Toolbox Workshop

Learning ‘outside the office’: animals, paddocks and predators

If you think online learning is primarily for office based subjects like accounting, marketing and business, think again.

Three learning objects - that is, self contained sequences of e-learning content - are breaking down traditional agriculture training barriers and providing fish farmers, dairy workers and animal volunteers with up-to-the-minute online training.

Accessible through the Toolbox Repository, these learning objects were produced by Australian training providers looking to offer their learners flexibility and easy access to important industry knowledge. Through the repository, this learning material can be downloaded freely and used, copied, adapted and distributed as each individual sees fit.

Here’s a snapshot of these unique learning resources:

Paddock to Processor
This is one of four resources in a learning series which teaches dairy workers the skills and knowledge needed to efficiently take their cows ‘from the paddock to the processor’.
This learning object focuses on the work routines related to post-milking and includes industry guidelines, research activities for the learner’s farm, interactive videos, helpful resources, assessment options and guidance on gaining formal skills recognition.

Control of Pest, Predators and Disease

This learning object provides the theory for monitoring predators, pests and disease infestations that threaten stock in an aquaculture facility, and selecting the appropriate control measures.
It sits alongside a strong practical component that involves diagnosing infestations and treating ill health in stock. Online trainers for this unit arrange a practical workshop which teaches and assesses a learner’s basic skills. This arrangement is a prime example of traditional and online learning working hand-in-hand.

This learning object was enhanced as part of the 2008 Western Australian E-learning Innovations projects.

Recognise animals

This learning object introduces learners to the principles of recognising animals. It clearly outlines the learning process that volunteers go through to gain the knowledge to answer animal questions from the public.

The unit takes learners through the basics of classifying animals, and includes links to further reading, useful guides and opportunities to test their knowledge along the way.
To search the Toolbox Repository for other learning objects, visit http://toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au/repository

Toolboxes are high quality, cost effective, interactive e-learning and assessment resources featuring scenarios, images and activities. They are funded and supported by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework).

Toolbox Champions are employed in every state and territory to support the implementation of Toolboxes. To contact your local Toolbox Champion, visit:

http://flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/champions