3.Facilitators Training Plan
NextWhat is LearnScope?
LearnScope is a professional development initiative, funded by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) as part of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework 2000-2004. LearnScope projects aim to encourage and support vocational education and training practitioners within Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to meet clients needs by developing skills and capabilities required to apply new learning technologies to flexible learning and delivery.
Aim
* To have all ACE organizations in the Goulburn Ovens Murray region with a strong level of skills in the use of internet & email.
* To increase the awareness & uptake of flexible delivery in the current delivery in ACE organizations. This includes a multitude of resources, such as online, CD's, toolboxes, paper-based and web-based, on-campus, off-campus and a combination of the two
* Encourage participation in follow-up exercises,(prizes),Communication via MC2 community & participation in planned work shops & continued PD
* Delivery of a 3 hour session, to individual organization at their own premises. Scope to deliver the individual needs that have been identified in evaluation
Teaching & learning objectives for participants
* The program will cover basic Internet & e-mail skills as identified by the individual needs that have been identified in evaluation prior to visit
* The program will explore the Virtual Learning Community, use websites such as Acenet, which has some online beginner courses for the Internet. It will explore some of the existing courses that are available through platforms such as TAFE VC. Areas covered will depend on interest & current skill level of participants
* The program will aim to contextualise online & other flexible delivery, such as CD's, to the type of delivery already conducted by the organization. Participants should have an understanding of the variations, mixes, advantages & challenges of flexible delivery, in relation to delivery modes, location & skills of both trainer & learner, and the requirements of a Centre to deliver in relation to resources & skills.
Part 1: To have all ACE organizations in the Goulburn Ovens Murray region with a strong level of skills in the use of internet & email.
As required: in relation to individual skills assessment evaluation.
General support & training in relation to Internet skills-skills to communicate using email, forums, technology etc.
Support available from VICNET-Internet Courses, Train the trainer & MC2.
Technology required & technology issues
- Folders
- Virus protection
- Send/reply/forward/delete
- attachments
- Address book
- General etiquette: it is instant, without emotion, should acknowledge mail promptly
- Setup-options: out of office, signature etc
- copying & pasting URLS into word documents etc
Internet overview
- Searching
- Favorites
- Moving around: Links, back, forward, typing in addresses
- Filling in forms on-line (do exercise later to join MC2 Community & register for TAFE frontiers newsletter
Part 2: To increase the awareness & uptake of flexible delivery in the current delivery in ACE organizations.
Introduction to flexible delivery/learning concepts
What is flexible delivery? ( from Macquarie Sydney University site: http://www.cfl.mq.edu.au/index.html
Flexible learning aims to meet individual needs by providing choices that allow students to meet their own educational requirements in ways suiting their individual circumstances. Choices may be offered in:
*time and/or place of study - opportunities to study on- and off-campus or combinations of both;
*learning styles and preferences - the availability of a range of learning resources and tasks to suit individual needs;
*contextualised learning - the ability to tailor some or all of the learning content, process, outcomes or assessment to individual circumstances;
*access - flexible entry requirements, multiple annual starting points, recognition of prior learning, articulation between programs of study and cross-crediting arrangements;
*pace - unit completion on the basis of achievement of specified competencies rather than according to a pre-determined calendar;
*progression - flexible progression requirements and teaching periods allowing accelerated or delayed completion of study; and
*learning pathways - degree requirements allowing choice in programs of study.
The student-centred approach underpinning flexible learning requires different teaching methodologies and also different relationship between teachers and students. In comparison to traditional educational models, flexible learning is broadly characterised by:
*less reliance on face-to-face teaching and more emphasis on guided independent learning; * teachers become facilitators of the learning process directing students to appropriate resources, tasks and learning outcomes.
* greater reliance on high quality learning resources using a range of technologies (e.g., print, CD-ROM, video, audio, the Internet)
greater opportunities to communicate outside traditional teaching times
* an increasing use of information technology (IT). Flexible learning is not synonymous with the use of IT but IT is often central to much of the implementation of flexible learning, for example in delivering learning resources, providing a communications facility, administering units and student assessment, and hosting student support systems.
* the deployment of multi-skilled teams. Rather than the academics responsible undertaking all stages of unit planning, development, delivery, assessment and maintenance, other professionals are often required to provide specific skills, for example in instructional design, desktop publishing, web development and administration and maintenance of programs.
Intro: Research commissioned under the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (AFL) reveals much about the changing VET market, how providers should respond to these new settings and challenges. See: The Changing Australian market for VET on line at: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/national/np_news.htm
& Marketing tools & Modules for VET online is at:
http://flexiblelearning.net.au/national/np_resrc.htm
These are downloadable files
Research shows that the field of E-learning in VET, is dominated by the 'product centric', 'technology centric' and 'instructional-design centric'. The research showed that a marketing approach should be more prominent, as marketing is about the basics, such as identifying whether there is any market demand. You can have the best online products, the best technology and best instructional design in the world, but if there is insufficient market demand you are wasting your time and money.
