Program in Dorset,Tasmania

A new $100,000 program, managed by Skills Tasmania, will help job seekers, retrenched workers and their partners in the Dorset Municipality to gain employment. Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, said the Dorset Skills Initiative aimed to help people in the region to up-skill, re-skill and gain employment. We recognise that workers in the Dorset region have been hard-hit in the past few years and this program is a way of providing some assistance, Mr Bartlett said.

E-learning Projects in Tasmania

Tasmania has secured funding from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework to deliver innovative e-learning solutions in the State during 2009, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Heather Butler, said today. Ms Butler said that e-learning was an integral part of the national training system. It promotes the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the flexible delivery of education and training to respond to the training needs of Tasmanian businesses and learners, she said. Ms Butler said that a total of $288,800 has been awarded to develop and manage 13 e-learning innovation programs specifically tailored to Tasmania's vocational education and training (VET) priorities outlined in the Tasmanian Skills Strategy.

QTImPlayer sessions

e-Gems

In the current economic environment, the award winning QTImPlayer mobile device is enabling training providers to provide more effective, efficient and flexible training and assessment. Check out the June e-Gems webconferencing session to find out how you can get started using the QTImPlayer to remotely assess learners in the workplace, without having to complete paper work and double entry of data.

Using the QTImPlayer for effective and efficient workplace training and assessment
Date: Monday 22 June 2009
When: 12:30pm – 1:30pm (AEST)
Where: http://tinyurl.com/pxj2yp

See the attached flyer, or visit http://flexiblelearning.net.au/egems for more information.

This session is hosted by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework.

2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Nominations

The 2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award nominations are now open, Shadow Minister for Volunteering Anthony Roberts said today. "These awards present a unique opportunity to recognise and publicly acknowledge the invaluable work done by the hundreds of thousands of volunteers in NSW," Mr Roberts said. "The awards showcase active volunteers who have shown dedication and initiative in their work and have positively contributed to the not-for-profit organisation they volunteer for," said Mr Roberts.

RE-PAVING THE WAY TO CONFINTEA VI

After recovering from the shock caused by the postponement of CONFINTEA VI (hence, FISC) we think that it is essential that we re-schedule our activities for the rest of the year, to keep the momentum and motivation to participate in FISC and CONFINTEA VI. Therefore, we invite all the organizations involved in adult education and lifelong learning to pave the way, once again, towards CONFINTEA VI, organizing preparatory activities throughout the different regions across the world to deepen our reflections and get better prepared for the conference.Along this line, some activities have already been programmed:On June 21st. the Day of the Non Sexist Education is celebrated and the Popular Education Network of Women from Latin America and the Caribbean (REPEM) is planning to organize some events within this preparatory process.On June 23-24, the International Conference on Financing Adult Education for Development will be held in Bonn, organized by dvv International, ASPBAE, EAEA and ICAE.Likewise a virtual seminar will be organized by ICAE between August and September. We hope that all the regions are able to organize at least one activity so as to have a stronger position for FISC and CONFINTEA VI that will possibly take place by the end of this year.

PRODUCTIVITY PLACES

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and the Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O'Connor, said that since April 2008, over 110 000 Australians have enrolled in the Rudd Government's $2 billion Productivity Places Program, with 86 912 commencing training and over 40 000 completing training. Of the 110 000 enrolments, more than half were certificate III qualifications or above and the greatest number of enrolments were in children's services and aged care. The Productivity Places Program provides participants with new skills and qualifications that can lead to a pathway of further training and employment.

Creative Brisbane - Rethinking Innovation

6 – 8pm, 26th of May at the Eidos Institute, 166 Ann Street, BrisbaneWhile literature about Creative Cities abounds, every city has its own urbanism and its own distinct culture. A ‘one size fits all’ model doesn’t map neatly onto the specificities of place. How can we rethink creativity collaboratively? What can we learn from Brisbane’s unique cultural wellsprings and how can we support a sustainable creative ecology?Eidos Institute, BrisCulture and The Centre for Policy Development present an event bringing together academic, policy, curatorial and planning expertise to answer these questions and more. We hope to spark off a continuing conversation about how to ‘do’ creativity inclusively, innovatively and for the long term.The event will be Chaired by Eidos Institute CEO, Professor Bruce Muirhead. Speakers are cultural policy expert and 2020 Summit participant Marcus Westbury, festival curator Danielle Bentley, writer and urban consultant Linda Carroli, QUT researcher Jaz Choi and publisher, consultant and sociologist Mark Bahnisch. Join us at the Eidos Institute on Ann Street for what will be the start of an ongoing exploration of sustainable creative futures. Creative Brisbane: Rethinking Innovation comprises an interactive panel discussion targeted at creative practitioners and urban professionals, and all who care about our collective urban cultures. Further details: http://brisculture.com/creative-brisbane-rethinking-innovation/

New Paper

The impact of e-learning champions on embedding e-learningMalcolm Jolly, Kaye Bowman Australian Flexible Learning Framework14 May, 2009 This report looks at the use of e-learning champions as a change management strategy and outlines common activities and guidelines adopted by e-learning champions to successfully facilitate the uptake of e-learning within their organisation.

Getting Connected

Do you want to learn more about e-learning, and how to foster connections online?

…without having to leave your desk?

…in an interactive and engaging online environment?

…for FREE?

This year’s Getting Connected 09 online conference, being held from 16-17 June, will focus on developing online connections between vocational education and training (VET) practitioners, and using e-learning to engage learners.

At the conference you’ll:
· find out how to use online groups to network and build connections with learners, industry and other teachers and trainers
· learn about tools that can help you to quickly and easily access, create and share e-learning resources online.

