Projects: VET e-learning International

This Guide to maximising website exposure was commissioned by the project following a global review of 70 e-learning websites. It provides strategic insights and technical tips to help VET providers reach their market online using effective web strategies.

Reaching your Market: Web Strategies for VET Providers (PDF 5.22Mb)

A new online forum has been established to encourage discussions on the latest international e-learning issues within the vocational education and training (VET) system.

The forum is an initiative of the 2005 Australian Flexible Learning Framework's (2005 Framework) VET e-learning International Project. The Project aims to position Australian VET in the global knowledge economy as a provider of e-learning know-how and innovative products.

The Global E-learning Connect forum will provide and support knowledge sharing to engage people and organisations in international thinking, events, research and communities in the global e-learning arena.

Global E-learning Connect can be accessed from the 2005 Framework's Networks Community Forum at: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/networks

If you'd like to share stories, knowledge and connections with colleagues in Australia and around the world, you can log on and start discussions now!

If you need assistance, or for further information on the forum contact Project Manager Jacinta Gascoigne on tel +613 9661 8719 or email jacinta.gascoigne@eworks.edu.au

International Conferences

Connect with conferences internationally and engage with current research, developments and practice.

The VET E-learning International Project will build an e-learning 'international gateway' and 'international interface' for e-learning in Australia and the 2005 Australian Flexible Learning Framework (2005 Framework) in particular. It will strategically position the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system in the global e-learning industry. The immediate goal is to provide international opportunities for Australian VET to shape and participate in learning innovation internationally and to demonstrate global e-learning market leadership.

The downstream impact will be the positioning of Australian VET in the knowledge economy as a provider of e-learning know-how and innovative product (rather than the lowest cost training provider). In addition, this project will facilitate a quality check by providing opportunities to internationally benchmark Australian VET in terms of its global relevance and capacity to impact locally on industry, community and individuals.

In 2005 the VET E-learning International Project will focus particularly on providing a 'gateway' for international engagement with the http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au website and the Networks of the Australian Flexible Learning Community project. It will comprise the following major pieces of work:

• work with the Knowledge Sharing Services Project team to review http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au content from the point of view of an international audience and develop a set of requirements for a specific 'international entry point' into the website
• work with the Networks of the Australian Flexible Learning Community team to support the engagement of international participants in appropriate networks
• technical development of the 'international entry point' to the http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au website
• stimulation and support for the engagement of all 2005 Framework projects with international opportunities and perspectives
• develop a strategy to raise awareness within the international e-learning community of the proposed international entry point and the opportunities for engagement with Australian VET sector expertise and experience in e-learning. This strategy will build on the already significant international participation in the Australian Flexible Learning 'Community', the benefit of expertise and experience from the National Communication Project and the outcomes of other subprojects. It will be the first step in the development of a longer term Internet strategy that increases global awareness of Australian VET generally, strategically positions Australian VET in the global e-learning industry and will culminate in an international conference in 2007.
  
  The initiative will aim to achieve another layer of outcomes from 2005 Framework Projects.

• ensure local exposure to international perspectives on e-learning
• build sustainable international relationships and networks
• globally position Australian VET e-learning products and services
• enhance and extend the outcomes from other 2005 Framework projects

• consultation with key agencies that promote Australian educational services overseas
• increased VET presence in international e-learning community activities and events
• a long term strategy for positioning the Australian VET system in the international e-learning 'community' enabling the VET community to exchange research and good practice ideas with overseas practitioners culminating in an initial scoping document and business plan for an international conference in 2007.

• increased (international) client knowledge and demand for e-learning services
• range and impact of collaborative research projects with (international personnel)
  increased take-up, use, sharing and personalisation of resources by providers (as a result of international contacts).

• 2.4 Educationally effective teaching and learning practices which meet the diverse needs of learners in e-learning environments.

Jacinta Gascoigne
Tel: +613 9661 8719
Email: jacinta.gascoigne@eworks.edu.au