Quality e-learning will eventually find its rightful place within a quality mix of educational strategies.
Discuss the considerations and options for flexible learning:
We are not trying to push online learning, but rather discuss and research the opportunities and mixes we can use to deliver curriculum and courses flexibly. The cost of setting up online courses can be expensive-but there are many courses already available, and also courses that have been set up can be customized, as apposed to re-inventing the wheel
Eg. Think about tutor costs in running classes with small numbers. Can you support this group with CD and text?
Can you combine a couple of different programs with one tutor overseeing a class using combinations of online, CDs, text?
Look at the program's needs. Are their alternatives that will deliver as well or better, can you attract a new or bigger clientele if you offer flexibility in training? What are your clients needs? Who are your clients? What staff PD will you need to set in place? Is there organizational vision for flexible learning?
Are there cost benefits to your organization?
Is your technology of suitable standard?
Could you provide support off premises, in combination with f2f on site?(In relation to client market)
Some simple examples of how an organization may develop and support current programs could be: a small neighborhood house runs a basic cookery class - the Internet can provide some wonderful recipes. Another example could be the use of a CD to deliver programs such as Food Handling, in a Centre, which would normally not get the numbers to run such a program.
* Now look at one of the resources: Introductory Guide Flexways manual. This guide and flexways site has a guide to planning you own PD online. You will need to register in order to do this. A printed copy has been included in your kit. Look at: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/ and click on flexways link on Left Hand menu-then from flexways page, select from the top menu items)
* About Flexible Learning
This area of the FlexWays site provides a resource of information on Flexible Learning in theory and in practice.
The following information & further links will allow you to research at your leisure.
* FLO: Flexible Learning Options Swinburne University of Technology Learning and Teaching Support
http://www.swin.edu.au/lts/ed_dev/flex.htm
This site is designed to support decision making about flexible learning techniques and technologies. It maps flexible learning options against learning and assessment theories and against available techniques and technologies.
* Design for Learning James Cook University - Academic Support Division
http://www.tld.jcu.edu.au/general/handbook/
This site is designed to teach you some of the principles of developing materials for flexible learning and provide links to some excellent online resources about flexible learning and web design.
* Practical Pointers to Flexible Learning Phil Race, University of Durham, UK, 1996
http://www.lgu.ac.uk/deliberations/flex.learning/race_fr.html
* A concise, easy to read introduction to issues in flexible learning. The topics covered include:
Why go flexible
Tips for flexible learners
Planning and using flexible learning
Getting started writing flexible learning materials
Quality checklist for flexible learning materials
Flexible Delivery - What is it and why is it a part of current educational debate? Ted Nunan, Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Annual Conference 1996
http://www.lgu.ac.uk/deliberations/flex.learning/nunan_fr.html
This paper is a good discussion on different, sometimes conflicting meanings and interpretations of flexible learning.
* Australian VET Sites about Flexible Learning and Flexible Delivery Flexible Learning Advisory Group
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/
This site hosts the various national projects funded under the ANTA Australian Flexible Learning Framework
PD strategies
Learning styles
Finding resources
* Flexible Delivery Flexible Learning Professional Development Site
http://www.tafe.sa.edu.au
SA TAFE Learning Systems and Resources Standing Committee (LSRSC)
This site also has a checklist of skills and some information on work based professional development strategies. It includes some case studies of flexible learning approaches in Soldering, Heavy Vehicles and Clothing, Textiles and Footwear.
* TAFE Teachers Online (VIC)
http://www.tafevc.com/vet/
This is the Toolbox Central site - worth a look.
Some photocopied resources in your kit
Frontiers Newsletter articles:
* Information on how teachers/providers can gain new skills (courses to build e-moderation skills)
* Spreading the word
* Resource Review (photocopy) from The Frontiers Newsletter. Contacts listed in newsletter, also see on Tafe frontiers website
http://www.tafefrontiers.com.au/
*Note: Flexible Learning week will be Aug 12-16, with conference on Aug 15th-there is a note in your kit. Now that the conference is over, you can check the conference papers which were presented on this site
*Do an online exercise or two!
1.Register with 'My Connected Community' on http://mc2.vicnet.net.au
and then join the Goulburn Ovens Murray LearnScope Community & also check out my website, at mc2.vicnet.net.au/users/womenweb
2.Look at site http://www.tafefrontiers.com.au/
Note: this years conference-dates & other PD opportunities * Have a look at reports and presentations from the TAFE frontiers & VISTA forum on 30 August 2001 from this page.
*I suggest you subscribe to Tafe frontiers newsletter, if you don't already.
On this site you can download recent newsletters
3.* Exercise- register for Tafe Frontiers fortnightly e-newsletter, for the latest releases of resources etc. Do this from the home page.(click on link on Left Hand menu) Do scroll down this home page, there is much valuable information available from this site. Resources, links, people, organizations, toolboxes. We will look at tool boxes a bit later.
