National Flexible Learning Toolboxes
Denise Morgan, Manager – Innovations, Wide Bay TAFE and Queensland
Toolbox Champion, Australian Flexible Learning Framework
Abstract
The Australian Flexible Learning Framework 2000-2004, which was endorsed by
ANTA CEOs in August 1999, has identified a number of goals of strategic
importance for VET in Australia’s transition to the Information Economy.
Toolbox development is a component of the Framework’s Strategy and
supports the goal “World Class Online Content Development, Applications
and Services”. Information about all the projects and resources developed
under the Framework are available at
http://flexiblelearning.net.au
This poster presentation will showcase the range of Flexible Learning
Toolboxes developed since 2000 and their benefits for education and training in
Australia as well as provide information about the Toolbox Champion Services
available in each state and territory.
Introduction
If you want to be involved in flexible learning but are not sure where to
start then the Australian Flexible Learning Framework can offer the support you
need. Designed to make vocational education and training (VET) more flexible,
the Australian Flexible Learning Framework gives you access to resources,
support networks, professional development funding and plenty of useful and
relevant research information.
Each year the Framework receives up to $20 million to fund the development
of its products, services and resources. Flexible Learning Toolboxes are an
initiative within the Australian Flexible Learning Framework for the Vocational
Education and Training System 2000-2004.
What is a Toolbox?
A Toolbox is a collection of web-based learning materials to assist in the
online delivery of qualifications from recognised training
packages. The Toolboxes have been developed with a
strong focus on effective teaching and learning strategies, aimed at motivating
learners through purposeful tasks and via interactions with others. Each Toolbox
can be tailored to your learners’ needs and include guides for teaching
and technical installation.
What are the benefits of Toolboxes?
Toolboxes are an easy and inexpensive solution to offering online learning.
By providing high quality resources based on recognised training packages at a
fraction of their development cost, Toolboxes enable organisations to attract
new learners and markets and offer greater choice and flexibility to both new
and existing learners.
For teachers and trainers delivering training packages Toolboxes are
valuable support materials because they provide engaging and effective learning
experiences.
Is there a Toolbox for me?
There are more than 70 Toolboxes available in subject areas ranging from
tourism, hairdressing, childcare, accounting and meat processing to youth work
and information technology.
In addition a new category of Toolboxes was released in 2002 (Equity
Toolboxes) targeting learners with disabilities, Indigenous learners and
learners with literacy and numeracy needs.
How easy are Toolboxes to use?
Toolboxes are flexible, convenient and user–friendly. They come as a
CD ROM, which can be installed on a server for web-based delivery, on an
intranet or used independently on a stand-alone computer.
Toolboxes are portable, flexible and customizable. They:
- Operate on a wide range of operating systems, web servers and learning
management systems.
- Do not duplicate Learning Management System functions (e.g. communication
tools, database management)
- Use web technologies and are designed to be loaded to a standard web server,
but can also run in stand alone mode from CD ROM
- Align with National Standards – VET Preferred Standards 2000, EDNA
Metadata Standard, W3C Priority 1 (from series 5)
- Include a substantial technical guide (series 4 and
5)
Where can I learn more?
This site offers:
- Previews of released toolbox products (try before you buy!)
- Tours of some of the latest products
- A helpdesk
- Information about the Toolbox Champion
Services
What is a Toolbox
Champion?
The Toolbox Champion Service provides assistance in the successful
implementation of Flexible Learning Toolboxes. The "Toolbox Champion" initiative
has been established to provide support to Registered Training Organisations
(RTOs) with a range of issues in using toolboxes effectively and implementing
these valuable tools in their programs. These include:
- Technical Issues e.g. initialisation and customisation to suit your
needs.
- Educational Issues e.g. using the Toolbox resources, activities and
assessment.
- Organisational Issues e.g. incorporating Toolbox materials into new and
existing programs.
- On-going Issues e.g. support for organisations that have purchased
Toolboxes.
There is a Toolbox Champion in each state and territory
of Australia to assist organisations in the successful implementation of
flexible learning toolboxes.
The Toolbox Champions can:
- Organise and conduct professional development activities
- Mentor teams wishing to implement toolboxes
- Provide information and advice about using and customising
toolboxes
Further Information:
Denise Morgan
Queensland Toolbox Champion
Hypertext References
HREF1
Copyright
Denise Morgan © 2003. The author assigns to Southern Cross University
and other educational and non-profit institutions a non-exclusive licence to use
this document for personal use and in courses of instruction provided that the
article is used in full and this copyright statement is reproduced. The authors
also grant a non-exclusive licence to Southern Cross University to publish this
document in full on the World Wide Web and on CD-ROM and in printed form with
the conference papers and for the document to be published on mirrors on the
World Wide Web.