e-Learning+FAQ

= Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) = = = = Note - This web site will no longer be supported after the 30 June 2014 and access to the site will cease at the end of Dec 2014. (Content was accurate as of the 30 June 2014). = (adapted with permission from Marlene Manto - SA E-Learning Coordinator) This page will answer common questions about e-learning. Please feel free to email your own as this will assist in populating the FAQ page with information that is relevant and useful.


 * Q: Where can I/we get help with e-learning? **
 * A: ** Your first point of contact should be the local ACT E-learning Coordinator, who can provide advice, direction, answer questions and/or refer you to others as appropriate. Sometimes it can be easiest to have a chat, and this can be arranged via a meeting or via webinar, or by telephone.

‍ Q: What do I need to know about e-learning content?

 * A: ** There is much e-learning content already available, which has been mapped to Training Packages - check out the Toolboxes and the National VET Content website. The page Creating Content may provide ideas for developing your own. Be wary of purchasing (or signing up for) 'off-the-shelf' e-learning content...it may seem an attractive solution in the short-term but it doesn't build organisational e-capability and it can lock you into long-term contracts. Check out Buy or Build if this is your question.

‍ Q: My organisation is thinking about e-learning - where should we begin?
and working documents to assist however a conversation with the ACT E-learning coordinator can accelerate the process of getting underway.
 * A: ** It is best to begin by building an understanding of e-learning, and then make initial decisions eg what model will fit your organisation and learners etc. The e-resource Strategic Planning for E-learning provides some steps, guidelines, links

‍ Q: What are the best tools/software/platform to use for....?????

 * A: ** No matter what you are wanting to do, the website Top 100 Tools for Learning a useful list of 'what others use to do this'.... recommended by VET leaders and professionals who have voted on what they use and prefer. (It's no coincidence that most are open-source....there is a definite swing away from proprietary...and often expensive...software options).

‍ Q: What do I need in the way of software and tools?

 * A: **The VET Teacher E-learning Toolkit specifies the minimum web and desktop-based functionality requirements needed to support e-learning. Open it inside your organisation's firewalls to see if you can access all the listed sites. The List of Commonly Used VET E-learning Applications/Tools from National E-Standards is also very useful to determine 'usual' requirements.

‍ Q: What is Moodle?

 * A: ** Moodle is an interactive learning management system (LMS) that gives trainers and learners flexibility in course delivery. It is one of the most commonly used LMSs in South Australia, used by TAFESA, UniSA, Flinders Uni and a host of other training providers. More information on Moodle (including how to get your own Moodle) can be found on the Moodle page of this site.

‍ Q: Our e-learning is fragmented and ad-hoc - how can we make it sustainable?

 * A: ** A strategic approach to e-learning is essential for sustainability. Download the PDF booklet Practices that Sustain E-learning Training Solutions and after going through the good practice examples, complete the exercise at the back of the booklet, as it will provide a benchmark for where your organisation is 'at'. Then repeat this at each AGM to check if your organisation is improving it's e-maturity!

‍ Q: What is the best way to transfer classroom material for use in an online environment?

 * A: ** Simply transferring classroom material and handouts into resources which can be accessed online, does not make it e-learning. It is first necessary to 're-think' how the teaching and learning will 'work' in this different environment. A planning tool which can assist this process is the Learning Design Tool. This tool is freely downloadable and has been designed for both experienced and non-experienced users.

‍ Q: How does one develop an e-learning strategy?

 * A: ** An E-learning Strategy is essential if you want e-learning to be sustainable - the suggestions in Developing an E-Learning Strategy – 8 Elements to Consider may be a good place to begin.‍