Projects: Collaborative Interoperability 2003

This project aimed to extend access to resources for the VET sector by focussing on improved information management and greater adoption of national technical standards.

Interoperability describes "the ability to transfer and use information in a uniform and efficient manner across multiple organisations and information technology systems."

The major purpose of this project was to create a coherent interoperability Framework for the VET sector, which was both:

• a reference point for VET personnel on interoperability standards issues, and
• a vehicle for seeking recognition of VET standards needs in wider education and government arenas.

A key deliverable was a VET Interoperability Framework incorporating reference materials and resources for the VET sector.

Planned project outputs also included:

• discussion papers, developed through an environmental scan, identifying issues, activities and findings from relevant initiatives relating to Interoperability
• solutions to problems and illustrative examples of interoperability in action, relating to projects in the Resources for Teaching, Learning and Assessment Program (RTLA Program)
• a VET Interoperability Framework incorporating technical, semantic and legal recommendations for the VET sector
• a VET Interoperability website incorporating the Interoperability Framework, illustrative materials and links to relevant standards (target audience - Key Stakeholders relevant to Interoperability)
• an advocacy plan to inform and influence relevant authorities regarding interoperability issues (developed in conjunction with the Advocacy and Issues Management project)
• a communication plan to inform VET practitioners at both national and state/territory levels (developed in conjunction with the National Promotion and Communication project).

Helen Neaton, Project Manager, Collaborative Interoperability
TAFE Queensland
Centre for Innovation and Development
PO Box 1326
QLD 4001
Email: helen.neaton@det.qld.gov.au