Connecting the Dots: breaking down the barriers to participation
Many people find it hard to absorb lesson content simply by reading textbooks or a computer screen. This project will examine the effect podcasting has on disenfranchised, disengaged and marginalised students in the vocational education and training (VET) system. Podcasting involves downloading a sound file which would allow students to study anywhere, anytime, by listening to their mobile phones, MP3 and CD players.
Connecting the Dots seeks to make learning opportunities more flexible and accessible for people who have little time to attend face-to-face classes, are isolated by their geographic location, or who have physical or learning disabilities.
This project will:
- demonstrate a range of alternate strategies
- aim at meet providers and practitioners at their present entry level
- help make adoption easy and seamless
- demonstrate positive outcomes
- demonstrate how to make the learning experience exciting, innovative, social, fun and educative
- demonstrate how innovative practices can reduce workloads.
This project will be of interest to:
- practitioners and trainers interested in adopting podcasting as a learning tool
- learner groups who wish to explore alternative learning tools, in particular learners who have:
- English as a second language
- disabilities
- literacy needs, and
- currently not engaged in learning
- adult community education organisations
- VET providers interested in adopting and applying voice technologies
- professional development staff looking for examples of how technology has been applied.
A number of video/audio clips are provided which overview the project concept and developments.
Practitioners and learners from a range of rural and metropolitan locations within ACE Victoria have been investigating the possible learning options that podcasting can provide. The key question for participants is "When in this e-learning option an appropriate tool to incorporate into VET learning situations?" and "What limitations, risks or challenges may need to be addressed?"
Of particular interest is the applicability of podcasting and the potential impact for students who experience difficulties with traditional text-based resources, be these online or in hard copy. Challenges faced by participants will be documented and shared as a learning tool for other ACE and VET providers to help guide those who may be interested in the application of podcasting.
Feedback from learners involved in the project has included delight in knowing that ACE is exploring new ways to assist learners by being involved with and keeping pace with technology. Learner participants are often in awe of the capabilities of the technology with one word "stoked" frequently heard: in other words, completely delighted to be involved.
Given the rapid evolution of the technologies being explored, it is difficult to predict the future impact and what the associated challenges will be. Insomuch as the project team are finding solutions as these problems unfold throughout the project, future VET users of podcasting will benefit from the trailblazing undertaken through this journey.
 
Above: Project team members (left to right)
Janet Hayes, Project Manager;
Jan Simmons, Project Sponsor The project will be developed by Morrison House, an adult and community education (ACE) Provider in Victoria , in consultation with a number of ACE providers throughout Victoria.
For further information on all New Practices in Flexible Learning projects please contact the Project Management Team by email on newpractices@westone.wa.gov.au or phone
(08) 9229 5331 or 0418 951 601.
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