The national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), is offering eight live webconferencing sessions over two days, including:

· New Framework website
This session will talk you through the key features of the new and enhanced Framework website, and show you how to create groups for dynamic knowledge sharing.

· Baiting the digital hook
This session will show you how to use online social networking tools such as Facebook, Ning, Twitter and Delicious to create connections and share knowledge and resources with other teachers and trainers in your industry.

· VET Reload tool enhanced
VET Reload is used by training providers around the country to package and describe e-learning content. This session will introduce VET Reload for new users, and explain the recent enhancements to this tool.

· New Learning Design Tool
The Framework’s new Learning Design Tool takes the hassle out of creating your own e-learning materials, by guiding you step-by-step through the learning design process.

· Moodle for dummies
Find out how easy it is to use Moodle, a free web application, to create a dynamic and interactive e-learning platform for your learners.

There will also be an opportunity for you to network informally with other VET professionals and special conference guests.

For more information and to register, stay tuned to the Framework’s Access to E-learning Knowledge and Know-how web page at: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-events

Informal learning:At A Glance

_Sian Halliday Wynes, Francesca Beddie_
This at a glance considers the learning that goes on everyday: from the workplace to the home, and through technology and the mass media. This type of learning offers a bridge to formal learning for a variety of groups, including older workers, migrant groups, refugees and people who are disengaged from learning.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2140.html

Nomiate a VET Researcher!

Nominations are sought for the 2009 Vocational Education and Training (VET) Researcher of the Year Award. The award aims to promote the value of high quality research as the foundation for improving policy and practice in the VET sector. If you know a researcher whose work has had a positive impact on policy or practice in the sector, nominate them for this prestigious award.
Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 12 June 2009.
For a copy of the award guidelines and nomination form visit:
http://www.ncver.edu.au/research/opportunities.html#VET_Researcher_of_the_Year
_Award

WISE AWARDS

Qatar Foundation launches the first ever WISE AWARDS to recognise outstanding innovation in education

Award submission open until July 15th
online at http://www.wise-qatar.org/en/awards

GUIDELINES RELEASED

Investing in community education and training for tomorrow
The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today invited community education and training providers to apply for funding under the $100 million Investing in Community Education and Training program.
Investing in Community Education and Training is the third element of the Rudd Government’s $500 million Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training.
The Rudd Government announced the $500 million Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training as part of the December 2008 $4.7 billion nation-building infrastructure package to support Australia’s economy.
This initiative will stimulate the economy by supporting jobs, whilst also investing in skilling Australia for a productive future.
The initiative recognises the unique value of community education and training and its role in providing thousands of Australians with pathways into further education and training or employment. This is the first time the Australian Government has made a major capital investment directly into the community education sector.
$100 million in funding will develop or upgrade infrastructure, plant and equipment to maximise community education and training delivery.
The fund is open to eligible not for profit community education and training providers and consortia led by an eligible community education and training provider and will involve a competitive application process. The funding is for:
small capital grants ($50,000 to $250,000 GST exclusive) to assist with minor construction, refurbishment and the purchase of equipment; and
larger grants ($250,000 to $1.5 million GST exclusive) for major capital infrastructure developments or upgrades.
This builds on the first two elements of the Rudd Government’s $500 million Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training, Better TAFE Facilities and Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow.
Under the $200 million Better TAFE Facilities element, all TAFEs across Australia are eligible to receive funding of between $2 million and $8 million to help meet immediate maintenance needs, small capital works and equipment and plant purchase.
Under the $200 million Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow element, TAFE institutes and other eligible applicants have applied for competitive grants of up to $10 million for the development, or upgrade, of infrastructure, plant and equipment to skill Australians for the future.
It is critical that we continue to invest in education and training in these difficult times to ensure Australians have the skills they need to participate in the workforce when the economy begins to recover.
The Investing in Community Education and Training guidelines are available online at http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/TLCF/Pages/TLCF.aspx

WA State Training System

Training Minister Peter Collier unveiled a $47.4million blueprint that will transform the future of the State’s training system. ‘Training WA: Planning for the future 2009-2018’ outlines a series of targeted initiatives to ensure the skills needs of industry are met and to give individuals greater access to training. Mr Collier said through this plan, the State Government was making an immediate investment to help minimise the impact of the current economic downturn while also reforming the training system for the medium to long term. We need a flexible and innovative training system to position Western Australia for future employment demands, he said.

UNESCO International Literacy Prizes

Call for candidatures to the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes 2009: deadline 30 June UNESCO has launched the call for nominations to the 2009 edition of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. In compliance with the United Nations Literacy Decade s biennial calendar for 2009-2010, the special theme is Literacy and Empowerment . International Non-Governmental Organizations maintaining formal consultative relations with the Organization are invited to solicit and submit applications.This year, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes consist of four awards, with a total value of US$80,000." The UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize (2 awards)" The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy (2 awards)Please note that a complete application should include:1. The questionnaire duly completed http://www.unesco.org/education/literacyprizes/submissionform.doc2. The written recommendation by the Government of a Member State or by an International Non-governmental Organization (INGO) maintaining formal relations with UNESCO3. Accompanying supportive material (samples of learning material, videos etc.)You will find below links to the electronic version of the Guide, the questionnaire to be completed and returned to the UNESCO Literacy Prizes Secretariat.The Guide for applicants http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001823/182376E.pdf The questionnaire to be filled by applicantshttp://www.unesco.org/education/literacyprizes/submissionform.doc For further information visit the Literacy Prizes web pageswww.unesco.org/education/en/literacy/prizesContact of the secretariat: literacyprizes@unesco.org Applicants files should reach the UNESCO Secretariat no later than 30 June 2009. Applicants are highly encouraged to send their files in electronic format. We remain at your disposal for any further information you may require. (Tel: + 33 1 45 68 09 52; E mail: literacyprizes@unesco.org; Website: www.unesco.org/education/literacyThe UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Secretariat

