1 The issue RPL making it easier

1. The issue RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

The issue - TAFE • Traditional RPL processes are: – – Expensive Time-consuming Paper-based Confusing for learners • Learners spread across vast distances – cost of travel • Process needs to be simplified & holistic flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

The issue - CENTROC • CENTROC provides services to 19 central NSW councils • Spread across 70, 000 square kilometres • Council middle-managers need further qualifications to progress • Training is costly: – Cost of trainers/training program – Cost of staff taking time off work – Cost of travel and accommodation flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

2. The solution RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Overview • Conduct RPL via online platform (Moodle) • Emphasis on digital evidence (eg audio, video), not paper • Online communication limits need for travel • Four staff selected for trial • RPL for four units from Graduate Certificate in Management Communication • Provides a fast-track to achieve qualification flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Technology platform • Moodle – free, online course management system • Set-up & supported by technology consultants • Allows secure online submission of evidence • Facilitates learning community: forums, email through platform flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Developing the model • Needed to be: – Simple & user friendly – Allow for holistic assessment/evidence • Decided on separate sections for each unit, with: – – Unit overview Self-assessment checklist Critical evidence guide Submission of evidence flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

The model flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

The team • • • Lee Forrest, Teacher, Bathurst TAFE Sonia Battye, Regional Learning & Development Manager, CENTROC Narelle Druitt, Prevocational Head Teacher, Bathurst TAFE Kirsty Ford, Teacher, Bathurst TAFE Alex Hayes, Technology Consultant Robyn Jay, AFLF flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

3. Outcomes RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Key success indicators 1. 2. 3. 4. Ease of use for all stakeholders Suitability of technology Learner satisfaction Strategy meets the needs of: – learners in council workplaces – TAFE Western Institute’s strategic goals flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Outcomes - learners • • Learners happy with Moodle platform All learners submitted evidence for RPL has been applied for in each unit RPL awarded for all 4 units – simple & complex units • Uptake limited by workplace demands on time flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Outcomes – project team • Steep learning curve – both technological & RPL processes • Model proven successful • Identified improvements to expand platform next year flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

4. Stakeholder reactions RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Stakeholders • CENTROC – Looking at future applications for model/online training • Learners – Looking to seek further RPL – Easy to use flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Stakeholders cont. • Western Institute TAFE – Supportive – Valuable feedback for future uses of Moodle • Project team – Remain enthusiastic – Preparing for expansion next year flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

5. Lessons learned RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Key learnings – team • • • Establish clear roles in team Ensure depth of skills – support other roles Paid support to trouble-shoot technical issues Skilled consultant invaluable in skills transfer Organisational buy-in critical to sustainability flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Key learnings – learners • • Trust-building more difficult online Privacy issues for uploaded evidence Time-poor learners in work-based learning Easier to use than previous RPL experiences • Forces consideration of additional elearning technology uses in the workplace flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

What is evidence? • Need strong learner support at beginning • Provide clear guidelines on evidence: – – What is it, eg documents, audio/video recordings Amount needed Examples of acceptable evidence Critical evidence for unit • Set maximum upload limit in Moodle • Auditor’s requirements? flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Conclusion • The model works • Greater personalisation/support of learners needed in beginning • Closer deadlines may stop procrastination • Organisation needs to fund support/ technical roles to ensure sustainability flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

6. Next steps RPL – making it easier in rural & remote areas A partnership between TAFE NSW Western & CENTROC flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Future development • Expand units offered for RPL • Expand number of learners • Add online learning pathway via Moodle flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations

Links Project summary NSW e-learning Innovations wiki with 9 -minute video summarising project http: //nswinnovations. wikispaces. com/ 079 Edna Free online network for educators, based on Moodle, good examples and training www. edna. edu. au Mahara E-portfolio tool www. mahara. org Moodle www. moodle. org Resources and ideas for using Moodle flexiblelearning. net. au/innovations