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January–June 2011 funding opportunities

The Australian Government and state and territory ministers have approved funding to implement the national training system’s e-learning strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) for January–June 2011.

This six month funding allocation will bring the Framework cycle in line with other funding arrangements under the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), which are based on a financial year calendar.

Business activities are set out in the January–June 2011 Framework Business Plan, which has been developed in the broader context of the 2008–2011 Framework Strategy.

The following table outlines proposed Framework funding opportunities for registered training organisations (RTOs), business and industry to participate in activities funded through January–June 2011 funding. Note: while activities are funded through January–June 2011 Framework funding, some of these opportunities will commence in the second half of 2010.

More detail about specific business activity funding can be found by following the links within the table.

2011 business activities
Funding available
Amount
Program 1: Leadership
E-standards for Training 
YES
$45,000
E-portfolios
YES
$18,000
LORN
NO
N/A
Flexible Learning Toolboxes
YES
Up to $500,000
Benchmarking and Research
NO
N/A
Access to E-learning Knowledge and Know-how
NO
N/A
Brand Management
NO
N/A
Program 2: Innovation
Industry Integration of E-learning    
3 new business clusters  YES

$150,000
10 ongoing industry sectors - already committed  NO $150,000
E-learning Innovations (allocations include funding and support)  YES $2,650,000
 
 
 
Total
~$3,500,000

Funding for successful applications will be announced according to timelines for individual business activities (see below), with outcomes to be reported from April–June 2011.

E-standards for Training business activity

E-standards for Training researches, recommends and supports the implementation of technical standards to support e-learning in the VET sector.

The E-standards Emerging Technology Trials are an important way of identifying and exploring new technologies requiring future standards support.

The 2011 Emerging Technology Trials will provide a total of up to $45,000 for up to three trials, with the maximum funding available for any single trial being $15,000.

  • Applications closed
  • Successful applicants notified:  Monday 15 November 2010
  • Information and guidelines:

 http://e-standards.flexiblelearning.net.au/fundingopportunities/

  • Contact:  Bronwyn Lapham, phone: (03) 9661 8781, email: e-standards [at] flexiblelearning.net.au (replace [at] with @)

E-portfolios business activity

Registered training organisations (RTOs) can apply for a share of $18,000 in funding and support to investigate and identify the features of an e-portfolio system which support workforce development requirements and/or improve learner participation.

The trials will provide two individual RTOs with a maximum of $9,000 each. Each successful RTO will be required to match the funded amount with equal funds or in kind contribution.

The trials will help identify which features of an e-portfolio system help:

  • increase the efficiency of the learning process – through the better flow, use, re-use and exchange of information to improve communication and collaboration
  • enhance the learning experience – through either individual learning plans, personal/career/workforce development planning and/or continuous professional development requirements.

Flexible Learning Toolboxes

Registered training organisations (RTOs) throughout Australia can now apply for a share of up to $500,000 in funding and support to develop Flexible Learning Toolboxes (Toolboxes).

The funding will support the development of learning and assessment resources that address e-learning development priorities for key skills shortage areas, identified in consultation with Industry Skills Councils.

Funding is allocated for the six month period from January to June 2011. 

  • Advertised:  Wednesday 22 September 2010
  • Applications closed
  • Successful applicants notified:  Mid-December 2010
  • Information and guidelines:  Read the Toolboxes Series 14 Tender Guidelines for more information on how to apply for funding and a full list of priority training packages.
  • Jo Jensen, phone: (03) 9661 8715, email: jo.jensen [at] eworks.edu.au (replace [at] with @)

Industry Integration of E-learning

This business activity encourages selected industry sectors to develop plans for the inclusion of e-learning in overall industry-led workforce development.
This will be achieved by direct funding of industry sectors through industry (professional associations or lead employers in partnership with other employers). In all cases, there must be partnerships with RTOs and the project proposal will be based on a sound business case where there is an imperative to find an innovative solution.

A consultative approach directly engaging industry will be used so that new industry needs for e-learning can emerge. RTOs will have an important role to play in providing guidance on good e-learning design and ensuring that training meets national standards and uses e-learning infrastructure. Resources developed must comply with national standards and wherever possible be made available through LORN.

  • More information:  Download the 2010-2011 Industry Guidelines from the E-learning for Industry website
  • Applications closed
  • Successful applicants notified and must begin:  By end October 2010
  • Information and guidelines:  http://industry.flexiblelearning.net.au
  • Contact:  Kerry Manikis, Phone: (02) 6207 3267, Email: kerry.manikis [at] cit.edu.au (replace [at] with @)

E-learning Innovations

E-learning Innovations works to integrate and embed e-learning into the national training system by supporting and enabling innovation in training design and delivery.

2011 E-learning Innovations funding opportunities will become available from August 2010 , reflecting the shift to a financial year Framework funding cycle.

This funding will be provided to RTOs to undertake activities that:

  • invest strategically in business–training provider partnerships that address a genuine business case for e-learning, or
  • support RTOs to tailor their services to a more diverse range of learner needs through the implementation of innovative e-learning practices.

Learners will benefit through an increase in pathways to employment and further education opportunities, including more control over the time, place and mode of learning.

Employers will benefit from innovations that are shaped to specific business needs which address skills shortages, apprentice retention, emerging markets and priority industry areas as identified in jurisdictional training plans.

The sector will benefit through investments in the local VET market that embed sustainable e-learning practices in workplaces and businesses, and stimulate demand for quality e-learning from individuals.

A total of $2.65 million is available in E-learning Innovations funding. The funds are offered as pro-rata allocations to states and territories as follows:

Application process

Applications have now closed in all states and territories with successful projects being announced in each state and territory as they are selected. For more information click on the relevant link below: 

For information on all E-learning Innovations activity nationally since 2008 visit: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations

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submitted by Submitted by Brand Management on 9 September 2010 - 12:14pm.
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