Four Colleges for Trade in NSW

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and Verity Firth, NSW Minister for Education and Training, announced that four Australian Technical Colleges will be integrated into the NSW education and training system. New arrangements have been agreed for Central Coast, Central Western NSW, Illawarra and Queanbeyan Australian Technical Colleges.
The integration will expand access for young people in these regions to the Higher School Certificate and a simultaneous trade training program, allowing them to make a head start on an Australian school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.

$21 million automotive training centre in WA

People in Perth’s northern suburbs will soon have a modern $21million automotive training centre on their doorstep. Training Minister Peter Collier and Senator Louise Pratt, representing the Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard, cut the ribbon on the 4.9 hectare site today at Joondalup. Construction of the Motor Industry Training Association’s (MITA) new centre is being funded in part with an $8million training infrastructure grant from the Federal Government. MITA is providing the remainder of the funds.

New system enhances adult education in Tasmania

Adult Education is launching a new $350,000 online enrolment and course management system that will help transform learning in Tasmania. Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Heather Butler, said new software meant that for the first time Tasmanians could browse for courses, enrol and pay online to immediately confirm their place in the Adult Education class of their choice. Launching the Adult Education Winter program today, Ms Butler said the new system meant people would no longer be restricted to enrolling in courses when course guides came out.

e-gems webconferencing sessions

Creating effective online resources
Translating your classroom practices to the online learning environment can be daunting. This e-Gems session will show you how to create effective online resources, using online design principles such as the scalable resources/activity/support design framework developed by Professor Ron Oliver and Jan Herrington from Edith Cowan University. You’ll also learn how to identify online alternatives for the activities, supports and resource presentations you currently use for teaching and training.

Date: Monday 25 May 2009When: 12.30pm – 1.30pm (AEST)Where: http://tinyurl.com/cqbqhy
The e-Gems series of webconferecing sessions provide unique learning and networking opportunities that are free and require no registration. For more information and recordings of archived sessions, visit: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/egems

Learning Seat and Diversity@Work

Online training and compliance management company, Learning Seat, today announced a partnership with specialist strategic diversity management consultancy, Diversity@Work.

The partnership sees the two companies co-developing content for a series of programs that educate employees on diversity in the workplace.

Michael Solomon, chief executive officer of Learning Seat said that the partnership with Diversity@Work strengthens Learning Seat’s offering to the market.

“Diversity at work is essential for a strong workplace culture. A blended approach of both online and offline training enables flexibility to achieve organisational learning objectives.

“Combining our current suite of compliance and governance courses with the specialised content from Diversity@Work’s training programs ensures we continue to provide Australian and New Zealand workplaces with the best range of contemporary personnel management support products.

“Diversity@Work is Australia's leading innovator in consultancy services, resources and training for organisations engaged in diversity management and workforce planning. We are excited to be working with them in promoting inclusive workplace cultures across the Australasian region.”

Currently, Learning Seat offers online training courses in the areas of equal employment and sexual harassment; ethics and conduct; corporate governance; health and safety in the workplace; privacy; trades practices and consumer affairs; and recruitment selection. This suite will be expanded as a result of the Diversity@Work partnership.

Mark Heaysman, chief executive officer of Diversity@Work emphasised the importance of diversity within the workplace.

“Creating a diverse, inclusive workplace helps in achieving a company’s strategic and operational objectives. Increased diversity within the workplace provides significant benefit to any employer, through increased innovation and productivity. It is our goal to promote this in as many relevant ways as possible.

“Diversity@Work understands that many organisations are seeking opportunity for blended or online training solutions. Whether to support widely dispersed staff, or to ensure that large numbers of employees gain the same messages at the same time, online training can improve the inclusivity of organisational education. Whilst it isn’t a substitute for face to face, experiential training, online programs certainly provide a cost effective and efficient method to disseminate information.

“By partnering with Learning Seat, our programs can be accessed by hundreds of Australian and New Zealand companies through a user friendly online platform.”

Mr Solomon added “We, like our clients, continue to focus on corporate social responsibility, particularly in the current climate. We are excited that our partnership with Diversity@Work will enable us to support our clients to increase their CSR focus, ensuring they will be recognised as employers of choice.”

The partnership between Learning Seat and Diversity@Work provides both organisations with an opportunity to support their client base, and the broader business community, with access to the latest learning and development products available, assisting their endeavours in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces or communities.

VALBEC AGM and Twilight Forum

This will be held on 18 June 2009 at the City Flinders Campus of Victoria University.

The Forum will be conducted by Dr Mark Brophy, a Fulbright Scholar who will discuss "Community Wide Study Circle Programs - Dialogue to Change".

More than 2700 SA Job Seekers to Gain New Skills

More than $8 million will be invested this year in targeted training to support more than 2,700 South Australian job seekers to gain employment in areas of high skill demand. Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien says the Federal Government’s Productivity Places Program for Job Seekers, worth $40 million over the next four years to SA, will benefit 12,000 job seekers across the state by mid 2012. Employers, industry bodies, employment services and registered training organisations across the state all responded strongly to the call for applications in February this year, Mr O’Brien said.

