Survey clarifies RPL state of play

24/07/2008

A new survey has documented the current recognition of prior learning (RPL) systems and electronic tools in use throughout the Australian training system.

The results of the Recognition of prior learning tools and systems survey will help inform those considering the use of electronic tools, including software and web-based tools such as e-portfolios, to support RPL processes.

It will also assist assessors and trainers looking for a snap-shot of RPL activity in each state and territory.

The survey was conducted by the E-standards for Training business activity of the national training system's e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework).

Owen O'Neill, E-standards for Training Business Manager, said the survey was conducted based on recommendations from the E-standards for Training's E-portfolio report from 2007.

"People who are thinking of using electronic tools to support RPL and/or want to see what’s going on in other jurisdictions will be interested in the survey results," Mr O'Neill said.

"The survey identified that there is plenty of diversity in the way RPL is being approached, including the way software and web-based tools are being used to support RPL processes."

The survey report provides a summary of electronic tools being used for RPL processes. One of these tools is the QTImPlayer, which was developed with funding assistance from the Framework.

The QTImPlayer is a free assessment application which is loaded onto a personal digital assistant or smart phone with a mobile network connection to the internet.

"Overall, I think that the Recognition of prior learning tools and systems survey gives a good overview of the current state of play of RPL in each state and territory," Mr O’Neill said.

The survey was conducted by three consultants who interviewed key RPL contacts in each state and territory.

The Framework’s E-portfolios business activity will expand on the survey this year by looking at the use of e-portfolios in the RPL process.

View the survey results:

http://flexiblelearning.net.au/...dards/news.htm#a7