Bending the Tools

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Bending the Tools

• Exceeding Expectations of Lifelong Learners
  through Flexible Learning
• Peter Le Cornu
• Program Director, Communication and Leadership
• Australian Flexible Learning Framework

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Introduction

• Lifelong Learners
• Flexible Learning
• Expectations of Lifelong Learners
• Using Resources from the Framework
• How Learners benefit from Flexible Learning

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Lifelong Learners

• Person who takes responsibility for their own
  learning and prepared to invest time, money and
  effort in education training on a continuous
  basis
• OECD Individuals without the capacity for
  lifelong learning are likely to become marginal
  to the labour force

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Learners
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Barriers to Learning
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Expectations Flexible Learning
Learners want choice about
Where they learn
When they learn
What they learn
How they learn
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Expectations What Learners Value

• Flexibility/Convenience
• Interaction with Teacher
• Quality of Materials Course Design
• Access to a wide range of Resources
• Assessment and Quality Feedback
• Communication

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Expectations Pre-enrolment

• Information on what is required to complete the
  course
• Information about the course
• Who to approach for help
• Information on how to enrol

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Expectations Teaching/Learning

• Clear instructions on what they are expected to
  learn
• Helpful feedback from teachers
• Requirements for assessment
• Communication with teachers using a variety of
  media
• Timely feedback from teachers
• Engaging Learning

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Expectations Technical Support

• Quick response to technical problems
• Easy access to technical assistance
• Provision of technical assistance throughout
  course
• Strategies for checking accuracy/quality of
  information on the internet
• Access to Frequently Asked Questions

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Expectations Administration

• Comprehensive information
• Enrol online
• Apply for Recognition
• Pay online
• Retrieve Results web / mobile phone
• Access library resources
• Job Searching

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Expectations Information Age

• I want it now!!
• Just in time
• Just for me
• Pull the best fromanywhere in the world

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Implications PDA / Phone

• Transport Industry
• Driver has a car accident
• Downloads instructions
• Lessons learnt reviewed a week later

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Toolboxes
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Scenario
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Equity Toolboxes
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Toolbox Usage
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Toolboxes impact on learning
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Adapting a Toolbox

• Analyse existing toolbox content against content
  of course
• Analyse the modes of delivery provided by the
  toolbox against the needs of your students
• Activities use as is, adapt, develop new
  activities

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Building Blocks to Reality

• I understand how the frame comes together I
  could see how the project looked before I built
  it, it is so cool.
• This method is a lot easier than waiting for the
  teacher to help you when you are stuck.

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Flexiblelearning.net.au
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Learning Centres

• Example LIRNSpace
• Open access
• Small group
• Multimedia labs
• Project development and exhibition spaces
• Ion Transmissions 250 trainees

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Partnerships

• Adelaide Institute of TAFE
• Northern Territory Insurance Office
• Financial Services Training

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Learner Comments

• Accessibility after hours, flexibility,
  repetition when I need it.
• I work full time on a rotating shift so I cant
  get to classes on specific days at specific
  times. Doing an online course. Its easy for me
  to work when I am free.
• I can work as I learn and learn as I work.
• I can choose when I do modules and I can finish
  them quicker than the allotted time.
• Its convenient as I have small children.

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Learner Comments

• I can work at my own pace from home.
• You can continue just where you left off.
• No rush. Took my time.
• Having the freedom to choose when I have time to
  study and not having to keep to a timetable has
  been a great benefit to myself.

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Learner Comments

• Think it is good, you can come basically at any
  time.
• Fits in well with working fulltime
• I cant give up work so this gives me the
  opportunity to get skills
• Works well with school age children
• I can work around the needs of my three young
  children

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Learner Comments

• I have a disability so this is the only way I
  can study and not feel pressured to keep up with
  the other members of the class. I can take longer
  if I need to.
• As I live 100 km from the nearest TAFE, I would
  not have been able to partake in these studies
  under normal circumstances.

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Franca Child Care

• Franca La Pila
• Needed Qualification
• No computer background
• Used CyberTots Toolbox to gain Cert. III in 6
  weeks

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Flexible Learning Its Happening
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Peter Le Cornu

• peter.lecornu_at_netspeed.com.au
• http//lecornu.blogspot.com
• (includes a weblog of current material on
  Learning, knowledge technology)
• Flexible Learning Website
• http//flexiblelearning.net.au