Joint Supply Training Project - SA

A joint initiative between the State Government and the transport and logistics industry will result in 155 workers being trained in operational supply chain lean principles. Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien says the project will also see 10 young unemployed people receive training and mentoring with a range of industry employers. The Lean Principle and Cadetship Industry Partnership Program is a joint $891,000 initiative under the State Government’s South Australia Works Industry Partnership Program, in collaboration with Transport and Distribution Training SA Inc who will manage the project.

GIPPSTAFE - Training Infrastructure for Broadband Infrastructure

The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, welcomed the announcement of $16.15 million in new training facilities at Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE (GippsTAFE). These new training facilities will be used to help train workers to build the $43 billion National Broadband Network. This means GippsTAFE will supply some of the on average, 25,000 jobs each year it will take to construct a National Broadband Network over the next 8 years. The $16.15 million announcement will mean GippsTAFE can: upgrade its existing telecommunications, gas and electricity training yard that allows trainees to learn how to lay underground and overhead telecommunications cable; build three new state of the art technology training classrooms; and construct a new fibre optic training room.

ALARA Australian Conference 2009

Melbourne, September 18-19


Conference Theme

Living Differently:
Action Researching our way through the Ecological and Economic Meltdown

Hosted by ALARA, the oases Graduate School
and the Borderlands Cooperative

In the midst of successive waves of ‘bad news’ about our global economy and ecology, Action Learning and Action Research practitioners are turning their visions, objectives and methodologies to the newly emerging context. At the same time, many of us also encounter in the communities, organisations and people with whom we work, an inability to fully engage with the new realities. The liberal use of words like ‘sustainability’ may make things seem well, but is the needed response really galvanising? The Conference will explore how our practice theories and epistemologies, participatory strategies and practices, and our learning/research methods and relational approaches, are best able to actively generate the crucial differences we are seeking in our ecological and social contexts and ways of living.
The Conference will be held at the “Augustine Centre” – home to theoases Graduate School, the Borderlands Cooperative, theAction Research Issues Association and the state-wide SPIRAL network
2 Minona Street, Hawthorn (Melbourne)
For more information, please email info@oases.edu.au or phone (03) 9819 3502 or see the ALARA website on http://www.alara.net.au/2009OrganisingConference
Additional information - including registration, hotels, maps, program, etc. - will be available as the preparations for the Conference progress.
Call for proposals - short one-page catalyst papers, abstracts for papers, workshop outlines, roundtables, panels and other creative methods

The Organising Committee will receive proposals from interested individuals and groups till June 8th 2009 for refereed papers and August 1st for all other proposals (please email to info@oases.edu.au with ‘ALARA Conference’ in the subject line; or give us a ring at 03 – 9819 3239). We will let participants know about the acceptance of refereed papers by July 1st 2009 and all other proposals by mid August (please email to info@oases.edu.au with ‘ALARA Conference’ in the subject line; or give us a ring at 03 – 9819 3239).
We will let participants know about the acceptance of those proposals in relation to the program by June 6th 2009.
The ALARA website - http://www.alara.net.au/2009OrganisingConference - lists the AR and AL ‘streams’ and themes we'd like to pursue in the conference. To date, we're looking at:EducationCommunity and International DevelopmentHealth (incl. Mental Health) Community & Human ServicesIndigenous IssuesSystems (including Business and Management) EnvironmentYouth
Additional themes or areas of application of AR and AL are welcome and we are looking forward to receiving additional stream suggestions!
Call for skills development workshops
As well as the two-day conference on the 18th and 19th, we are seeking offers of proposals for fee-for-service skills development workshops on the 17th September in the same location. Workshops may be full-day or half-day presentations.
The pre-conference workshops are geared to people of differing levels of experience – some who'd like to update their action learning, action research skills; others may wish to deepen and consolidate their mastery of the paradigm, as well as catering for beginners planning to use AL, AR and PAR in their practice.
The conference organising committee is keen to hear from anyone who would like to present a workshop.
Please let Jeannette Kavanagh know on jkavanagh@ains.net.au if you'd like to present a workshop; or preferably speak to her about your ideas, calling her on (03) 9509 4227. A third alternative is to register your interest via the link on the ALARA website above. A fourth means of contact is to phone Jacques Boulet at Oases Graduate School on (03) 9819 3239.
_____________________________________
The ALARA 2009 Melbourne conference website is:
http://www.alara.net.au/2009OrganisingConference

__________________________________________

CONFINTEA VI POSTPONED

Postponement of CONFINTEA VISixth International Conference on Adult Education CONFINTEA VIBelém do Pará, BrazilUNESCO National CommissionsPermanent Delegations to UNESCOUNESCO Field Officescc: CONFINTEA VI ParticipantsDear Secretary-General,Excellency,Dear Colleague,Further to my email message of 5 May, I would like, first of all, to thank you for your kind words sharing our disappointment that the conference has been postponed. UNESCO will inform you of the new dates for the conference as soon as possible. Any related information will also be posted on the CONFINTEA website at www.unesco.org/en/confinteavi . For your convenience, please find attached once more the official statement from UNESCO and the Brazilian government which formally gives notice of the conference s postponement. We would also like to draw your attention to the following:AIR TICKETSGiven that the Conference might not take place until the end of this year, we recommend taking necessary steps regarding the cancellation or re-booking of flights, and making respective arrangements with travel agencies. It might be advisable to explore the possibility of changing the dates of booked air tickets and/or re-routing (in case the meeting will be held in another city in Brazil). HOTEL BOOKINGSAll hotels on the Belém list have been informed officially that the conference has been postponed. Please note that participants need to cancel their bookings at least two days before the scheduled commencement of their stay. If this is done on time, they will not face any charges. If participants experience difficulties with cancellation, they should contact Carlos Spezia at the UNESCO Office in Brasilia: confinteabrazil@unesco.org.brDespite the inconveniences caused, I trust that CONFINTEA VI remains an important event in all our schedules and hope that you will be able to attend this meeting in Brazil.Yours sincerelyAdama OuaneDirector / UIL

