adult & community learning news in aus

Education Network Australia

Education Network Australia (edna) was a collaborative project between all Australian governments, states and territories and sectors of education and training. The project was partly funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Initiated in 1994 as a means to facilitate access to the internet for schools and vocational education providers, edna developed as a national framework for all levels and sectors of education. Technical development began in earnest in 1996 with an online directory being created. It was considered to be amongst the first database driven website of its kind in Australia and considered to be very much ‘state-of-the-art.’ edna underpinned key government strategies and policies of national and jurisdictional governments in Australia by providing infrastructure, resources and support in a cost-effective model of service delivery. Over its life edna has historically played an important strategic role in supporting the uptake of ICT in education and training, supporting practitioners in implementing current technologies and showing leadership and best practice in addressing emerging needs that come with advancement in technology. Today marks the end of an era. Education Services Australia would like to acknowledge all those innovative, Information Management and Education professionals who have worked on edna over the years and wish them well for the future.

Boost for community education infrastructure

The Federal Government has announced the recipients of a $96 million investment across 150 projects to improve teaching and learning in the community education and training sector. The funding will help support training and jobs by providing up to $1.5 million per project for community education organisations to build new training infrastructure and upgrade their existing facilities. The new and upgraded infrastructure will support and improve training in employability, literacy and numeracy skills and help 'second chance' learners to get work or further training.

Workforce development for volunteers

Many sectors of Service Skills Australia's service industries depend heavily on volunteer/ unpaid labour in management, development and support roles. Key issues are: attracting, recruiting and retaining volunteers; barriers to volunteering (eg. governance and regulatory requirements); support and resource delivery to volunteers; education and training for volunteers; and skills recognition for present and future learning pathways. A consultation paper has been prepared; and a survey is available based on questions raised in the paper.

Leadership Achievement for Women Award opens

The Centre for Leadership for Women (CLW) Leadership Achievement Award has been established to recognise women in the community who use their own initiative to create and implement projects for the benefit of the community and in collaboration with the community. It aims to encourage leadership of Australian women and to advance the rights and status of women in Australia. Applications close on 22 December 2008 with winners being announced on 22 May 2009.

Life Matters discusses volunteering and baby boomers

This program examines questions such as : What are the newly retired looking for in their volunteering roles? Are they more discriminating than older seniors? Is there a connection between volunteering and good health?

ABC seeks to broadcast original short stories

The ABC is looking for short stories that will make great radio from people who live outside metropolitan areas (but including residents of Hobart and Darwin). All stories must be original, previously unpublished and less than 800 words in length. Entries close closes at 5pm AEST on Friday 17 August 2007.

RMIT supports community mentoring program

The Linking of Young people into Employment and Training (LYPET) aims to link trained community mentors with young people who are currently not involved in education, employment or training or who are 'at risk' of becoming early school leavers. The objective of the program is to provide an opportunity for disengaged young people to be matched with an adult in their community who will assist them to become reconnected and work ready.

New report on informal learning in men's sheds

The National Centre of Vocational Research and Education (NCVER) has recently released a report entitled 'Men's sheds in Australia: learning through community contexts'. It examines the educational role of men's sheds and the communities which develop around them.

Voices of Australia

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA), the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HRECO) is putting together 'Voices of Australia' - a magazine and audio CD of real-life stories about diversity and living together in contemporary Australia. 'Voices of Australia' will be distributed to community groups, schools, libraries, local councils, religious groups, government agencies and other groups around the country. Australians of all backgrounds are invited to submit stories on a range of themes including: Australia our home; Breaking down barriers; and Racism. Stories should be submitted no later than 22 July 2005. More information is available on the HREOC website.

Connecting with Computers

Older Australians wanting to gain basic IT skills and familiarity with computers, the Internet and email, now have assistance through a new 'how to' video, Connecting with Computers. The video and DVD target those who are 45 and over, with limited or no computer experience. They cover basic information including a range of topics from file management to the benefits of digital photography. The video and DVD will be distributed free of charge to a range of organisations including Adult Learning Australia, the National Seniors Association, Association of Independent Retirees Inc, Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association, Australian Library and Information Association, National Farmers Federation, and the Smith Family.

Series of webconferencing sessions – e-gems

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:21:41 +0000

Upcoming March sessions

The e-Gems’ series of webconferencing sessions are unique learning and networking opportunities for people working in the vocational education and training (VET) and business sectors. Provided by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), e-Gems webconferences are free and require no registration.

