The document outlines the e-standards for training project, which focuses on developing and recommending technical standards for e-learning in vocational education and training (VET). It discusses various aspects, including mobile learning, e-portfolios, and barriers to e-learning access, while emphasizing the importance of standards in enhancing reliability and minimizing technical issues. The document also highlights future plans and ongoing activities related to e-learning content and standards.

1. Welcome to E-standards for Training update by Owen ONeill, e-Works This session will start at 9:30am AEDST

2. Overview What is the E-standards for training project? What are e-standards? Mobile learning E-portfolios Network and firewall access E-learning content standards

3. 1. What is the E-standards for Training project? Framework project National focus Collaboratively researches, develops, recommends standards for e-learning in VET National E-standards Expert Group

4. 2. What are “e-standards”? Technical standards for e-learning content and systems Underpins key VET initiatives such as LORN and Toolboxes Supports e-learning developers and users

5. 2. Why e-standards? Makes e-learning content and systems more reliable Minimises technical problems for e-learning systems and content Maximises return on investment

6. 3. Mobile learning - standards Recommended standards released in April 2007 Aimed at content developers and cover the following areas: Mobile video Mobile audio Wireless data connectivity Mobile content http://e-standards.flexiblelearning.net.au/topics/mlearn.htm

7. 3. Mobile learning – guide Aimed at teachers and trainers Step by step support and information: What’s possible with m-learning? How can m-standards be used in practice? Creating different types of content Tools for m-learning Case studies, references to other useful resources http://e-standards.flexiblelearning.net.au/topics/mlearn.htm

8. 3. Mobile learning – future plans The domain is constantly changing! Planning to update standards and guide in 2008 Interested in hearing from practitioners: What you found useful, what we should add, etc What new/emerging technologies (such as RFID) should we address? [email_address]

9. 4. E-portfolios What are they? How are they used? In Australia Overseas VET e-portfolio report published June 2007 Relationship to RPL/RCC

10. 4. E-portfolio issues How can we support life-long learning: Across education sectors? Into industry and employment? And keep personal information secure? And allow owners to give people limited access to different “views”?

11. 4. E-portfolio activities in 2008 Addressing these questions! Develop a roadmap for e-portfolio usage in VET Enable diversity, but also interoperability Engage with other education sectors and employers

12. 5. Computer network and firewall access study Access to computer networks and firewalls are creating barriers for e-learning practitioners Developing documentation on commonly used e-learning applications Opening dialogue between system administrators and practitioners

13. 5. Activities so far… Developed a list of commonly used e-learning applications in VET Ran a face to face workshop with system administrators, IT managers and e-learning practitioners in the same room (!) Following up with meetings with IT departments

14. 5. Findings… Both sides are willing to listen Policy is often not clearly defined and is interpreted differently Genuine security concerns need to be better understood by e-learning practitioners also Communication between IT departments and practitioners is often fragmented

15. 5. Outcomes… Documentation and report with recommendations for further action due to be discussed and agreed by the EEG in November and released by the end of the year Further work is required to keep this going and is tentatively planned for 2008

16. 6. E-learning content standards

17. 6. Recommended client platforms Describes minimum supported computer hardware and software for using e-learning content Used by Flexible Learning Toolboxes Currently being reviewed for 2008

18. 6. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) WCAG were developed by W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) Currently WCAG 2 is in draft form Many differences from the original…

19. More information http://e-standards.flexiblelearning.net.au http://lorn.flexiblelearning.net.au [email_address] Where can you see standards working in the real world? http://lorn.flexiblelearning.net.au