e-pod in the @CT

Add audio enrich the e-experience

In 2009, the ACT Framework Team will provide free e-learning professional development opportunities for the ACT vocational education and training community (e-pd in the @CT) to assist in embedding e-learning practices. Audio e-tools – Friday 29 May (2 hour morning workshop)
Audio adds to the richness of any e-learning resource.
With the free audio editing program Audacity you can take simple steps such as recording your lectures and making them available via the web through to audio tracks which mesh interviews with music with sound effects.
E-tools: Audio with Audacity is a hands-on workshop that will show you how to record your voice, and how to edit and produce the recording in a web friendly form.
This workshop will use the following audio and podcasting tools:
> Audacity (free digital audio editor application)
> Media on the Move (is a free Australian Flexible Learning Framework guide for teachers to create online casts).
e-tools workshops are free short and sharp hands-on morning workshops which enable practitioners to use e-learning tools and resources to create engaging learning content.
To register for this free audio e-tools workshop on Friday 29 May at CIT Bruce Campus, email kerry.manikis@cit.act.edu.au by cob Tuesday 26 May.
For more information about other upcoming e-pd in the @CT events visit the ACT Framework webpage at http://flexiblelearning.net.au/ACT

A 'champion' model for organisational change

The unpredictable economic environment is forcing business and industry to become more resourceful and efficient in the way they train and retrain staff, with many organisations turning to e-learning as a solution.
A new report highlights the importance of e-learning champions for organisations looking to successfully adopt and embed e-learning.

The report, The impact of e-learning champions on embedding e-learning, has been released by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), and looks at the use of e-learning champions as a change management strategy.
It confirms that successful e-learning champions possess a defined set of characteristics, including:
· Credibility – A champion is skilled in e-learning; shares knowledge, skills and resources; is passionate and tenacious; communicates well; is client focused; and problem solves.
· Support – A champion provides tailored, educationally sound solutions; encourages teachers/trainers to explore e-learning; supports teachers/trainers one-on-one; and reviews and adapts as required.
· Influence – A champion builds capable e-learning teams; creates communities of practice; facilitates peer-to-peer learning; recognises and showcases achievements; and nurtures influential advocates.
· Commitment – A champion makes e-learning part of the strategic plan; ensures e-learning is appropriately resourced; makes e-learning part of teacher/trainer performance plans; and provides opportunities and time to learn, experiment and review e-learning tools and products.
The report also outlines common activities and guidelines adopted by e-learning champions to successfully facilitate the uptake of e-learning within their organisation.
The study has a firm message for employers looking to harness the benefits of e-learning, warning:
· E-learning champions are often better recognised for their work outside of their organisation than within it.
· Champions of e-learning cannot alone embed e-learning in their organisation, industry or community. To sustain e-learning, managers and policy makers must assist and build organisational cultures and work processes that support innovation and the work of e-learning champions.
The Framework's Benchmarking and Research Business Manager, Annie Fergusson, said there was clear evidence that e-learning champions are a significant component of an e-learning strategy.
“The champions provide a clear focus for sustaining e-learning within an organisation, acting as advocates, building staff capability and modelling approaches that provide engaging and positive experiences for learners.”
The study focuses on three e-learning champion case studies:
Integrating e-learning into the dual diagnosis mental health services industry, GippsTAFE, Victoria.
Impacting on Indigenous communities, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Mankungthjatjara APY TAFE, South Australia.
Engaging the heads, hearts and hands of staff, Tasmanian Polytechnic, Tasmania.
To view the executive summary, report, and case studies, visit the Benchmarking and Research web page.

Major Training Agreement in NSW

The signing of a breakthrough agreement between TAFE NSW and l4 Local Aboriginal Land Councils in the State's north will deliver a whole new range of training programs to Aboriginal people throughout the Northern Region of New South Wales. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed on behalf of TAFE NSW by its Director, Mr Paul Callaghan and NSW Aboriginal Land Council Deputy Chair and representative of the Northern Region, Councillor Tom Briggs at the Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council, near Quirindi, on Friday, May 15. The MOU signals an important formal training relationship between TAFE NSW and the 14 regional land councils that covers such communities as Coonabarabran, Tamworth, Walhallow, Armidale, Dorrigo Plateau, Glen Innes, Ashford and Guyra.

Tocal campuses receive a boost

NSW Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald welcomed news the Department’s Primary Industries’ Tocal College would receive $5.5 million, through the Education Infrastructure Fund. Minister Macdonald said the announcement, which was included in the Federal Government budget papers, will be well received by students and staff at Tocal’s Paterson and Yanco campuses.

SA training organisations receive a boost

The State Government has allocated $715,000 over the next two years to eight registered training organisations in South Australia to help young people develop the skills they need to gain an apprenticeship or traineeship. Employment, Training and Further Education Minister, Michael O’Brien, says a new round of the two-year Pre-Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program (PAT aims to support 180 jobseekers in targeted skills shortage areas.

Global Award for QTImPlayer

The developers of the QTImPlayer have received a Leadership Award at the 2009 IMS Global Learning Impact Awards held this week in Barcelona, Spain.

