1. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC 1. The issue

2. 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

3. 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

4. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC 2. The solution

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations The model

9. 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

10. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC 3. Outcomes

11. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations Key success indicators 1.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

12. 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

13. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations Outcomes – project team Steep learning curve – both technological & RPL processes Model proven successful Identified improvements to expand platform next year

14. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC 4. Stakeholder reactions

15. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations Stakeholders CENTROC –Looking at future applications for model/online training Learners –Looking to seek further RPL –Easy to use

16. 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

17. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC 5. Lessons learned

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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?

21. 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

22. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC 6. Next steps

23. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations Future development Expand units offered for RPL Expand number of learners Add online learning pathway via Moodle

24. flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations Links Project summary NSW e-learning Innovations wiki with 9-minute video summarising project http://nswinnovations.wikispaces.com/ 079 Edna Free online network for educators, based on Moodle, good examples and training www.edna.edu.au Mahara E-portfolio tool www.mahara.org Moodle Resources and ideas for using Moodle www.moodle.org