher Qualifications) skills.com.au/view/view.php?t=XtHzA1sNno0ZIqfaL4gE

Focus of all projects Delivery and engagement not creating new content. Re- use and repurposing existing material encouraged. NBN or high speed broadband (where appropriate) eg Innovative E-learning practices may be a substitute where high speed broadband not available. Partnerships strongly encouraged Meet state and territory training priorities

Co-investment Project applicants must demonstrate that their budgets include a co-investment contribution. Contributions can be in-kind and may include salaries or enabling technology used for e-learning. The level of co-contribution that is offered will be taken into account in competitive assessment of project proposals.

Eligible expenditure Funding contributions from this business activity can be used for: project management facilitation or delivery of e-learning programs developing/converting existing content into an online e- learning resource technical support travel for team members to attend E-learning for Participation and Skills induction in your jurisdiction and a showcase in Melbourne in May 2013 Refer to the guidelines for full list

Funding contributions from this business activity cannot be used for: purchasing infrastructure, equipment or software training staff in areas unrelated to delivery to learners coordinating one-off events such as conferences providing security to obtain any form of credit developing new content (unless agreed to by the Business Activity Manager)

Applications Close midnight AEST 15 August 2012 Applications submitted online Only one application per address Submitted by RTO-Lead Agent Include co-investment

MilestonesDate Funding opportunities promoted10 July 2012 Online applications close15 August 2012 Advice to successful applicants7 September 2012 Induction events held in jurisdictions10-14 September Project contracts completed17 September Monthly online meetings and wiki updatesOct 2012-May 2013 Collect and collate baseline data from projectsNovember 2012 Business Manager monitors or visits project teamsFeb and March 2013 Participation in end of project National Showcase Melbourne 24 May 2013 (TBC)

High speed broadband – is it necessary for the project? Broadband is available in my area, but I am not connected, can I still apply for funding If high speed broadband is available in your region then your project needs to clearly demonstrate the use of this infrastructure. ‍Broadband is not available in my region, can I still apply for funding? Yes you can, however priority will be given to similar project proposals that clearly demonstrate how high speed broadband will facility better and more accessible training and assessment. If my learner group is unable to use or access the internet can I still apply for funding? Yes if your project proposal clearly demonstrates a highly innovative approach that increases workforce participation (ie mobile technology that can be used off line).

Research Resources This wiki was created by Marlene Manto, E-Learning Coordinator in South Australia. It is full of tips and advice to help in your strategic planning for e-learning. Another great resource on creating a business case can be accessed here: W_2008/ARED/AREDSCORMviewer.htm W_2008/ARED/AREDSCORMviewer.htm

More information Online application Look for the information icon which links to the project wikispace. Here you will find: Frequently asked questions Guidelines Useful contacts National and Jurisdictional websites outlining priority training areas.

Fiona HuskinsonAnita BuschEloise Rushton National Business Activity Manager Project Officer E-Learning Skills Tasmania Project Assistant E-Learning Skills Tasmania Before submitting your application: Read the E-learning for Participation and Skills Guidelines Discuss your ideas with us