Judges at the international awards, which recognise outstanding applications of technology that address significant challenges facing education and training, commended the QTImPlayer for leading the way in the relatively new question and test interoperability (QTI) standards field and encouraged the developers to continue their innovative work.

Developed by Tasmanian Polytechnic with funding and support from the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), the QTImPlayer allows teachers and trainers to remotely assess learners on-the-job, using evidence gathered electronically.

Using the QTImPlayer mobile device, learners can complete multiple-choice, short and extended-answer questions for assessment in the workplace. Their results are then packaged with any additional evidence and automatically emailed to their training provider’s learner management or human resource system. Results can also be sent to the learner and their employer if needed.

Tasmanian Polytechnic’s Manager of Learning Technology, Peter Higgs, said that it was an honour to represent Australian vocational education and training at the awards, and that Tasmanian Polytechnic is already developing further enhancements to the QTImPlayer.

“Last year, we trialled the QTImPlayer with camera glasses, allowing learners to video record themselves performing workplace tasks, and submit this video evidence for assessment.

“In 2009, we’re working to further improve the QTImPlayer with an online recognition tool, as part of a national online RPL (recognition of prior learning) and e-portfolio system.”

The online recognition tool will improve compatibility between enrolment, assessment and e-portfolio systems. This will make it easier for teachers and trainers to view a learner’s enrolment data for the purpose of creating training plans, and helping learners to track their progress and apply for RPL.

Teachers and trainers wanting to learn more about mobile workplace assessment using the QTImPlayer can register to attend a free webconferencing session, hosted by the Framework, on 22 June 2009. More information will be available shortly at: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/egems

For more information about Tasmanian Polytechnic’s 2008 QTImPlayer and camera glasses trial, visit: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-standards

Training gains $47.4 million stimulus in WA

Training Minister Peter Collier said the State Government would allocate $47.4million in the next three years as part of the economic stimulus package for training. The Government has also introduced workers compensation rebates to help all employers, particularly small businesses, take on and retain first-year apprentices and trainees enrolled in Certificate III and above qualifications.

VET Reforms

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard has welcomed the Council of Australian Governments' in-principle support for the establishment of a national regulatory body for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. The Minister also welcomed support for the formation of a new Ministerial Council, the Ministerial Council for Tertiary Education and Employment. All Australian governments have committed to ensuring young Australians under the age of 25 have an entitlement to an education or training place to improve their qualifications and ensure they are properly skilled for when the economy begins to recover. A single national regulatory body will provide stronger and more cohesive national regulatory arrangements for VET.

Older Australians & Digital Technology

Age is the most significant driver of internet use in the home,according to an Australian Communications and Media Authority report.The report indicates that nearly three out of four people (specifically,73 per cent) have a home internet connection and 87 per cent of thepopulation have used the internet. In contrast, only 48 per cent ofpeople aged 65 and over have the internet at home and 44 per cent havenever used the internet. The report indicates that lack of interest orcost remains the most frequently reported reasons for not using theinternet. As well as age, there are a number of other factors whichaffect the willingness to subscribe to an internet or broadband service at home, including educational level, work status, occupation, incomeand living arrangements.

e-gems webconferencing sessions

If you’re looking to find strategies that can help you to integrate e-learning into your education and training, or to discover how to design effective online learning resources, then check out the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s e-Gems webconferencing sessions in May. E-solutions @ Central West TAFE - How to embed e-learning in your organisationDate: Thursday 14 May 2009When: 12:00pm – 1:00pm (AEST)Where: http://tinyurl.com/c6aufl From the classroom to the web - Creating and identifying effective online resourcesDate: Monday 25 May 2009When: 12:30pm – 1:30pm (AEST)Where: http://tinyurl.com/cqbqhy

VET Reload Tool

The new version of the VET Reload tool has just been released and is now available on the e-standards website:
http://e-standards.flexiblelearning.net.au/tools.htm

$10.3 Million Boost for Volunteering

Fifty Volunteer Resource Centres around Australia will benefit from $10.3 million in Australian Government funding to support a skilled, well-trained and well-resourced volunteer workforce. Celebrating National Volunteer Week, the Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin, and Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Ursula Stephens, said this funding will provide support to the Volunteer Resource Centres over the next two years. The funding will help enhance skills, training and resources in the volunteer sector and improve the capacity of the non-profit sector to deliver training to our volunteers.

Income Support for those facing hardship

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Julia Gillard and Minister for Employment Participation Brendan O'Connor said from 1 July 2009, the Rudd Government will invest $4.2 million to change the asset test hardship rules to make it easier for people to access income support payments. The changes announced in the Budget increase the limit on the amount of readily available funds people can have when seeking to have an unrealisable asset disregarded. This measure is part of the Government's Jobs and Training Compact.

Investing in Apprentices

Minister for Education Julia Gillard said the Government is investing $3.8 billion over four years to support apprenticeships and traineeships to ensure that we continue to build the national skills to grow as the nation recovers from the global recession. Existing financial incentives under the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program will streamlined. The Government is re-aligning these payments to benefit the 429,800 Australian Apprentices and their employers.

Investing in Tertiary Education and Research Infrastructure

The Rudd Government will inject almost $3 billion into tertiary education and innovation infrastructure through the Education Investment Fund (EIF). the Government has approved 31 projects selected from over 160 applications received through Round 2 of the EIF worth $934 million.

Investing in a fair and productive Australia

Minister for Workplace Relations and Employment Julia Gillard said the Rudd Government will invest in education, training, jobs, workplace relations and support for the disadvantaged to secure a fair and productive Australia for the future.

