Final Project Blog e-reach

Wow the crazy roller coaster ride has ended…this project has been a great experience both for our RTO and project team. Not only have we now taken the first step into e-learning but we have an online learning platform called e-reach.

In our final blog I will be speaking on behalf of our team members past and present, which from a team of 4 is now only I. I don’t believe this project would have been possible without the support of e-works and the funding received from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework and would like to thank e-works for providing us with this opportunity.

For RTOs thinking of moving into the space of online learning GO FOR IT. I think that RTOs alike would be crazy not to get onto this moving train. This is the future and it's already here! RTOs need to be able to identify what a 21st century learner is and what their learning needs are.

I have captured a few screen dumps of our final product and to my surprise the pictures do not appear to be downloading in some spots. The fantastic site Moodle seems to be having a temperamental day.

Here are some screen dumps of our final product (apologies about the missing graphics).

So how do you go about replicating this; I highly regard obtaining funding to support a project and contacting the state representative for online toolboxes in your state or territory. They will point you in the right direction to commence your online journey.

I would also suggest that you go to the Australian Flexible Learning Framework website and download the e-learning opportunity analysis tool http://designing.flexiblelearning.net.au/tours/tour3_plan.htm

By completing this tool it will help identify the aim of your project but will also identify realistically what you can achieve.

The next step would be to ensure you have a team of staff to support this project a list suggested below.  Depending on your resources will determine how many staff you will have, note that some staff may be able to take on more than one role.

·         Project Manager

·         Content expert

·         Instructional designer

·         Graphics/multi-media and audio developer

·         Publisher of content/editor

Brainstorm and as our e-works consultant Debbie drilled into us PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. You need to plan as much as you can before creating the actually content, this will save time in the long run and ensure there is a logical sequence when creating your content.

A template for storyboarding is recommended that all staff use, this will ensure consistency and also help your publisher when developing the actual content. We used Powerpoint to design our storyboards which proved to be most effective.

Highly recommend checking out the example of toolboxes on the Australian Flexible Learning Framework website this provided us with the stepping stone to commence our designs. Istock is fantastic for purchasing images and jing to create videos a shame we ran out of time for jing L

Our triumph for this project is that we actually completed our toolbox of two units of competency. We have developed two units from TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

·         TAEDES402A Use training packages and accredited course to meet client needs and

·         TAEDEL401A Plan, organise and deliver group-based learning.

We started this project with hopes and dreams of what it could be and have achieved the majority of what we hoped. We may not have used the most advanced software when developing our content however we got the job done and we are happy with the overall result.

During the phase of this project we did come across areas that we were unable to defeat.  We had the intention of delivering a course in TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment which would incorporate the two units of competency partially online. Due to lack of interest and enrolments we were unable to commence a course in both February and March as it was not viable to do so. We hope to do so in the near future.

One of the most difficult challenges we faced was our technical expertise and skills within the team. With a team of 4 we were all computer literate however lacked the expertise in e-learning and programs to support content creation.

We also found the use of Moodle extremely overwhelming and difficult at first. We don't believe this program is the most user friendly system to produce learning content. The system is extremely temperamental which doesn’t make sense and the system appears to work only at certain times, requires constant repetition of tasks and is very slow.

Also the design stage and creating storyboards was difficult at first understanding the depth of detail required and the necessity of this. I think it is extremely important to effectively project mange this stage by ensuring all personnel within a team are aware of their role and responsibilities.

We had hoped to use software that created popups, interactive activities using hot potato and the creation of jing tutorials. However lack of resources and time prevailed and therefore these hopes have been left for after this project where we hope to improve upon our current content.

Where to from here

Our plans for the future are to build the e-reach team by employing further personnel with e-learning knowledge and skills.

We hope to continue to develop resources with the commencement of a new unit from TAE40110, TAELLN401A Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills and to also build upon our current two units by improving the technology and software that was used.

We hope to in the future create a role dedicated to e-learning and content development.

We will also continue our blog and  hope that we gather more follower.

Thanks Lisa Urosevic and the e-reach team

e-Reachin'(2): What a journey: thanks to our extended roadcrew!

So this is the e-Reach Project Leader's final reflection and I cannot overlook the huge contribution of our e-Works roadies. The journey was a long and hard one despite the laughs and manic joke telling. It is hard to summarise the personal journey that I have been on over the last few months as I lived and breathed Moodle and e-Reach. So much has changed!

Our team of four girls came together with hopes and dreams that we wanted to share with our learners-to-be. We came to e-Works passionate and committed but without much skill. (My idea of elearning was email.)  Some of us were trepidatious, some excited, all were a little nervous. We were only a small RTO in the not for profit sector with no IT department to do fancy graphics for us or bail us out if we got stuck.  Could we ever learn what we needed to?  The best part was we weren't alone, there was always a friendly and encouraging voice an email, tweet or phone call away at e-Works, and as I told Bernadette the other day, we adopted them as part of our ATN team immediately.

From our first session at e-Works, what impressed and inspired us the most was the passion and commitment of the staff at e-Works. I was astounded (and a little lost) at the jargon which I knew one day would all make sense; and I am glad to say it did. I now can tweet and embed googledocs coding in my Moodle with the best of them (I even know what that means!!).   In fact every time we learnt a new word we would use itto confuse and astound our colleagues as often as possible - it caused staff meeting minute chaos! (heheh)

We had seven days of intense training with e-Works, and each day we returned with a deeper understanding, not just using the technology, but using it in a way where learner's interests being our guide to design and content.  We used androgogical (adult learning) methods, social learning and recognition of multiple learning styles and apply these in the e-learning model. For example we took social learning to the elearning environment by using online discussion boards to broaden learner's access to each other's ideas and develop their own. We focussed on what was current in industry and the importance of technology - not just as trainers, but also how technology will change their industry. How do we adapt the way we train others when change is happening so quickly?  We learnt about 'web questing'. (I am itching to try that one again!) But also we talked about incorporating the learning journey into the online delivery. It's not the 'dump content and run model' that some describe.  It changed the way I think about training and structure; it made me a better trainer.  

