Overview of E-Learning Strategy

Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015

Table of Contents Introduction... 2 Background... 2 Part 1: E-learning framework... 4 Management and quality... 4 Guidelines for RTO Good Practice in E-learning... 5 E-learning RTO Cooperative... 5 Content... 5 Technologies... 7 Communication and consultation... 9 Part 2: E-learning implementation strategy...11 Projects...12 Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page i

Introduction This document provides a summary of a proposed E-Learning Strategy to guide CPSISC over the next three years. The Strategy will be bring together a structure for ensuring effective coordination and quality of e-learning projects together with a professional development process to ensure construction and property services RTOs are provided with the necessary resources to effectively implement the CPC08 Construction, Plumbing and Services, and CPP07 Property Services Training Packages. The strategy will guide the CPSISC Board and staff in developing initiatives and projects that will meet the challenges required to effectively implement e-learning within the VET environment. The strategy will also be required to effectively utilise the opportunities provided by the National Broadband Network (NBN) and the National VET E-Learning Strategy. The Strategy is centred around the establishment of a CPSISC E-Learning Advisory Committee, comprised of Board members and other key stakeholders. This Committee will oversee the development of guidelines for good practice within e-learning. These guidelines together with Committee oversight will provide the overall context for the implementation of initiatives to ensure that e-learning will enhance rather than erode the credibility or outcomes of existing training and assessment approaches. The CPSISC E-Learning Advisory Committee members are: Mrs Pamela Bennett (Chair) Real Estate Institute of Australia Mr Steve Endor Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association Mr Lindsay Fraser Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union Mr Ken Gardner The Master Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia Mr Tom Roche Australian Security Industry Association Limited. Background The Strategy will support the initiatives of the National VET E-Learning Strategy 2012-2015 which is aimed at strengthening the Australian training sector s use of new learning technologies, simulating innovative approaches to increase participation in training and improving the skill levels of the Australian workforce. The Government is funding this initiative to capitalise on the rollout of the NBN by demonstrating the benefits of the national investment in broadband, and supporting initiatives that will assist in introducing e-learning. The strategy is managed by the Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG), a key policy advisory group on national directions for information and communication technologies in VET. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 2

CPSISC is well placed to capitalise on these initiatives. They represent for the first time opportunities to build the capability of RTOs and property services and construction industry stakeholders to create more accessible training options and facilitate new ways of learning through technology. Recent research has found that e-learning is generally linked to qualification outcomes for employees, resulting in skill development (Enabling workforce development: insights from industries using e-learning, Flexible Learning Advisory Group, 2011). E-learning can contribute to workforce development by overcoming challenges associated with gaining access to education, worker, learner and employer motivation, and negative perceptions of educational experiences. E-learning also has the potential to support other aspects of VET policy, for example by boosting levels of adult literacy and making greater use of workplaces as sites for learning. Recently, CPSISC put together a specialist E-learning RTO Cooperative comprising representatives from each of the major sectors within the construction and property services industries. These representatives all have a level of expertise in aspects of digital technology which they are currently using within their delivery and assessment strategies. Specialisations range from the design and development of Moodle modules, development of games and applications, design of assessment processes focused on use of ipad technology etc. Members of this Cooperative believe that there is an urgent need to participate in both the development of the technology as well as the professional development of colleagues in each of the sectors. The major aim of the Cooperative is to share expertise and develop strategies to make effective use of emerging digital technology and in particular, the advantages brought about by the rollout of the NBN. This Cooperative (together with each of the other sector Cooperatives), is looking to CPSISC to provide direction and leadership to assist them to come to terms with use of emerging technologies within their delivery and assessment strategies. The E-Learning Strategy would bring these needs together by developing the necessary infrastructure and processes to support both CPSISC s key objective of ensuring creative responses to the implementation of Training Packages, as well as taking advantage of the opportunities created by rollout of the NBN and emerging technologies. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 3

