1. Transitions in eLearning environments: The Australian Army Diane Newton Allan Ellis

2. Research project Research into impact of eLearning Initial exploratory research-understand learning context and issues Historical documents Trial course evaluations Observation of classes Pilot interviews (managers, developers, designers, instructors) Reports and papers NEWTON & ELLIS

3. Why eLearning? Manager interviews: Minimise disruption to units, trainees and families Deliver standardised training across locations and members, including reservists Create an instructor surge capacity Reduce training costs “Most importantly”, optimise quality of learning experience: shift from training delivery to learning facilitation NEWTON & ELLIS

4. eLearning transitions 1993-individuals, Army Doctrine Electronic Library (ADEL) CD-ROMs 1996-Strategic support: Defence Efficiency Review, TECHSIM 1998-Regional Training Centres, flexible learning centres 2000-Training Technology Centre 2003- Australian Defence Organisation, Project DOMAIN, Shareable Content Object Referenced Material (SCORM) NEWTON & ELLIS

5. CD-ROMs or Web? Soldiers spend time in field training Limited bandwidth & reliability of Defence Restricted Network; access to computers and Internet Optimise learning experience ADO directive: ThinQ LMS, Evolution (Outstart) Distance Learning (reservists) trial NEWTON & ELLIS

6. Training Command –Army, 2003, ‘Technology Based Training Sampler’ NEWTON & ELLIS Animation: safe practical skills problem solving

7. Training Command –Army, 2003, ‘Technology Based Training Sampler’ NEWTON & ELLIS First Aid: compulsory training

8. Training Command-Army, 2003, ‘Technology Based Training Sampler’ NEWTON & ELLIS Scenario problem solving exercise

9. Army HQ Training Technology Centre, 2004 NEWTON & ELLIS Introduction

10. NEWTON & ELLIS Army HQ Training Technology Centre, 2004

11. NEWTON & ELLIS Army HQ Training Technology Centre, 2004 Lesson

12. NEWTON & ELLIS Army HQ Training Technology Centre, 2004 Summary

13. NEWTON & ELLIS Army HQ Training Technology Centre, 2004 Quiz

14. Course designers and developers External pressures-rapid change, change in autonomy Learners’ needs-main priority Changing skill set-new programs & learning environment Technical-limited bandwidth, ADO requirements Cultural-decision-making, authoritarian Need to build on existing skills, consultation & communication NEWTON & ELLIS

15. Instructors Learners’ needs- main priority Changing role-‘facilitator’, mentor, changing skills Student relationship- less questioning, control, authority Learning environment- standardised, provides background, updating content Culture- tradition, decision-making Need for consultation, communication, flexibility in delivery NEWTON & ELLIS

16. Further research Impact on learning (theory, practical & retention in field) Impact of different contexts of learning Students’ characteristics & perceptions Instructors’ perceptions & role Measuring effectiveness of eLearning Relationship with military culture Online LMS role Web communications role ?? NEWTON & ELLIS

17. Contacts Diane Newton dnewton@scu.edu.au Allan Ellis aellis@scu.edu.au School of Social Sciences Southern Cross University Lismore, Australia