6 September 2004

Charles Darwin University VET staff and students at Alice Springs and Katherine have piloted an innovative e-learning project to enhance learning and teaching outcomes in remote areas.

The project was initiated in collaboration with the Northern Territory Department of Education, Employment and Training with the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) providing funding to the University through its New Practices in Flexible Learning Program with a focus on Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) technology.

The Framework was established in 2000 to s upport the VET system to meet demand for flexible learning and e-learning from industry, enterprise and clients.

“The IDL technology allows the lecturer to be viewed by the students as well as showing video footage, live demonstrations of materials and other electronic content like PowerPoint file,” said the Framework’s Project Manager, Julie Van Der Klift.

“These are transmitted via satellite and can be viewed by students on the computer screen. The IDL sessions allow time for the students to gain valuable knowledge by interacting directly with the lecturer and discussing their studies,” Ms Van Der Klift explained.

During the pilot the Katherine Study Centre’s Administration Coordinator, Kathy Smale, helped the Certificate III in Community Services (Children’s Services) students.

A thousand kilometres away at the IDL studio at Alice Springs School of the Air, University Child Care lecturer, Amanda Cawthorne-Crosby, delivered the Child Care competency sessions to the students in Katherine, which lasted for up to 90 minutes.

“It was a great experience with the technology allowing me to connect with my remote students in a way that is similar to teaching in a classroom,” Ms Cawthorne-Crosby explained.

“The opportunity to talk face-to-face, demonstrate learning concepts and receive direct feedback from students is so important to the learning experience. I see real potential in the application to training, particularly for students who are isolated.”

Mrs Smale said it was a great buzz to see the students become involved.

“It was a great way to join human interaction with technology and the students who participated have come away from the project wanting more,” Mrs Smale remarked.

The results of the project trial will form a basis for investigating the technology further and potential applications within VET. These will be made available to other providers through the Framework website ( http://www.flexible.learning.net.au) at the end of year.