Part 1: E-learning framework The diagram below provides a summary of the E-learning framework to be managed by CPSISC. It is divided into three major areas which are explained in the pages which follow. CPSISC E-Learning Framework Management & Quality Content Technologies CPSISC E-Learning Advisory Committee Web Applications (eg RPL Indicator) Delivery & Assessment Guides Guidelines for RTO Good Practice in E-Learning CPSISC E-Learning RTO Cooperative Learning Objects Learning Management Systems (Moodle) Examples Resource Database WEBSITE Web Forum or Linked-in Sector RTO Cooperatives Professional Development Strategy for RTOs Management and quality The E-learning Advisory Committee oversees the development and implementation of guidelines as well as the range of initiatives and projects that result from the Strategy. The Committee has representatives from key stakeholders to ensure that any approach to e-learning will not erode industry confidence in, or the outcomes of, CPSISC initiatives based on e-learning products and processes. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 4

Guidelines for RTO Good Practice in E-learning These guidelines have included clear instructions on the role of e-learning in all types of learning including classroom, blended and on-the-job. It includes on how online training and assessment can be used to ensure reliable and valid results. It is particularly important to ensure that assessment is not conducted online unless there is a means for ensuring credible results. Recent experience has shown how online assessment can be conducted for the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) induction card in construction by some RTOs where there has been no reliable method to ensure that the learning actually occurred or the assessment was conducted on the named participant. These guidelines would clearly articulate CPSISC s philosophy and values in e-learning and ensure that RTOs delivering CPSISC Training Packages have a clear base from which to develop and implement future e-learning materials. E-learning RTO Cooperative In 2011 CPSISC brought together innovative RTOs from each sector Cooperative who are experienced in implementing e-learning initiatives to form a cross-cooperative on e- learning. The main purpose of the group is to discuss and share information on the latest e- learning initiatives. This group has been very effective in providing recommendations to other sector Cooperative members on the use and implementation of e-learning initiatives. This group will also guide the professional development of the sector Cooperative RTOs to ensure that they have the capacity to absorb the many changes currently being experienced through the movement towards a blended delivery approach in learning and assessment. The E-learning Cooperative was involved in two-day workshops on 25-26 July 2012, and 30-31 July 2013 to discuss and plan the next 24 months of activity in the area of e-learning. The workshops allowed members to present their latest products and to discuss methods for efficiently implementing these initiatives to benefit all CPSISC RTOs. Content One of the critical issues involved in implementing e-learning initiatives is the question of what content or materials do you focus development processes on. It is recommended that over the next two years CPSISC focus its development work on a number of areas that would provide effective resources and examples to assist RTOs in implementing Training Packages. Each of the products would play a role in assisting the RTOs to efficiently develop the necessary materials to ensure quality outcomes for their training and assessment approaches. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 5

Web Applications (eg RPL Indicator) Each sector within construction and property services has a number of essential or critical learning areas. These areas are often the most difficult for students and employees to gain competence in. These are also generally the areas where e-learning can play a major role in supporting the learning and assessment process. This is done by providing the learner with easily accessible and visual information, case studies, examples, formulas and diagrams that will support key concepts within the sector. Examples in construction include: Carpentry and joinery: estimating areas and volume including use of Pythagoras theorem can prove a major obstacle for many learners. A simple application can assist with these calculations and demonstrate their application in a visual way. Painting and decorating: concepts behind mixing and blending paint to achieving colours which is seen as a critical skill area. Again, a simple application could highlight the processes and concepts to assist students both in the classroom and on-the-job to become competent in relevant units. It would be important to engage RTO representatives within each construction and property services sector to determine critical skill areas and to assist in the design of applications to ensure their relevance. CPSISC also recently developed a web-based application called the RPL Indicator. This application helps the user to understand RPL concepts, and to go through a basic selfassessment to decide their readiness for a full RPL process. Delivery & Assessment Guides Over 300 Delivery & Assessment Guides have been developed by CPSISC over the past two years. These Guides generally cover the critical units of competency in each of the sectors including those units required for licensing purposes. These Delivery & Assessment Guides have received very positive feedback and now represent an established format for any future development of training and assessment materials. It is recommended that these Delivery & Assessment Guides are translated into an electronic format to become accessible using formats such as ipads or tablets. Using Adobe Professional and downloading applications such as PDF Expert allows trainers and assessors to use ipads or tablets as the only tool for conducting effective and quality assessment processes. It is also recommended that CPSISC produces additional Delivery & Assessment Guides in remaining units across the sectors. This would need to be a separate project requiring additional funding. Some sectors such as wall and floor tiling currently have very little coverage in terms of Delivery & Assessment Guides and have requested this support. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 6