To participate, you must have access to headphones and a microphone and have installed and configured the Elluminate webconferencing software beforehand. If you encounter any problems, please contact Jyothi Jayaram on (02) 6207 4832 or email e-events@flexiblelearning.net.au
(Note: session access opens one hour before the scheduled time).

Presentation Overview

e-Gems industry sectors embedding e-learning

Participants in the second e-Gems webconferencing session for 2009 will hear how two industry associations used the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s (Framework) Industry Integration of E-learning funding to embed e-learning in the water and medical technology sectors.

Participants will also be given information about the 2009 Framework funding opportunities for industry sectors to develop multiple year plans that include integrating e-learning in industry-led workforce development for their industry sector. Applications close Wednesday 1 April for Industry Integration of
E-learning funding. For more information visit the E-learning for Industry website at: http://industry.flexiblelearning.net.au

Presenters:

Water sector: The Queensland Water Directorate in partnership with Wide Bay Institute of TAFE, are developing a workforce development strategy to provide the local government water industry with the support and assistance to increase not only the skills and knowledge of workers, but also the capacity of the sector as a whole.

Medical technology sector: The Medical Technology Association of Australia, in partnership with the Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association, will support companies to move the learning culture towards e-learning through careful change management, new incentives and success measures.

Date: Thursday 12 March 2009

When: 10:30am – 11:30am (AEDST)

Where: http://tinyurl.com/cuvffl

Full URL for session (copy the complete link):

https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=675&password=M.43F89624D183B30307C95294C75081

Presentation Overview

The shifting sands of e-portfolios

Swinburne TAFE has spent many years developing their “Skills Passport” system which allows students to document and provide evidence of their employability skills, such as communication, team work and problem solving.

Traditionally a physical document, the Skills Passport is keeping pace with the growing popularity and adoption of e-portfolios by expanding into the digital realm. In 2008, the passport won Swinburne TAFE the Innovative Business Award at the Australian Training Awards.

This e-Gems session will consider the challenges faced by RTOs in establishing an
e-portfolio system, including wide scale implementation, and technology training for students and teachers.

Presenters:
Deb Petty and Ellen Prior provide advice, direction and support to Swinburne TAFE staff, through the Centre for VET Practice. The role of the Centre is to enhance student learning experiences by assisting in achieving and maintaining excellence in learning, teaching and assessment practice. Deb and Ellen are heavily involved with supporting teaching staff to integrate employability skills into training packages, and to use the Skills Passport system to its full potential.

Date: Monday 23 March 2009

When: 12:30pm – 1:30pm (AEDST)

Where: http://tinyurl.com/an2aky

Full URL for session (copy the complete link):

https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=675&password=M.F9159C6D3DD779FCDED9C375B73BAF

NEW STRATEGY FOR ADULT LEARNING IN VICTORIA

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:18:16 +0000

Victoria’s largest adult education provider, the Centre for Adult Education (CAE) has set a new benchmark for professionalism in the adult education sector, with the launch of the new Strategic Framework 2009 – 2013. Officially launching the framework today, Skills and Workforce Participation Minister Jacinta Allan said the framework was a comprehensive response to the Victorian Government’s skills reform package released last year. “The Brumby Government is taking action to encourage more Victorians to expand their skills and create new jobs,” Ms Allan said. “CAE has quickly responded to the Brumby Government’s skills agenda and highlights the flexible way that adult education providers integrate into the communities where they operate,” Ms Allan said.

ELECTION 2009 – PREMIER TO EXPAND QUEENSLAND’S TRAINING SYSTEM

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:15:09 +0000

The State Government will invest over $124 million to help create nearly 150,000 training places over the next four years in a record expansion of the Queensland skills base. Premier Anna Bligh said the State’s $124 million investment will secure an additional $259 million from the Commonwealth Government and nearly $31 million from industry to complete a $414 million program. The plan is in addition to the Labor Government’s existing commitment under the Queensland Skills Plan to deliver an additional 17,000 training places a year by 2010.

Telstra’s Connected Seniors Grant Program

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:53:22 +0000

Grants of between $1000 -$50 000 are available to non profit community organisations with a membership comprised mostly of seniors.

