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wynlearn.net.au
wyndham's gateway to lifelong learning

Within Find Learning you can:

  • Browse or search a calendar of learning opportunities within Wyndham by clicking on the When & Where text. This section allows you to narrow your search down according to several things including; your learning interests, a favourite provider, or the time of day you would prefer to attend sessions/events. To start the ball rolling with booking into a learning opportunity, you will need to register (see the My WynLearn section below).
  • Find details for Learning Providers in your area by clicking on the Who text and then clicking on a suburb of Wyndham.

Once you've seen what's being offered locally, you might like to get involved in the community of learning within Wyndham by using the Engage in Learning tools. There are a couple of different sections in here:

  • By clicking on the Connect text, you can get a picture of the discussion about learning that's happening within Wyndham currently. After registering with the site (see the My WynLearn box below) you will be able to post your own topics to the forum and start shaping learning in your community.
  • Clicking on the Explore text gives you access to articles that have been published on the site, as well as news feeds about adult and community education within Australia and links to other relevant organisations locally.

The My WynLearn box is the place to register as a user of the site and start customising WynLearn according to your learning interests. This simply involves clicking on the Register text and filling in a brief form. You will then be sent a password via email which enables you to log in. Logging into WynLearn entitles you to:

  • Begin the process of booking into learning events.
  • Organise to be notified of new opportunities in your interest area by using the alerts tool.
  • Participate in the discussion forums (within the Engage in Learning box) and start dialogue with other local learners.

About WynLearn

Wynlearn is a web site designed by the Wyndham Library Service to bring together information about local learning opportunities. It provides information about learning events and programs held in the local area and has a directory of host organisations. It's ultimate aim is to increase awareness of and participation in lifelong learning among the residents of Wyndham.

WynLearn provides an opportunity for library services, Community Centres and other learning providers to work together not just in a physical location, but in virtual space.

The inspiration and impetus for WynLearn has come from a series of strategic plans that seek to foster and develop lifelong learning in Wyndham. The Quality Community Plan (QCP) is Wyndham's vision for the future based on the input of over 2000 people. The QCP vision for Education and Skills Development is that all its residents, irrespective of their age or income, will have access to learning opportunities that improve their employability and quality of life. As well as formal education and qualifications, this covers access to community learning activities through groups such as Neighbourhood Houses, Community Centres and Adult and Community Education organisations.

The Community Learning Strategy 2005-2008, identifies that Wyndham faces a number of challenges in making this vision reality. Compared to the rest of Melbourne, Wyndham residents leave school earlier and have less tertiary qualifications. There are also low participation rates in Adult and Community Education locally.

The aim is to strengthen Council's commitment and leadership in community learning by building on its existing services and infrastructure that are inherently educative and by

"... working in cooperation with learning providers and the community to achieve goals that sustain and benefit community learning in a way that responds to global social and economic trends, but is informed by local needs and directed by local objectives." Wyndham Community Learning Strategy

Local libraries and Community Centres are acknowledged as integral to achieving these learning outcomes. It is intended that community access to the Internet will be expanded through libraries and Community Centres along with programs to introduce new users to technology. In line with this, the Wyndham Library Service Strategic Plan 2005-2020 adopts a community learning centre model where future libraries and community centres will be co-located, to facilitate additional technology access and learning space.

WynLearn is seen as contributing to these community learning goals in two key areas:

Partnerships

Wyndham currently has two libraries and 11 Community Centres. These centres offer a range of services for children, life skills and craft courses. Werribee Community Centre also provides employment-based training. Two new combined libraries and community centres are planned for the suburbs of Point Cook and Tarneit.

Together the Community Centres and libraries provide an essential infrastructure for community learning in Wyndham. Partnership between these groups has been essential for design and development of WynLearn. Participation of the Community Centres has been coordinated through Wyndham City Council's Community Centre Officer.

Community Centre Coordinators have attended meetings to contribute ideas and expertise to WynLearn design. Their input has been crucial to developing a fuller understanding of barriers to the use of WynLearn as well as possibilities. Members of the Wyndham QCP Education Committee have been briefed on the project and have contributed ideas and support. This Committee acts as an umbrella action group for the Education & Skills Development Vision in the QCP and consists of education stakeholders representing 'cradle to grave' learning.

WynLearn's construction and hosting is being undertaken by Vicnet - a division of the State Library of Victoria. The Vicnet team will also be responsible for coordinating training for all key staff and learning providers in WynLearn usage.

Resources

Wyndham City Council has provided all of the staff support for project management and content design, and has committed to funding a part-time position to maintain WynLearn once it has been launched.