Learning Objects A wide range of learning objects or bytes will be developed to complement delivery and assessment strategies across construction and property services. These objects will include short videos that focus on critical skills or incidents within each of the sectors. The objects will be developed by Cooperative members and placed on a website repository to enable accessibility to all RTO members. These objects offer a high level of flexibility in blended delivery as they can be used as stand-alone resources to highlight key skills, or easily slotted into existing resources such as Learning Management Systems, PowerPoint presentations, assessment instruments etc. Learning Management Systems (Moodle) Examples Most public providers have or are developing Learning Management Systems (LMS) to support a blended delivery approach. At least 80% of these providers are using Moodle. This process has been difficult as a lot of teachers and trainers are struggling to come to terms with the instructional design aspect together with the efficient use of Moodle as a tool to assist them in delivery. Many Cooperative members have designed Moodle modules and are willing to share their experience with other Cooperative members. It is suggested that CPSISC support the development of some good practice examples and allow other RTOs to gain access to these examples. Resource Database CPSISC currently has a resource database that provides a detailed listing of relevant resources that can be accessed by all stakeholders. The database provides a foundation of all material available within the VET system. The database needs to be continually updated to ensure its ongoing relevance and that it contains the latest resources. Technologies CPSISC website Recent years have seen an explosion in the market relating to digital technologies including the use of smartphones and tablets (such as ipad). People increasingly expect to be able to do many of the same things on their mobile devices that they've traditionally done on their laptop or desktop computers. Recent CPSISC projects have confirmed the increasing use of mobile phone technology by workers and learners in the industries, and ipads and tablets by trainers and assessors. Given this trend, CPSISC needs to be at the cutting edge of e-learning capabilities as part of its Training Package implementation strategy. This means developing tools and frameworks to help industry stakeholders to access mobile-enabled applications and adapt existing applications to mobile devices. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 7

A specialised web portal will be developed by CPSISC as a conduit to e-learning for construction and property services stakeholders. The site will be accessed through the CPSISC home page, and built using similar technologies as existing websites, ie HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and Javascript. Modern smartphones and tablets, such as iphone, ipad and android have very capable web browsers with excellent support for advanced features such as webkit extensions and HTML 5 features. With appropriate coding, HTML, CSS, and Javascript can be used to deliver applications that are optimised for those mobile devices and have a native-looking user interface. The e-learning site represents a single model for supporting a range of e-learning resources which can then be accessed by a variety of devices. Web Forum or Linked-in The e-learning strategy will need to be supported by a discussion forum that would allow all members to discuss and liaise with each other regarding their experience in implementing e- learning initiatives. This could be either a dedicated website forum where members can login and propose or respond to issues related to e-learning topics. It would also be worthwhile exploring use of Linked-in as a means of networking between members. This approach is gaining acceptance among business people as an efficient way of keeping in touch. Either way, it will be essential for the success of the strategy to allow members easy two-way communication between each other. Sector RTO Cooperatives There are currently 11 sector RTO Cooperatives that focus on sharing of experience and resources to ensure successful implementation of training strategies using the CPC08 and CPP07 Training Packages. The e-learning strategy would include the professional development of these members in the latest CPSISC initiatives and requirements for best practice in implementing e-learning in the industries. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 8

