Projects: Networks of the Australian Flexible Learning Community 2005

‘Networks of the Australian Flexible Learning Community’ offers professional development opportunities to VET professionals. It comes under the ‘umbrella’ of the ‘Capability Building’ program of the 2005 Framework that aims to build the capacity of VET professionals in using information and communication technologies to improve service delivery.

The value of networks for professional development is increasingly acknowledged by VET professionals. Being part of a network allows you to ‘tap’ into useful contacts and information for your professional practice. More importantly, it enables you to engage in professional discourse as a means of dynamic learning.

Networks of the Australian Flexible Learning Community aims to foster the establishment and expansion of professional networks focused on e-learning.

Networks of the Australian Flexible Learning Community will provide funding for up to 20 networks focused on the development of e-learning. You can apply for up to $7500 as the facilitator of a new or established network.

Examples of networks that could be eligible for funding are the following:

• a network of teachers/trainers centred on a particular field of discipline
• a network interested in collaborating across organisations and in the national arena with professionals from a common part of the VET sector, such as ACE or VET in Schools
• a network involved with a specific client group, such as indigenous people
• a network within a specific industry area
• a network interested in using and developing specific technologies, such as digital story telling

Application Documents are now available and provide details on the direction for the application requirements and selection process. Applications close on midday (Eastern Summer Time) Friday, 18 March 2005.

There are a number of PD opportunities offered through the Networks project. You will have the opportunity to:

• lead and facilitate a network increasing the use of e-learning, and gain mentoring support for this network
• participate in two national mini-online events
• participate in an online forum (‘general’ forum) designed to involve a wide spectrum of VET professionals, including international colleagues

Those involved as facilitators of the 20 e-learning networks (see below) and selected people across Framework projects – such as LearnScope ‘leaders’ will also have the opportunity to be funded to travel to attend a national face-to-face workshop held in November. Moreover, this workshop will be open to other VET professionals who would like to attend but on the basis of them self-funding their participation.

This project is managed by:
Canberra Institute of Technology
GPO Box 826
Canberra ACT 2611

Enquiries:
Cathy Baxter
Project Manager
cathy.baxter@cit.act.edu.au
02 6207 4891