Three new trials have been awarded a total of $45,000 to explore key emerging technologies for vocational education and training (VET).
Funded and supported by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (Framework) and led by registered training organisations (RTOs), the trials will help the VET system to adopt and use new technologies by highlighting their benefits, risks and future development needs.
The trials will also inform the development of technical standards and guidelines for using new technologies in VET.
The three 2011 emerging technology trials are:
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Victoria – Converting Flash to HTML5
This trial will explore the capability and potential of HTML5 for creating interactive e-learning activities. It will accomplish this by taking an e-learning activity developed in Adobe Flash and attempting to redevelop it in HTML5.
HTML5 has the potential to benefit the VET system by providing wider interoperability by reducing reliance on plug-ins for delivering rich media.
Learning Network Queensland, Queensland – Smart pens and pencasting
This trial will use smart pens and pencasting to digitise hand-written paper based instruction. The trial will also explore how pencasting can digitise class notes which contain images and symbols.
TAFE NSW New England Institute, New South Wales – Touch screen devices and open source applications
This trial will develop multi-touch e-learning activities for learners with a disability using touch screen devices and open source applications. The trial will also report on how touch screen devices can achieve Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) requirements for making web content accessible (primarily to people with a disability).
The 2011 emerging technology trials will conclude in June 2011.
For more information, visit http://flexiblelearning.net.au/e-standards