Communication and consultation The project will involve liaison with a wide range of construction and property services RTOs and industry stakeholders. This will ensure effective understanding of industry requirements for supporting professionals within key sectors. It will also ensure that project outcomes are industry-driven. BMA will also liaise regularly with and report to the CPSISC project manager and a Project Reference Group on project progress and outcomes, and to address any issues as they arise. The Project Reference Group will be established in the early stages of the project and comprise key industry stakeholders including representatives of major trade/skill areas. Members of CPSISC s RTO Cooperatives for construction will be used to gather input to the development work, and for trialing and validation of the website and e-learning resources. These Cooperatives cover major sectors including: Construction Brick and blocklaying Carpentry and joinery General construction Painting and decorating Wall and ceiling lining Wall and floor tiling Property services Cleaning Property development, sales and management Security Pest management Waste management BMA will also seek the involvement of members of the National Plumbing and Services Training Advisory Group (NPSTAG) to represent the key trade of plumbing and services. Other mechanisms for engaging industry stakeholders include promotion of the project and information dissemination through the CPSISC website and newsletter, reporting at regular RTO Cooperative meetings, use of industry newsletters and networks, and email updates to project stakeholders. Table 2 on the next page summarises the key strategies which will be used to ensure appropriate consultation with all relevant stakeholders throughout the project. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 9

Table 2: Summary of consultation strategies Activity Target group Details Project management meetings/discussions CPSISC project manager Project Reference Group For ongoing monitoring and provision of strategic direction and feedback to the project. Web-based consultation Project emails and newsletters Consultation and professional development workshops All industry stakeholders All key representatives involved in the project Construction and property services trainers/providers including members of the RTO Cooperatives CPSISC website would be used to inform current status of project and facilitate communication of key project activities. Emails will be issued for the project at critical stages, providing highlights of project progress, processes and outcomes. CPSISC newsletters will also be used to update industry on progress and key activities such as the availability of workshops and draft resources, as well as to promote project outcomes. Workshops will be held nationally in key locations to ensure maximum participation and industry coverage. RTO cooperative meetings Key RTOs with specialist sector knowledge involved in the implementation of training package products and processes Key RTOs will be invited to participate in cooperative discussions and teleconferences and national professional development workshops for each sector. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 10

Part 2: E-learning implementation strategy The diagram below provides a summary of CPSISC s e-learning implementation strategy over the next three years. It highlights key processes involved from an individual entering the workforce through to their certification of qualification. It also incorporates the recommended e-learning technologies and proposed CPSISC projects. Legend 1 Completed projects Development /Implementation Process A Technologies CPSISC website 2 3 Current projects Proposed projects 2 RPL Process B B C Website application Ipad/tablet 4 Coop projects D Smartphone app 3 LLN Assessment B D 1 OHS B D 1 Foundation Skills Clusters 8 Participant Guides A B RTO Delivery & Assessment Strategy 3 Delivery & Assessment Guides C 8 Delivery & Assessment Guides 4 Customised Delivery & Assessment Guides A Delivery Processes 8 Case Studies 4 LLN Strategy Assessment Instrument 3 Professional A Development 4 Learning Management System (LMS) Workplace Project/Activities 3 Unit Mapping A to the ACSF 4 Learning Objects Evidence Plan Assessment and Qualification Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 11

Projects The implementation strategy brings together nine development projects that will introduce e-learning technologies into delivery and assessment strategies within the construction and property services industries. These key projects are listed below: Completed: Development of resources for the implementation of the Foundation Skills Training Package (FSTP) in the construction industry. Implementation of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) national construction induction program (whitecard) supported by gaming technology and smartphone applications. Development of a process for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) via desktop, smartphone and tablet technology. In Progress: Development of an online Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) process for induction into the industry. Proposed: Development of electronic forms of CPSISC s Delivery & Assessment Guides that will allow assessment to be supported by ipad technology. Customisation of Delivery & Assessment Guides to be used for key projects such as Barangaroo etc. Development of an LLN Strategy that will use and customise Foundation Skills resources for key projects such as Barangaroo South in construction. Development of examples of Learning Management System (LMS) modules that incorporate best practice for the construction industry. Development of processes and case studies of learning objects (such as videos, sound bytes etc) that can be used to complement delivery and assessment strategies within the construction industry. Overview of E-Learning Strategy 2013-2015 Page 12