Applications close 20 March 2009 – go to www.telstraseniors.com.au for details

Social inclusion in higher education and VET

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:40:33 +0000

When: Wednesday, 18 March 2009, 1–2 pm

Where: Monash University, Clayton Campus, Building 6, Room G23

Presenters: Fran Ferrier & Sue North

The Australian government has adopted a social inclusion agenda to address poverty, deprivation and other social ills. This seminar discusses social inclusion and exclusion in the context of higher education and vocational education and training (VET). It will explore different meanings of social inclusion and exclusion and how these concepts can be used to advance knowledge of inequities (and their causes) in education. It will discuss measures of social inclusion and exclusion and possible ways to identify those groups most affected by social exclusion and the factors that contribute to their experience. Finally, the seminar will briefly explore some of the social inclusion policies and strategies that have been adopted in Australia and overseas.

Fran is senior research fellow in CEET. Her research interests include: equity in education and training; innovation and the skill needs of industry; and intellectual capital.

Sue is research fellow in CEET. Her research includes studies of the role of digital technology in the education and wider life experiences of secondary school students, equity funding for students in schools, evaluation of state-wide education programs and teacher professional learning.

Inquiries:
Norma Coull
Tel: (03) 9905 9157
Fax: (03) 9905 9184
Email: norma.coull@education.monash.edu.au

Re Infrastructure Meeting

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:47:31 +0000

ALA will be attending this ‘closed’ meeting on behalf of its members; please let us know what points you would like raised.

Reminder re Infrastructure Funding Meeting

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:10:54 +0000

On 12 December 2008 the Hon Julia Gillard MP, Minister for Education, announced the Teaching and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training, a $500 million injection into public skills and training infrastructure, as part of a $4.7 billion nation-building infrastructure package announced by the Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP. The Teaching and Learning Capital Fund initiative consists of three elements:
Better TAFE Facilities ($200 million) – all TAFEs across Australia will be eligible to receive a grant of up to $8 million to help them address immediate maintenance needs, small capital works and equipment and plant purchase.
Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow ($200 million) – TAFE Institutes and consortia led by TAFE will be able to apply for competitive grants of up to $10 million to adjust to the emerging training needs of the local economies in which they operate, and enhance the viability and capacity of the training system to address industry’s emerging green skills requirements.
Investing in Community Education and Training ($100 million) – Community Education and Training providers are eligible to apply for small grants of up to $100,000 to assist with maintenance or the purchase of equipment and for larger grants of up to $1 million for major upgrades.
In order for the department to implement these initiatives effectively, the department extends an invitation to you to attend a meeting at the Melbourne Airport Hilton on Monday 16 March 2009 as part of the consultation process. Further information on the consultations, agenda and draft guidelines will be provided prior to the meeting.
You are invited to attend between 2pm and 5pm to assist in planning program implementation.
If you or a nominated representative (please provide details) wish to attend the consultation, please advise Adele Bright (adele.bright@deewr.gov.au) or Michelle Brown
(michelle.brown@deewr.gov.au) by close of business Wednesday 11 March 2009.

Reminder re Infrastructure Funding Consultations

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:31:54 +0000

Trials shape future of technology in VET

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:53:07 +0000

The results of four key technology trials conducted in 2008 have been published, showing strong benefits for the vocational education and training (VET) system in adopting emerging technologies.

Four registered training organisations (RTOs) received $20,000 each from the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), to test the advantages of key emerging technologies for VET.

The trials highlighted the benefits, risks and future development needs of using:

§ RFID (radio frequency identification) technology and PDAs (personal digital assistants) to deliver onsite training

§ ‘camera glasses’ and video with the QTImPlayer for remote assessment in workplace training

§ the Croquet virtual world platform for interactive online learning

§ web 2.0 social networking tools to enhance e-portfolios.

According to the Framework’s E-standards for Training Business Manager, Owen O’Neill, the trials will help establish and maintain relevant, up-to-date e-standards to encourage and support RTOs in implementing these technologies.

“With the VET system looking to meet the need for greater flexibility and efficiency by embedding e-learning in training, these trials have provided valuable insight into how upcoming technologies can be customised for VET.

“Already we have seen significant results from the trials, with one project receiving a further $330,000 from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to continue their work, and another set to compete in the International IMS Global Learning Impact Awards in May this year.”

Key outcomes from the trials include:

§ Wodonga TAFE successfully created and demonstrated software which delivers a self-guided induction tour for apprentice cabinet makers, using customised RFID technology and PDAs. The project also delivered comprehensive RFID and PDA equipment recommendations and specifications.

§ TAFE Tasmania enhanced the Framework’s QTImPlayer mobile assessment tool to accept video input created by ‘camera glasses’, allowing learners to be remotely assessed for tasks they perform in the workplace. A ‘user’s guide’ for the camera glasses was also produced.

