E-learning for Industry

>> A reminder to those interested in applying for industry sector funding through the Framework’s Industry Integration of E-learning business activity, that our final online information session will be held on Thursday 12 March at 10.30am AEDST. The e-Gems industry sectors embedding e-learning online session will also feature the medical technology and water sectors and will be followed by the information session on the industry sector funding opportunities.

Elluminate link: http://tinyurl.com/cuvffl

>> The Elluminate recording of the first online information session which was part of the e-Gems industry session, on Thursday 19 February is now available from the e-Gems archives.

In addition to the recently released Guidelines for supporting learners using e-learning in the workplaces (PDF 663 KB) that Jenny highlighted last week, two additional research pieces have been released:

>> The new e-learning research addressing skills shortages in How organisations are using e-learning to support national training initiatives (PDF 172 KB) mentioned in the previous entry. This report confirms that e-learning is being sought out by Australian business and industry looking to solve significant skills shortages by curbing time consuming off-the-job training and speeding up apprenticeship completion times.
(Framework media release New e-learning research addresses skills shortages)

>> This week’s BIG Skills conference in Sydney has seen the launch of a new international report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) titled Systemic innovation in the Australian VET system: country case study report (PDF 468 KB), which praises the Framework for supporting e-learning innovation, leadership and collaboration in the national training system.
(Framework media release E-learning seen as an innovative solution for VET)

There has been some very interesting research released on how e-learning is supporting national training priorities. Please go to the February version of Flex e-News on http://flexiblelearning.net.au

If you are an industry sector thinking of applying in 2009 for funding you should think about the following (applications close 1 April).

1. have you got an RTO with e-learning capability

2. have you got an RTO which understands and is scoped for your business

3. have you got an employer network on board which will embed the e-learning

4. have you scoped your project for three years - with a big chunk in 2009?

Please ring me on 0408 514183 if I can answer any questions.

Jenny

We have produced a document which provides guidelines for businesses introducing e-learning in the workplace on how to provide support and encouragement to learners. Check it out - it will be available from tomorrow.

Two of the current industry sectors are using e-learning to lead change across their industry in the way the workforce is developed, in particular reducing time away from the workplace for training. Stainless steel is revisiting how apprentice training occurs - e-learning will be used to provide a fast track approach and Master grocers is using e-elarning to provide new on-site learning environments in particular in compliance training. What is important is that the industry sectors are each implementing unique models of change.

For any new industry sectors thinking of applying in 2009 keep in mind your model for change can be quite unique.

If you are an industry sector located in WA I will be running a session on Friday 6 March. Please register by emailing industry@flexiblelearning.net.au

I was sent a useful e newsletter with advice for those starting in e-learning by Chalkport today. Marilyn Harvey of Chalkport was a Flexible Learning Leader funded through the Australian Flexible Learning Framework in 2004. Chalkport specialise in providing advice on e-learning. This newsletter provides very useful information for starting out in e-learning including providing learners with support.

The information sheet can be accessed at http://www.chalkport.com/infosheets-olc

On Thursday 19 February an e-Gems industry session will be held at 2pm AEDT. The industry session will feature:

1. the Fertilizer Federation of Australia and Aged Community Services Australia. Both of these industry associations received one year funding to embed e-learning within the fertilizer and aged care sectors respectively and will share their project outcomes.
2. an information session on the funding opportunities for industry sectors to development multiple year plans that include integrating e-learning in industry-led workforce development. Applications close 1 April for Industry Integration of E-learning funding grants.

The e-Gems’ series of webconferencing sessions are unique learning and networking opportunities for people working in the vocational education and training (VET) and business sectors. Provided by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, e-Gems webconferences are free and require no registration.

To participate, you must have access to headphones and a microphone and have installed and configured the Elluminate webconferencing software beforehand. If you encounter any problems, please contact Jyothi Jayaram on (02) 6207 4832 or email: e-events@flexiblelearning.net.au (Note: session access opens one hour before the scheduled time).

For more details including the link to the e-Gems industry session visit the e-Events webpage at: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-events

Michael Russell from Master Grocers Australia will present at the Big Skills and LearnX Conferences, both in Sydney in March and April respectively. He will focus on the change process which will embed e-learning in workplace delivery at independent grocery retailers in March, and reflect on the value of businesses collaborating in training and the role professional and industry bodies play in linking businesses together for the benefit of the whole industry in April. This later one will be a shared presentation with me where we will also look at what some of the other industry sectors are doing and the models of learner support they are using.

New funding is available for industry sectors wishing to participate in a change management process to embed e-learning in workforce development. From 16 January until 1 April industry sectors (and their employers) who can see the benefits of developing a workforce development strategy which embeds e-learning are able to apply for $75,000 in 2009 and a further $125,000 over the next two years to develop the strategy. co-investment by industry is required. If you would like to discuss an idea please contact me on 02 6207 4955 or 0408 514183.