More resources including catalogues, CD's, tolboxes & online support
* Discuss, share & look at the Tafe Frontiers Flexible Learning Materials Catalogue (in your kit)
*Note: These flexible learning materials compliment the Tafe Frontiers on-line catalogue. Also note at back of catalogue there is TAFE VC & WEB CT information. At the workshops to be conducted at conclusion of Learnscope PD, there will be presentations in TAFE VC & Toolboxes
http://www.tafefrontiers.com.au/catalogue
http://www.tafevc.com.au/teacher/rescat.html
* Finding resources- printed page from Flexways site (www.flexiblelearning.net.au then flexways link)
* Resources from subscriptions to various lists eg. VET & ACE E-news. For web version: www.edna.edu.au/vet/news (on floppy disk in your kit)
* Multilingual pack (some info in your kit.)
* Acenet resources. http://www.acenetfln.net/
(-click on Beginners Guide to the Internet & it will take you to basic internet stuff and also Orientation to the TAFEVC ) Learn all about the TAFEVC, what it means to be an online student and the delivery package the TAFEVC uses, WEBCT.
* TAFEVC home page - TAFE Virtual Campus. Look at this site. I have a shell set up for this project (Learnscope Training). Use your TAFE VC Global ID to enter
* http://www.acs.org.au/
for SmartForce software. International Computer Drivers Licence in LH menu. Donna Upson delivers this Phone; 9925 1358
* Newspapers/Education Guides etc.
* Technology sites eg Dell, Adobe, Vet etc
* Look at a few CD's, (Look at CGEA CD. Cost: $22 ), & some text resource modules (From my kit only)
* On-line tools ; E-mail; Bulletin Board; Quiz; FAQs; On-line presentations (OHTs, audio, video); Supply links to typical websites,
http://www.tafefrontiers.com.au/static/OnlyConnect/works/content_16_online.htm
* We have provided a Tafe froniers CD in your kit which has a great amount of information relating to and supporting flexible learning & delivery - take time to view this. You may burn as many copies as you like courtesy Tafe frontiers.
* Welcome to the Toolbox Champions' Home page http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/champions/index.htm
The 'Toolbox Champions' is a service to assist in the successful implementation of Flexible Learning Toolboxes. Each Toolbox is a collection of online learning resources integrated with teaching strategies and implementation guides. Toolboxes are designed to support the delivery of training package qualifications.
* Note: workshop in Nov-opportunity to meet with Peter Robertson, Toolbox champion & to check out the tool boxes etc (www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox probertson@kangan.edu.au Kangan Batman TAFE 9254 3055)
* A toolbox to try out
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/series3/index.htm
*Have a go at the Children's Services toolbox - it really is a ripper. You need to scroll down far enough to get beyond the box, which talks about what resources you've got (Flash etc). Click on Model Website and go from there. Note: Series 4 is now out!
I thought you might be interested in these case studies.
Benefit from Case Studies in Flexible Learning
Sixteen case studies focussing on flexible learning solutions have been funded.
To find out more go to:
www.tafefrontiers.com.au/flexible/site/casestudies.htm
CONCLUSION & REVIEW:
As part of the project, a community has been set up, which will allow for activities to take place between the face to face training and the workshop. These will include scavenger hunts and games.
1. To assist with communication and support we will join Provider to the MC2 community Goulburn Ovens Murray Learnscope) Trish has set up. Note its name, and remember your password. http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/
You will need to register with MC2 before being able to join the Community :Goulburn Ovens Murray Learnscope-under Education, then Adult & Further education.
2. Questions from participants
3. Leave Kit including various manuals and notes,CD, Floppy disk with some websites etc
4. Some questions an organization may ask itself when planning flexible delivery and Learning. what support/skills, needs, marketing, hardware/software, assessment/types of students etc
5. Exercises Trish would like you to do-encourage feedback. Email Trish
6. Advise of follow-up
* Email to/from Trish Curtis, Regional Development Officer, Goulburn Ovens Murray ACFE, 13 Lowry Place , Benalla Vic 3672 , Phone: (03) 5762 4655 , Fax: (03) 5762 5397 . Email: curtis.patricia.r@edumail.vic.gov.au , Web: www.gomacfe.net
* MC2 forums etc where you can communicate, raise issues, discuss, chat, share ideas/experiences etc
* Once this face to face training has been concluded, 3 x 4-hour workshops will be held across the Region. The aim of these workshops will be to summarise the training that has been conducted, and have a forum for discussion of any issues and thoughts that have been experienced throughout the training. Included also in these workshops will be presentations by various organisations such as TAFE frontiers, who will introduce participants to TAFE VC, and the Toolbox Champion, who will showcase various Toolboxes, resources developed to assist in the delivery of various training packages. Dates: Friday 8 Nov(MACE-Mansfield), 15 Nov(Shepp ACE), & 22 Nov (Albury CEC)-all sessions from 10am-2pm. Choose the one closest to you.
Next: 4. Working Definitions of Flexible Delivery & Learning
 |
|
