The innovation economy has accelerated the need for diverse training responses within the vocational education and training (VET) sector. Among these diverse responses is greater flexibility in learning options, particularly through the increased use of technology.

eLearning in Victoria

eLearning is important in increasing VET participation as it provides the flexibility of choice over time and location of training. To make sure Victoria has a responsive and innovative skills system that can keep up with the rapid changes in technology, the Victorian Government through Skills Victoria funds the following initiatives:

• e-Learning Grant

The e-Learning Grant is an initiative which started in 2005 and provides annual funds to all TAFE institutions to increase the uptake and integration of eLearning in their organisation. The grant funds projects that focus on staff development, research or developing teaching resources to support flexible delivery.

• e-Learning Fund

The Australian Council of Private Education and Training (ACPET) and the Adult Community and Further Education (ACFE) Division of the Department of Planning and Community Development each received a grant in 2008 for eLearning projects in their sectors. This funding has been provided as a transitional measure as both sectors adjust to the new national competitive arrangements of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework's eInnovations Funding.

• The TAFE Virtual Campus (TAFE VC)

The TAFE Virtual Campus (TAFE VC) is an established state-funded virtual learning platform offering a range of eLearning products and services to a diverse group of teachers, students and organisations. Skills Victoria has contracted out the operational management of TAFE VC to eWorks which is a business arm of Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE. eWorks manages various state and national eLearning responsibilities on behalf of Skills Victoria, including the TAFE VC.

For further information visit the 'TAFE VC' website.

A national focus on flexible learning

Victoria's own eLearning initiatives complement the national focus on flexible learning, which is delivered through the Australian Flexible Learning Framework in which Victoria participates.

• The Australian Flexible Learning Framework

The Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) provides the VET system nationally with eLearning infrastructure and expertise needed to respond to the training needs of Australian businesses and workers.

The current 2008-2011 Framework Strategy focuses on embedding eLearning in registered training organisations (RTOs), business and industry.

• Flexible Learning Advisory Group

Development of the Framework is managed by the Flexible Learning Advisory Group (FLAG). FLAG is an advisory group of the National Senior Officials Committee (NSOC) and provides advice on strategic directions in flexible learning, with particular reference to eLearning.

As well as leading and managing the Framework, FLAG provides advice on VET sector perspectives to both a national, cross-sectoral committee, the Australian Information and Communications Technology in Education Committee (AICTEC), and to the education.au Board, a national ICT agency established to develop and manage online educational services and products.

For further information on FLAG visit the 'Australian Flexible Learning Framework' website.