§ Canberra Institute of Technology investigated the benefits and drawbacks of Croquet – a free, open-source virtual world platform – for the VET system. They also recommended e-standards for virtual world platforms, hardware, software, networking, security, and educational design levels.

§ Charles Darwin University trialled using the Kaltura open source video platform with Blackboard’s e-portfolio platform. They highlighted technical and training requirements and implementation issues for the system, and confirmed the need to build student digital literacy in order for these technologies to operate at their full potential.

This year, RTOs are invited to apply for a share of $100,000 to trial emerging technologies. The Framework will fund up to six trials, with funding applications closing on 31 March 2009.

RTOs interested in applying for funding can find more information and funding guidelines at: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-standards or contact Simon Lismann on simon.lismann@eworks.edu.au or (03) 9661 8751.

To access the outcomes of the 2008 emerging technology trials, visit: http://e-standards.flexiblelearning.net.au/fundingopportunities/2008-et-outcomes.htm

For more information about the Framework, its products, resources and support networks, contact: (07) 3307 4700, email: enquiries@flexiblelearning.net.au or visit: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au

Adult Education: A Key Issue – Voices Rising

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:26:51 +0000

Maren Elfert Public Relations/Programme Specialist UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
m.elfert@unesco.org
“Adult education denotes the entire body of ongoing learning processes, formal or otherwise, whereby people regarded as adults by the society to which they belong develop their abilities, enrich their knowledge, and improve their technical or professional qualifications or turn them in a new direction to meet their own needs and those of their society. Adult learning encompasses both formal and continuing education, non‐formal learning and the spectrum of informal and incidental learning available in a multicultural learning society.” (From the Hamburg Declaration, CONFINTEA V, 1997)
The previous CONFINTEA also declared that the objectives of youth and adult education, viewed as a lifelong process, are to develop the autonomy and the sense of responsibility of people and communities, to reinforce the capacity to deal with economic, cultural and social changes, and to promote coexistence, tolerance and the informed nd creative participation of citizens in their communities. Adult education is a powerful concept for fostering ecologically sustainable development, for promoting democracy, justice, gender equity, and scientific, social and economic development, and for building a world in which violent conflict is replaced by dialogue and a culture of peace based on justice.
See Bulletin Nº1 UIL/UNESCO http://www.icae2.org/?q=es/node/513
L’Éducation des adultes : une question‐clé http://www.icae2.org/?q=es/node/496
Educação de Adultos: uma questão‐chave http://www.icae2.org/?q=es/node/514
La Educación

TRADE TRAINING QUARANTINES TO BE LIFTED

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 22:03:29 +0000

The State Government has committed to giving Tasmanian apprentices a greater choice of training providers from 2010. Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, Mr Bartlett has confirmed that the user choice policy will be amended so that all trade training quarantines are lifted on a staged basis. The user choice policy, adopted by state and Australian governments in 1998 to apply to all publicly-funded training apprentices and trainees, acknowledges that choice of registered training organisations (RTOs) may be restricted in rural and remote areas. In Tasmania, this means that in a number of traditional trades, the Tasmanian Skills Institute is the only publicly-funded RTO offering such training.

EXPANDED JOBS TRAINING PROGRAM COMES AT CRITICAL TIME

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:49:47 +0000

Group Training Australia (GTA), the single largest network employing over 40,000 apprentices and trainees, today welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to extend a program that provides pre-vocational training and support to disadvantaged job seekers. GTA Chief Executive Officer Jim Barron said the investment of $30 million to create 3,650 additional places through the Australian Apprenticeships Access Program will provide a second chance to people facing difficulty entering employment or training.

GTA RESPONSE TO COMMONWEALTH VET REFORM

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:46:50 +0000

Group Training Australia (GTA), the single largest network employing over 40,000 apprentices and trainees, today endorsed measures announced by the Federal Government aimed at boosting skills and streamlining the delivery of vocational education and training. GTA Chief Executive Officer Jim Barron said the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard of a major reform blueprint for the sector was a welcome initiative. We strongly support measures to reduce duplication across the sector and streamline the delivery of courses and programs in a way which meets the changing needs of employees and industry.

FUNDING FOR FIVE TASMANIAN TRADE TRAINING CENTRES

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:41:03 +0000

Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that it will fund five Trade Training Centres in Tasmania. Mr Bartlett said the Tasmanian centres would receive funding of up to $20.8 million under the program.