ALA

Friday 12 September 2008

What matters, read it, love it!

what matters is a series of free brochures that provide vocational education and training (VET) professionals with the most up-to-date research findings about e-learning.

The series is used to publicise the key findings from research undertaken by the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework), and includes:

E-learning for small business (2008) – is a summary of the findings from An investigation of the enablers and barriers to industry uptake of e-learning: Small business research report, released earlier this year. The research findings include a set of good practice guidelines and future directions for e-learning in small business.

E-learning for mature age workers (2008) – examines the current use of e-learning for mature age workers both across Australia and internationally, the myths and realities regarding mature age workers, and the way forward. The E-learning for the mature age worker research report includes a comprehensive literature review, results of national consultations and a number of case studies illustrating effective examples of e-learning for mature age workers.

Innovate and Integrate (2007) – reviews research findings from the Innovate and integrate, Embedding innovative practices research report, identifies potential obstacles to innovation and outlines steps that can ease the introduction and integration of technology into education and training organisations.

E-learning for Trades (2007) – provides information on the drivers for the increased use of e-learning in the traditional trades, and pointers for the future use of technology. It also describes five scenarios of how different technologies, including video conferencing, digital storytelling, video and personal digital assistants, can add value to teaching and learning. View the E-learning within the building and construction and allied trades research report.

M-learning (2006) – reveals research about the main drivers of m-learning and their contribution to the change in social demographics, as well as the development of new technologies and globalisation. View the Sustaining the Momentum – Directions for Interoperability in the VET Sector research report

E-learning Benchmarking (2006) – provides a useful snapshot from the National E-learning Indicators research report, of the uptake of e-learning in the VET sector across all states and territories during 2005-2006.

E-learning for Youth (2005) – includes a summary of findings about how young learners are using e-learning and other emerging technologies to supplement their education and training. View the E-learning for Target Learner Groups – Youth research report.

To keep up with the what matters series, subscribe to the Framework’s monthly e-newsletter, Flex e-News or to order a copy of what matters email Annie Fergusson, Benchmarking and Research Business Manager at fergusson.annie@saugov.sa.gov.au or call (08) 8204 0809.

For more information on the what matters series visit: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/research

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

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For more information about this story telephone (07) 3307 4700, or email: flexenews@flexiblelearning.net.au

Notes to editors

• The Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) provides the vocational education and training (VET) system with the essential e-learning infrastructure and expertise needed to respond to the challenges of a modern economy and the training needs of Australian businesses and workers.

• The Framework was launched as a strategy in 2000, responding to information and communication technology (ICT) developments in workplaces and society. The Australian Government and all states and territories agreed to work together nationally to advance the use of e-learning in VET.

• Benchmarking and Research is one of nine 2008 Framework business activities. During 2008, benchmarking will be undertaken to determine the use, impact and uptake of e-learning within different learner groups, states and territories, registered training organisations (RTOs), business and industry. Research is also being conducted to inform the development of policy and new direction.

flexiblelearning.net.au