Training in the Budget

With unemployment forecast to rise to 8.5%, the vocational education and training (VET) sector is set to play a critical role in the Federal Government's economic recovery program according to Group Training Australia (GTA), the single largest network employing over 40,000 apprentices and trainees. Over the four year Budget estimates, additional funding of $0.5 billion will be targeted to VET initiatives. GTA Chief Executive Officer, Jim Barron said the VET sector is encouraged by the news that it will continue to play a key role in the economic recovery.

Budget Boost For TAFE

Australia's TAFE Institutes have welcomed the funding boost for the Education Investment Fund (EIF), and widening structural adjustment funding to all Higher Education providers, in the 2009 Federal Budget. Extra sustainability funding in the new 'Green Skills' pledges will also motivate TAFE Institutes to further strengthen sustainability training and skills for traditional and wider skill areas. Streamlining proposed to Australian Apprenticeship funding, along with new 'Tools for Trade' apprenticeship funding will also be welcome. The Government's retention of pre-apprenticeship programs was also pleasing.

GOVERNMENT BOOST FOR TAFE

Australia's TAFE Institutes have welcomed the funding boost for the Education Investment Fund (EIF), and widening structural adjustment funding to all Higher Education providers, in the 2009 Federal Budget. Extra sustainability funding in the new 'Green Skills' pledges will also motivate TAFE Institutes to further strengthen sustainability training and skills for traditional and wider skill areas. Streamlining proposed to Australian Apprenticeship funding, along with new 'Tools for Trade' apprenticeship funding will also be welcome. The Government's retention of pre-apprenticeship programs was also pleasing.

TRAINING IN THE BUDGET

With unemployment forecast to rise to 8.5%, the vocational education and training (VET) sector is set to play a critical role in the Federal Government's economic recovery program according to Group Training Australia (GTA), the single largest network employing over 40,000 apprentices and trainees. Over the four year Budget estimates, additional funding of $0.5 billion will be targeted to VET initiatives. GTA Chief Executive Officer, Jim Barron said the VET sector is encouraged by the news that it will continue to play a key role in the economic recovery.

Dietitians Association of Australia seeking Council members for new Australian Dietetics Council

The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is a not-for-profit, professional member association representing dietitians, student dietitians and associate members (nutritionists and nutrition scientists). DAA is responsible for the accreditation of university dietetic programs (currently 16) across Australia.

In addition, DAA is authorised to act as a Skills Assessing Authority to administer the recognition of overseas dietetic qualifications program on behalf of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

A number of emerging issues: the impending National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for Health Professions by the Australian Government; the dramatically increasing number of dietetic programs (from 7 programs to 16 in the past decade) and a desire to improve the sustainability and ongoing quality of these DAA services has led to the introduction of the Australian Dietetics Council (ADC), a new Council for accreditation and recognition services that will provide high level advice to the DAA Board on issues relating to accreditation and recognition services.

We are seeking three external members to sit on this Council. One of the external members will ideally be a professional Education Representative. This person will bring a broader professional education perspective and have an understanding of the three stages of education: undergraduate, post graduate and continuing professional development..

The Council will meet approx 4 times a year (probably two face to face meetings and two by teleconference). DAA meets all travel/phone costs incurred. Although we do not pay members of the Council as such, external members are offered a ‘sitting fee’ in line with the Federal Government’s Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Part Time Public Office.

For further information go to www.daa.asn.au >> News and Events >> Australian Dietetic Council or use this link http://www.daa.asn.au/index.asp?PageID=2145871135. The relevant documents are Accreditation and Recognition Services Synopsis, Australian Dietetics Council Terms of Reference and Australian Dietetics Council Selection Criteria.

Inquiries can be directed to Fiona Engeler, Recognition and Accreditation Coordinator on 02 6163 5200 or via fengeler@daa.asn.au.
Applications for the dietetic positions have closed. Applications for the non-dietetic positions close 22 May.

Promoting Education in our Communities

Hear Ron Anderson's presentationon 'Promoting Education in our Communities' along with many other interesting sector experts at: The National Community Education and Participation Conference 2009

August Conference

The biennial TAFE in Rural and Isolated Communities will be held in Port Lincoln SA from 5-7 August 2009. This conference in particular showcases the work being done by our Regional TAFE campuses and the innovative ways in which they deal with geographic challenges and thin markets.

The website which support this conference has just been launched at: http://www.tricconference.org.au/

A call for presenters and registrations for attendees are currently being called for.

e-gems webconferencing sessions

If you’re looking to find strategies that can help you to integrate e-learning into your education and training, or to discover how to design effective online learning resources, then check out the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s e-Gems webconferencing sessions in May.

E-solutions @ Central West TAFE - How to embed e-learning in your organisation
Date: Thursday 14 May 2009
When: 12:00pm – 1:00pm (AEST)
Where: http://tinyurl.com/c6aufl

From the classroom to the web - Creating and identifying effective online resources
Date: Monday 25 May 2009
When: 12:30pm – 1:30pm (AEST)
Where: http://tinyurl.com/cqbqhy

See the attached flyer, or visit http://flexiblelearning.net.au/egems for more information.

