Tackling some of Australia's most pressing skill needs will be a key focus of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) in 2006.

Federal Minister for Vocational and Technical Education, the Hon Gary Hardgrave MP announced AUD$15 million for the Framework to continue to increase the use of e-learning within the vocational and technical education (VTE) system in 2006.

The Australian Government and all States and Territories have agreed to fund 14 Projects under the Framework in 2006 which will focus on:

• increasing the uptake of e-learning in target areas where there are skill needs including industry and business, Indigenous communities, community groups, learners with disabilities and disengaged learners

• accelerating e-learning innovation processes

• mandating a set of standards and protocols for education and training providers

• consolidating the work already carried out, leveraging and promoting VTE e-learning capabilities.

The Framework's 14 Projects will sit under four Program areas and a full list of all 2006 Programs and Projects appears at the end of this release.

Chair of the Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG), which provides strategic advice and direction to the Framework, Jim Davidson said addressing areas of skill needs is a significant challenge for the future:

"Australia's skill base must be continually enhanced as advancements in technology require new and existing employees to possess different and more sophisticated skills.

"E-learning is about creating a more flexible and responsive VTE system which meets the changing needs of industry, now and into the future.

"In 2005 we have seen the release of e-learning benchmarking statistics which show that teachers and trainers believe e-learning is improving the outcomes for their students.

"The results show a positive return on investment and in 2006 we must focus on ensuring we are investing in the right areas and moving in the right direction."

Expressions of Interest for funding will be called through a special edition of the Framework's monthly online newsletter Flex e-News in January, as well as in national newspapers and through the Framework website: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au

To view the 2006 Framework Business Plan please visit: http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/aboutus/keydocuments.htm

Program 1: Client Engagement aims to strengthen the role of industry, individuals and communities in shaping vocational and technical education (VTE) provision to meet their needs. It encompasses three Projects (listed below) and is managed by Queensland.
Project	Description
Industry Engagement - ACT	This Project aims to increase the use of e-learning in workplaces by demonstrating the flexibility of e-learning to respond to and deliver on industry’s workforce development needs. In 2006 Demonstration projects across different industries, including partnerships between industry and training providers, will showcase how e-learning can be used to develop skills and support industry priorities and local business growth. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.
Indigenous Engagement - QLD	This Project will contribute to improving employment opportunities for Indigenous people by advancing skills through e-learning. It seeks to strengthen the capacity of Indigenous organisations and communities by using e-learning to recognise and identify skills and qualifications needed to gain successful employment outcomes. In 2006 the Project will use partnership models, professional development of mentors, and promotion of Indigenous e-learning resources to show how Indigenous communities with limited access to mainstream training delivery options can benefit through the use of e-learning. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.
E-learning for Creative Community Partnerships - ACT	This Project aims to create sustainable demand for, and use of, e-learning in communities, to foster both learning in the communities, and through learning, economic and regional development outcomes. In 2006 the Project will continue to develop and network with eight communities which were funded in 2005. It will also support a further six communities to integrate e-learning into their learning and regional development initiatives and use e-learning to increase participation of disengaged and disadvantaged client groups in education. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.

Program 2: Resources and Innovation aims to take an integrated approach to supporting sustainable e-learning uptake by bringing together a blend of innovative ideas, educational values, client focus and technical standards. It encompasses five Project areas (listed below) and is managed by Victoria.
Project	Description
New Practices in Flexible Learning - WA	This Project aims to explore and increase the uptake of innovative, practical and sustainable approaches to e-learning in workplaces, communities and training organisations. In 2006 the Project has a dual focus to continue to stimulate engagement in the development of educationally effective innovative teaching and learning practices. The Project also aims to embed innovative practices through sharing of innovative solutions and leveraging other Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) activities to increase workforce knowledge and skills necessary to implement and sustain quality e-learning practices. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.
Flexible Learning Toolboxes - VIC	This Project will continue to develop world-class e-learning products to support the national training system and ensure that Australian providers remain at the forefront of e-learning development and delivery. In 2006 the Project will develop new Flexible Learning Toolbox (Toolbox) products, additional learning objects for the Toolbox Repository, and build teachers’ skills in using and customising e-learning content. Toolbox Champions will be available in each State and Territory to support people in their use of Toolboxes. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.
E-standards for Training – VIC	In 2006 this Project aims to formalise and maintain a national vocational and technical education (VTE) interoperability framework (including technical standards, information formats and rights management) for exchange, distribution and access to e-learning resources. Research consultancies available: Yes.
Learning Object Repository Network – WA and VIC	The Network aims to build the capacity of the national training system to share teaching and learning resources. As the key source of e-learning resources for the system, the Network provides a foundation to share resources through the establishment and embedding of agreed principles in the design and development of resources and resource repositories. In 2006 the Network will increase the number and diversity of participating repositories with an aim to make 5,000 learning objects available across a range of disciplines and media. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.
Inclusive E-learning - VIC	This Project aims to improve employment-related training opportunities for young people and learners with disabilities. The 2006 Project will build on the 2005 finding that e-learning is pivotal to providing access to education and training for these target groups to consolidate and disseminate lessons learned, conduct further exemplar e-learning programs, strengthen links with industry groups involved in the development of e-learning tools, products and research and trial e-support mechanisms. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.

