Seven trial e-learning projects for young people across Australia

Seven training providers across Australia are about to begin e-learning trial programs for young people aged between 15 and 19.

The 2005 Australian Flexible Learning Framework (2005 Framework) has allocated AUD$150,000 under its E-learning for Target Learner Groups Youth Project. The trial projects will examine the use of e-learning and new technologies in vocational education and training (VET) programs for youth.

A range of e-learning techniques that are suited to young people will be showcased at the end of the year and case studies will be developed to identify how these can be used to support young learners.

The seven successful training providers are:

1. Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Victoria.
2. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, Victoria.
3. Swan TAFE, Western Australia.
4. Brisbane Indigenous Media Association Inc, Queensland.
5. Tumby Bay Area School / Tumby Bay Skills Centre Inc, South Australia.
6. TAFENSW Access and General Education Curriculum Centre, New South Wales.
7. TAFEWA Pilbara, Western Australia.

1. HOLMESGLEN INSTITUTE OF TAFE:
YOLA (Your Online Learning Assistant)in Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeships Melbourne, Victoria. Holmesglen aims to improve students’ numeracy skills, confidence and motivation by integrating the Building and Construction Flexible Learning Toolbox, along with YOLA, into the Calculations for the Building Industry module within Certificate II in Building and Construction. 40-50 students will take part in the trial.

2. SUNRAYSIA INSTITUTE OF TAFE:
Developing employability skills with m-learning (mobile phone usage) Mildura, Victoria The Sunraysia project will focus on young, at risk, people aged 15 to 19 enrolled in the Hospitality course. Sunraysia aims to create an innovative learning environment by engaging youth through emerging technologies such as mobile phones.

3. SWAN TAFE:
E-learning Pilot Program for Certificate I in Electrotechnology Pre- Apprentices Perth, Western Australia Swan TAFE will use mobile learning technologies, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), to familiarise Electrotechnology Pre-Apprentices with techniques used in industry. Students will use PDAs to complete simulated industry assignments and completed information will be emailed to lecturers for assessment.

4. BRISBANE INDIGENOUS MEDIA ASSOCIATION INC:
Kowanyama E-learning Project Brisbane, Cape York, Queensland 15 to 19 year old young people in Kowanyama (Cape York) will be trained in broadcast (Radio) at the accredited Certificate level II. The program aims to provide a pathway to further study and/or employment. It will also allow local RIBS (Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Service) (ex-BRACS) to broadcast local content via Radio 4KO Kowanyama.

5. TUMBY BAY AREA SCHOOL/TUMBY BAY SKILLS CENTRE INC:
Expanding opportunities for e-learning in tourism products development and training Tumby Bay, South Australia Tumby Bay Skills Centre Inc is an integrated facility where training for young people in primary and secondary industries related to the olive industry will commence in 2006. The tourism facility will provide interactive and educational multi media displays for visitors, as well as static displays and exhibits. The project will explore issues around the identification, customisation, facilitation and deployment of multi-media and interactive tourist displays in the Tumby Bay Skills Centre.

6. TAFENSW ACCESS AND GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM CENTRE:
EngageMe – Personal and Community Identity Online Project Sydney, New South Wales In partnership with VIBEWIRE and OPTUS, the project aims to engage young learners in e-learning by using mobile learning (m-learning) and online learning to create learner generated content in an online community. Learners will investigate personal and community identity through images and text, via an online youth media platform. They will send content using email and text messaging and information will be accessible on the Internet.

7.TAFEWA: DIGITAL OUTBACK:
Engaging Young People in E-learning Pilbara, Western Australia This project aims to engage 15 to 19 year olds in regional and remote Pilbara regions of WA in learning, using e-learning. It will investigate effective ways of using emergent technologies that are inexpensive, portable and/or readily accessible.

CONTACT:
EMAIL: enquiries@flexiblelearning.net.au
WEBSITE: Visit the flexible learning website