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| Monday 14 March 2005 |
AUD$500,000 funding available to embed e-learning in Indigenous
communities
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Indigenous students studying in the vocational education
and training (VET) system will be the ultimate winners
of a new Project of the 2005 Australian Flexible Learning
Framework (2005 Framework) which aims to embed
e-learning within Indigenous communities.
Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG)
Member for the Northern Territory, and General Manager
in the Territory's Department of Employment, Education
and Training (DEET), Mr Kim Jenkinson, said the 2005 Framework's
new Indigenous Engagement Project recognised the significant
work already undertaken in the area of e-learning for
Indigenous Australians.
"The real value of this Project is that it's not
about reinventing the wheel, but building on the significant
work that has already been carried out by a whole range
of well regarded bodies including the Australian Indigenous
Training Advisory Council (AITAC)," Mr Jenkinson
said.
"Extensive consultations have taken place with AITAC
and other critical bodies and the input of their knowledge
and experience has really helped shape the direction and
focus of the new Project," Mr Jenkinson said.
"The primary objective now is to strengthen the role
of Indigenous people and communities in shaping VET provision
in very remote, remote, provincial and urban contexts."
Under the Project, AUD$500,000 is being offered to ensure
the long-term sustainability of e-learning within Indigenous
communities. Expressions of Interest are now actively
being sought from registered training organisations (RTOs),
as well as consortia groups partnering with RTOs.
"The funding is very much community driven and applicants
will need to demonstrate strong collaborative links with
Indigenous communities."
Funding is available in three specific areas:
1. Links to Employment (Expression of Interest)
This initiative aims to use e-learning to achieve training
outcomes which lead to meaningful work outcomes for Indigenous
people. The objective is to develop a skilled group of
Indigenous Australians who can provide cost-effective
and long-term computer-based support to Indigenous communities
located in areas with robust information technology infrastructure.
RTOs and/or industry partnerships will need to demonstrate
community links which allow Indigenous learners to complete
an accredited and culturally appropriate e-learning program
that is relevant to industry.
Maximum funding for this initiative is up to AUD$250,000.
2. Capacity-building through E-learning (Targeted Initiative)
This targeted initiative will identify and select up to
four projects which will showcase examples where training
programs have successfully used e-learning to strengthen
already established Community Development Employment Programs
in relevant fields such as computer literacy, governance,
community development and/or business development. Maximum
funding for this targeted initiative is up to AUD$257,000.
3. Project Champions (Expressions of Interest)
This initiative aims to engage a group of up to 10 Indigenous
'Project Champions' to support and promote the uptake
of e-learning within Indigenous communities. Applicants
need to demonstrate a strong knowledge of VET and e-learning
principles. The Project Champions will support the Indigenous
Engagement Project. Maximum funding for each Project Champion
is AUD$15,000.
NOTE: Expressions of Interest for the Indigenous
Engagement Project are expected to scope the market and
build on existing infrastructure and training programs.
It is envisaged, for example, that a project of national
significance could potentially address all three initiative
areas. In this instance, funding of up to AUD$500,000
would be available, with enterprises demonstrating their
commitment through significant in-kind contributions.
Interested organisations should contact Rhonda Appo, Project
Manager,
tel: (07) 3227 8672, mobile: 0439 678 412 or email: rhonda.appo@det.qld.gov.au
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Last updated:
March 11, 2005
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