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More about flexible learning

In this section: More about flexible learning | How do I keep up to date? | How do I plan for flexible delivery? | Where can I find flexible learning resources? | Where can I find professional development opportunities | What do I need to know before I develop flexible learning resources?

What is flexible learning?

Flexible learning is a real option that expands choice on what, when, where and how people learn. It supports different styles of learning, including e-learning.

The world we live in today demands a flexible approach. Flexibility in vocational education and training (VET) means anticipating, and responding to, the ever-changing needs and expectations of clients - enterprises, learners and communities.

			Testimonial 'On-demand training, able to be integrated into workplace activity, is a magic formula for small business'. - Kathi Eland of ELAN Learning Options in Tasmania

A number of recent studies illustrate the growing trend to blended learning, that is, incorporating the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) into the delivery of education to augment rather than replace face to face teaching. E-learning is becoming an integral part of organisational training in the Australian VET environment.

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework

			Testimonial 'We are incredibly lucky to have the Australian Flexible Learning Framework as a stimulus to change, innovation and national collegiality. It has assisted organisations to be flexible and responsive in the programs they offer to clients'. Judith Bissland & Joan Cashion, 2000 Fellows, Swinburne University of Technology - TAFE Division

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) identifies flexible learning as a learner-centred and client-focused approach that makes use of delivery methods most useful to clients. The Framework is a unique, world-class initiative designed to create and share knowledge about flexible learning and to support its take-up in the VET sector.

Over the last four years the Framework has developed over a thousand resources and has provided significant professional development funding through the Flexible Learning Leaders and LearnScope projects to assist registered training organisations and VET practitioners to implement a flexible learning approach. As well as developing a number of different resources that will help you to understand more about flexible learning, the Framework's resources can show you how to incorporate a flexible approach to education and training delivery.

Case studies and resources illustrate how flexible learning might be useful to your own needs.

What is E-learning, Online Learning and Blended Learning?

			Testimonial " We are not using technology alone as a teaching and learning tool. The beauty of blended learning is that the teacher becomes more of a facilitator, rather than a giver of information. I think technology is yet to be fully utilised in schools and the potential is enormous." - Ann-Marie Kelly, deputy principal, Hendra Secondary College, 2003 Flexible Learning Leader

e-learning: E-learning as a component of flexible learning is a wide set of applications and processes which use all available electronic media to deliver vocational education and training flexibly. It includes computer-based learning, web-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration and uses.

Online learning: Online learning encompasses a range of technologies such as the world-wide-web, email, chat, newsgroups, and text, audio and video conferencing delivered over computer networks to deliver education and training, both remotely and in the classroom.

Blended learning: Describes an approach to education delivery where both face-to-face and e-learning methods are utilised.

Flexible, online and e-learning

			Testimonial "We are not using technology alone as a teaching and learning tool. The beauty of blended learning is that the teacher becomes more of a facilitator, rather than a giver of information. I think technology is yet to be fully utilised in schools and the potential is enormous." - Ann-Marie Kelly, deputy principal, Hendra Secondary College, 2003 Flexible Learning Leader

In one sense, there is a continuum between these terms, online is a subset of e-learning and e-learning is a subset of flexible learning. However, there is also a distinction between technology and approach. Online and e-learning are about specific technologies. Flexible learning is a philosophy and an approach, of which the use of technology is one, albeit very important, component.

Who can I talk to about where to start?

Support provides a range of contacts within the Framework that can help you. You can also take part in a Community discussion with other VET professionals, subscribe to Flex e-News, the Framework newsletter, or visit Hot Topics to find out what's new on the website.

In this section: More about flexible learning | How do I keep up to date? | How do I plan for flexible delivery? | Where can I find flexible learning resources? | Where can I find professional development opportunities | What do I need to know before I develop flexible learning resources?