NCVER New Reports

Regenerating the Australian landscape of professional VET practice
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_Jane Figgis_
This publication explores both the characteristics and examples of innovative
teaching and learning practice in Australia. It is based on discussions with
practitioners and vocational education and training (VET) managers responsible
for teaching and learning. It found that improvements in teaching and learning
practice arise from a perceived need to change.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2136.html
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Innovation in teaching and learning in VET: International perspectives
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_Yvonne Hillier_
This publication explores both the characteristics and examples of innovative
teaching and learning practice internationally. It found that technologies can
be used to support networks of practitioners and resource banks to foster
better professional practice and help practitioners exchange ideas and
resources.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2137.html
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Reflections on the tertiary education sector in Australia
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_Tom Karmel_
The split between higher education and vocational education and training (VET)
in Australia is not clean. This paper discusses a number of aspects of this
tertiary education sector such as the Australian Qualifications Framework
(AQF), the qualifications offered by the three education sectors: schools,
higher education and VET, student characteristics of the two sectors, a
characterisation of higher education and VET, and student movement between the
two sectors. This paper was presented to the LH Martin Institute for Higher
Education Leadership and Management in November 2008.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2115.html
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What is 'social capital' and how can vocational education and training help
develop it?
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_Suellen Priest_
Recent research in the vocational education and training (VET) sector shows
that students are gaining a range of benefits from their studies, beyond
expected course outcomes. Students are developing new networks and are gaining
confidence and self esteem. The networks and trust developed by students can
also be referred to as 'social capital'. This paper discusses the concept of
social capital and examines the link between it and VET.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2113.html

VET Funding Round Proposals

Researchers with innovative ideas are invited to submit a proposal for
funding. Projects should be relevant to the contemporary environment and focus
on research that is pertinent to policy and practice. Funding for several
research projects in the vicinity up to $100,000 per project is available
through a competitive selection process. Be quick; proposals must be submitted
by close of business 11 May 2009. For further information visit the web
address below or contact Renee Lukeman on + 61 8 8230 8661 or via email.
renee.lukeman@ncver.edu.au
http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/tenders.html

NCVER Appointment

Francesca Beddie has been appointed General Manager, Research at NCVER. The
former diplomat took up her previous role of Manager, Research Management at
NCVER in 2007. From 2002 to 2004 she was the Executive Director of Adult
Learning Australia and has also worked as a policy and media consultant,
trainer, historian and editor. Francesca said that she is looking forward to
contributing to strengthening the evidence base for VET policy and enhancing
NCVER's relations with all those involved in education and training.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/mr/2009/2009may04.html

Craigieburn Library & Learning Centre

Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local government, and Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation and Research, today announced that the Rudd Labor Government has offered nearly $9.5 million towards the $14.7 million new library and learning centre at Craigieburn in Victoria.Minister Carr was in Craigieburn today for the announcement with Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou and Hume City Council Mayor, Jack Ogilvie.The funding is part of our $800 million Community Infrastructure Program – the largest one-off investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history.
The Rudd Government is investing in major community projects like this to support jobs and stimulate local economies during the global economic recession.
It is about supporting jobs for today by building on the infrastructure for tomorrow.
It will provide an up-to-date and high quality facility for children, young people and adults for the more than 157,000 residents in the area.
The project, which is being managed by the Hume City Council, will create a contemporary community library and learning centre to serve as an information hub, learning space and meeting place.
The redevelopments will include spaces for:
- General browsing and loans collections;
- Reference books and materials and other user services, reading and study areas, technology services such as free public Internet access and IT Training;
- Library services, including the entrance foyer, public facilities, service desks, storerooms, and mobile library garage; and
- Learning activities, such as conference and meeting areas, kitchen, to deliver children and adult learning programs, a children’s storytelling amphitheatre, print and technology literacy programs, community information and advice services.
The Craigieburn Library and Learning Centre project will promote social inclusion and lifelong learning for disadvantaged members of the community.
The funding announced today builds on the $1.63 million we have already delivered for nine local infrastructure projects in the Hume City Council.
It brings Rudd Government investment in Hume City Council’s community infrastructure to more than $11 million.
Nearly 70 per cent of the stimulus package is on infrastructure, with construction of projects already underway. More than 3,000 projects are being funded by the Government’s Community Infrastructure Program across Australia to support jobs and benefits in communities.

CONFINTEA VI POSTPONED

CONFINTEA VI has been postponed due to the swine flu - it will be held in Brazil on a date to be confirmed later this year.

Automotive Computer Laboratory in WA

A state-of-the-art computer laboratory at Challenger TAFE's Automotive Technology Skills Centre in Kwinana is giving students an accelerated pathway into the automotive industry. Training Minister Peter Collier said the interactive learning equipment allowed students to test engines and diagnose problems in areas such as the air-conditioning, electronic ignition or lighting system.

WA Online Water Education Tools

The Department of Water has launched WA's first online catalogue of water learning resources.
Designed for teachers and students, the new Water Education Tools website covers a wide range of contemporary topics from water recycling and groundwater management to climate change.
Launching the project at Applecross Senior High School, Dr Jacobs said that the resource was an important step forward in stimulating interest and improving knowledge about the important role water played in the environment.
"This is an exciting project that breaks down the barriers to accessing information, and will help our students gain a greater understanding of the critical issues surrounding the future of water in Australia," Dr Jacobs said.
"Engaging young people to help them learn more about water and providing teacher resources that link water issues to the curriculum will elevate the quality of water education in the state."
The interactive multimedia portal built by the Department of Water, brings together resources from a range of water stakeholders in a single portal accessible through the department's website. The tool has different pathways to help teachers and students find the resources they need quickly and easily. Students can search by year, group and topic while teaching resources are catalogued and linked directly to the curriculum.
The catalogue includes downloads, posters, activities and video with water-related information for society and environment, science and geography subjects. Initially the majority of resources will be more suitable for high school students, but the number and spread of resources will continue to grow throughout the year.
Water Education Tools was developed by the Department of Water with guidance from the Curriculum Council and the Department of Education and Training.
See it in action at www.water.wa.gov.au