Most importantly it was the fast response when IT trouble struck or we became unstuck. Their advice was always practical and we couldn't have reached this point without their constant support. Every time we feared we would come apart all the e-Works team were quick with an encouraging word or useful tip.  They cared about our little team and overachieving goals as much as the project, and for that we all (past and present e-Reach team members) thank you!! :)  

The best part of all is that this project will be uploaded onto LORN and available for everyone to use! Despite our struggles, we will succeed to make this e-Reach project a reality. I hope that everyone will enjoy using our units in the future and it achieves the goals we set out with. I will come back and use and improve it again.

And to my little e-Reach team; thanks. Thanks for making it a magical crazy journey.
To the last pea sitting in the pod: don't give up, you are almost there!  

We're Julie's girls.   



  

e-Reachin': A Reflection of the Project Leader's Journey

The two units of TAE40110 (DES402A and DEL401A) have been re-written into a format that meets the learning needs of members studying this course. Due to the nature of our members who deliver a wide variety of courses, it was essential that these units were delivered in a way that reflected their diverse learning needs.  Therefore unit DES402A uses images and examples from a range of training packages. This also familiarises learners with a variety of training packages, so they have an idea of the diverse opportunities available in the VET Sector.  While these units contain assessments and activities, it is important to note this resource do not contain the complete unit.  They only address the underpinning knowledge to support delivery and assessment of these two units and are not designed to be used exclusively for delivery.  These units were designed to ensure that the underpinning knowledge is taught in a holistic and logical manner. By using the online learning platform, I hope to ensure consistency and quality in training in the foundation blocks of knowledge that underpin the entire TAE40110 course. The aim was to find explanations and examples that take learners on a journey that makes sense to them, and clear up some of the misunderstandings and misinformation that exist in the VET Sector. 

I chose these two units to meet three critical areas that I believe are essential for new and existing trainer/assessors to understand when designing and delivering a course.   They include:

·        the overview of the VET Sector

·        how to read unit, training package and course codes

·        using the NTIS website

·        reading a qualification summary

·        the difference between a unit, a skill set, a qualification and an accredited course

·        the role of auditors

·        Understanding the AGTF and AQF

·        What is an RTO

·        Current trends in training methods (the role of technology and green skills)

·        Where the RTO fits into the VET heirarchy

·        the connection between training and the Australian workforce industries

·        Theory behind learning styles (DEL401A)

In DES402A I aimed to cover information gaps that are inherent, as the industry assumes all trainer/assessors would understand these concepts.  These gaps include; the role of auditors, what is an RTO, current industry trends in education, current industry trends in the Australian workforce.  Also it was important to clarify that this course is about preparing trainers to work as a specialist within industry and as a trainer of adults, a message which for some learners has been lost in the complexities of the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.    

Choosing electives:

Like most courses, the choice of electives required a great deal of consideration about the direction and purpose of the course. While our course does not include the units TAEDEL501A Facilitate e-learning and TAESUS501A - Analyse and apply sustainability skills to learning programs, we did want l learners to experience the online learning environment as a student, and to consider how to incorporate green skills. The reason for this is that we wanted to ensure the foundation blocks of training and assessment were properly established, and these units would be offered as advanced options delivered as single units as part of the JA Professional Development program. The electives chosen for the course are:

1.      TAELLN401A Address language literacy and numeracy skills

2.      TAEASS502A Design and develop assessment tools

3.      TAEDEL301A Provide work skill instruction

Where are we at?

Despite going from a team of four to a team of one, all the content for DES402A, including activities and assessments are complete and accessible online.   All content for DEL401A is either complete or is written and ready to be put online. Lisa is currently completing the final pages and two Jing videos of content on using the NTIS website, as the website has been recently updated and the videos need to reflect this.  The assessment templates for the practice RTO ‘Skillz Learning’ are uploaded in the ‘assessment template folder’, but are also available in ‘resources and links folder’.  

The outstanding components are the ‘splash’ or introductory pages for each unit including a bibliography. The bibliography has been written, and is currently available in a word format. It just needs to be uploaded onto a ‘splash’ page.

The PowerPoint slide on the Industry page (page 1) needs Ken Gooding to have a look at, for some reason it is no longer working properly and I can’t figure out why. 

A final tidy up of the web pages – including deleting the webpages test2 and test3background, the ATN introduction page (or update the induction page). Finally the ‘Induction Pack folder’ needs to upload our enrolment forms and handbooks (form 11).   

The units need to be packaged for LORN.  It will take approximately 1 ½ hours at e-works to get this done. The funding date for this is 1 May 2011.

Two peas in a pod!!!

There were two peas in a pod and now there is one :(( please send me the smallest violin in the world.

What shall I do without my Mars bar...

Live a long and happy life!! and get on with the project only 4 weeks to go woohoo....

TAE On Scope!!

We did it! We did it!  Woop woop!!

28 February 2011

"What's for lunch?" Lisa asked.

"Moodle salad" came the reply.

"What, Moodles again?"

"I threw in a Wiki for something different."

18 February 2011; Feeling Moodlicious!!

There is nothing more thrilling than a break through, except perhaps more than one, and today was the day!!!

I made my first, second and even third Moodle Web page, and can do a basic lesson! #jumps for joy# You know I think we might be getting the hang of this. Sort of. On the most simplist level anyway...