Program 3: Capability Building is underpinned by processes which will sustain the changing patterns for workforce development and organisational development. It is based on the underlying principles for the integration of working, learning and knowing. It encompasses three Projects (listed below) and is managed by New South Wales.
Project	Description
LearnScope - NSW	LearnScope is designed to build the capacity of vocational and technical education (VTE) organisations to integrate flexibility in teaching and learning through the use of sustainable e-learning and e-business strategies. In 2006 the Project will support national education and training outcomes and Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) priorities by targeting activities to teams and individuals who demonstrate links to: areas of skill needs, industry groups, Indigenous communities, community groups, learners with disabilities and disengaged learners. Funding available at State and Territory level through merit based selection: Yes.
E-learning Networks – ACT	This Project aims to advance the national training system by ensuring individuals gain access to the best national and international knowledge about e-learning. Within an environment of online networking and knowledge sharing, the Project aims to foster sustainable professional learning practices. These practices are based on individuals, providers, industry, researchers, clients and suppliers, nationally and internationally, making valuable professional connections. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.
Knowledge Sharing Services – NSW flexiblelearning.net.au	This Project delivers widespread, well-timed access to knowledge and resources that support vocational and technical education (VTE) e-learning practices, research and policy development. It will make an extensive knowledge base accessible, in particular through the Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s (Framework) website, flexiblelearning.net.au. VTE resource databases will be leveraged, and the capturing and transferring of knowledge across different contexts facilitated. It will also concentrate on platforms for collaboration, informal communication and social interaction. Funding available: No.

Program 4: VTE System Support aims to support the Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s (Framework) purpose to increase the sustainable uptake of quality e-learning and its goal for a flexible national training system which meets diverse client needs. It includes three Projects (listed below) and is managed by South Australia.
Project	Description
Research and Policy Advice – SA	This Project aims to provide high quality, timely and evidence-based research and policy advice to inform the Flexible Learning Advisory Group’s (FLAG) decision-making and development and implementation of Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) activities. FLAG will use the Project’s research activities to inform NSOC (National Senior Officials Committee) and AICTEC (Australian Information and Communications Technology in Education Committee) on e-learning issues. In 2006 the Project aims to consolidate and promote e-learning capabilities and build stronger links with other national and international research agencies. Research consultancies available: Yes.
Access to Bandwidth - TAS	Access to adequate high capacity connectivity at a reasonable cost is essential to the continued development of a flexible national training system. The full potential of e-learning and the benefits for learners, industry and providers cannot be realised where access to bandwidth is a constraint. This Project will advocate for and pilot development towards a national backbone network for the education and training system that delivers high capacity connectivity at affordable prices and suitable quality of service. Funding available through merit based selection: Yes.
National Communication - QLD	The role of the National Communication Project (NCP) is to increase awareness about e-learning and the Australian Flexible Learning Framework’s (Framework) products, resources and support networks in order to generate an increased uptake of e-learning across the vocational and technical education (VTE) system through the coordination of strategic communication and media activities. Communication and media activities coordinated by NCP include the management of the Framework brand and communication strategy, the development of communication tools such as brochures, case studies, CD-ROMs, media releases, and ads for placement, the identification of events to be attended and/or held by the Framework, media liaison and the development of media plans, and the distribution of the Framework’s monthly online e-learning newsletter Flex e-News. Funding available: No.