TAFE Online Stage 2 - More than just online…
During its first year TAFE Online 2 (TOL2) researched the eLearning environment, engaged teachers and support staff in new technology and professional development projects and commenced TOL1 learning materials enhancement and updating.
The research included an environmental scan to determine the level of use of online learning materials and learning technologies in TAFE NSW, and a commissioned research report to bring together a global view of emerging practices in VTE teaching and learning using technology. This second report provides some high level recommendations in relation to future directions for technology and learning.
TOL2 supported participation in the online TCC Conference in June and was successful in gaining a LearnScope Project, Innovation
on the Ground, involving teams from each Institute across TAFE NSW. The teams explored new technologies with students, including Web2.0 collaboration tools (blogs, wikis, del.icio.us), virtual classroom and web conferencing, digital video and Australian Flexible Learning Framework (AFLF) Toolboxes. The teams are sharing their learning experiences through blogs and a TOL2 EdNA Group. The teams also participated in the eLearning06 event organised by ICVET and the AFLF team at Randwick on 19-20 October.
Another exciting project, the Access to New Technologies Project, is exploring a range of new technologies through trials of wireless networks, web conferencing, video conferencing and mobile devices (pda, iPod, mobile phones, rfid devices). Every Institute is involved, with each conducting a number of trials. To date, the hardware for the trials has been purchased and professional development plans developed. Some professional development activities have been organised centrally by Project Manager Chrishna Dixon, around common technologies such as wireless networks and iPods. The project also incorporates a trial of the web conferencing software, ‘Breeze Meeting’. An evaluation team has been contracted to collect and analyse data on the impact and outcomes of the trials and a statewide showcase is planned for 18 May 2007.
In addition, the TOL2 Steering Committee has commissioned the Centre for Learning Innovation (CLI) to undertake the enhancement of selected TAFE Online 1 learning materials. After consultation with Institutes and the Curriculum Centres, the following products have been selected for an initial enhancement project:
- Senior First Aid
- Certificate III in Communication (5 units)
- Certificate II in Animal Studies (10 units)
- Certificate IV in IT (Network Management) (14 units)
- LPG Gas Conversion units (3 units)
- Prepare for eLearning
The Steering Committee, under the leadership of its Chair, Kevin Harris, Director Northern Sydney Institute, has formulated a three year program plan, informed by its research, to focus the work of the TAFE Online 2 Program. This plan, which was endorsed by TPEG at its October meeting, will support TAFE NSW directions and provide a vehicle for change to improve our flexibility and responsiveness to customer needs.
Your input
A forum has been organised to provide an opportunity for Institutes to be informed of, and value-add to, the TAFE Online 2 Plan. The forum, The Future of Our Business: teaching and learning with technology, is an important opportunity to engage in the TOL2 Program and ensure that it meets the needs of Institute business.
At the forum, senior and middle managers and head teachers will network with colleagues from across TAFE, sharing ideas for local plans to address the role of technology in our Business of VTE delivery. Workshops will be conducted to enable participants to value-add to projects proposed by the TOL2 Steering Committee, as well as contribute ideas for projects that align with the TOL2 Plan and Institute needs.
Further information about TAFE Online 2 activities can be obtained from Institute contacts, or contact
Vicki Marchant
Interim Manager TOL2
Ph 02 6938 1455
Email vicki.marchant@tafensw.edu.au