092


 * E - Networking Hunter**


 * [photo of team]**


 * Manager:** Symon Maloney – symonm[at] hgtaust.com.au
 * Facilitator:** Alison Stuckings


 * Sponsoring RTO:** HGT Australia Ltd


 * Target client groups:** learners in the workplace

This project aims to support the goals of Hunter Trainer and Assessors Network, and it’s TAA Community of Practice. This project aims to assist members of the community of practice (CoP) build their capacity to network and share information in a flexible, sustainable framework. The new Training and Assessment Training Package, and its implementation by member RTOs, will be the focus of this project. CoP members will explore flexible delivery, by demonstrating (and participating in) best practice in online networking. The team will use synchronous and asynchronous online tools (such as discussion forums, chats and Web 2.0 technologies) to explore online communication. As an outcome, the CoP will develop guides and models of best practice flexible delivery of the new Training and Assessment training package.
 * Project summary:**


 * Online presence:** EDNA Group


 * Postcard from the Field**


 * Final Report**


 * Proposed LearnScope visit/s:** ¦ 12 July ¦ Sep. 4 ¦


 * Team events** (focus, date, time, availability to other teams)


 * Team Discussion** **[|http://nswLearnScope.wikispaces.com/message/list/092]**


 * FURTHER DETAILS:**

The TAA Community of Practice (CoP) is an existing part of the Hunter Trainers and Assessors network. To date, the CoP has operated in a face-to-face mode, with the following aims: To share information, support and experience to keep up with trends · To link in with other networks (for the benefit of members) · To encourage and support members to further skills in workplace training and assessment In order for time-poor trainers and assessors of the Hunter to be able to network across geographical boundaries, other opportunities for collaboration need to be explored. Members come from the Central Coast, up to the Mid-North Coast and across the Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter. An online space (Moodle) has been created; however, member uptake has been slow. This project will build on the expertise of members to enhance the skills of others to participate in and sustain their network. In particular, members will look at the opportunities for flexible delivery of TAA04 without loss of consistency.
 * Background to the project:**

· Building a sustainable network · Accessing other networks (existing educational networks, industry specific networks, more localised networks) · Provide PD for the distribution to others (team members will be able to share the learning back to their own RTO) · Enhance capacity of flexible delivery (learning shared within own RTO) · Develop model for consistent delivery and assessment of TAA · A understanding of the online environment, it's standards and culture (including online security and safety)
 * Proposed project outcomes:**

To date, anecdotal evidence would suggest that members are reticent about using the existing online CoP. The LearnScope project will provide a unique opportunity for mentoring and professional development in online collaborative tools. Currently, regular meetings are held, however members have expressed that this is not always convenient as they are managers/trainers/assessors at their own RTOs. These needs will be addressed as the team explores alternative ways to network including online chat and conferencing. The CoP members will be surveyed about their current skills, their area of interest (if known – some users 'don't know what they don't know') and preferred time commitment. This information will enhance the opportunity to personalise the outcomes of the project and meet individual needs. The flexibility of the project includes opportunities for online, phone and face-to-face learning. Feedback will be gained via recording of emails/forums/discussion boards, online surveys and workshop tasks. The project will be flexible enough to respond to member feedback on an ongoing basis.
 * Benefits to client group:**

This LearnScope project will help members explore several modes of online collaboration and delivery. They will be able to trial innovative, free, web-based tools in a safe, facilitated environment. The use of these tools means activities and feedback can be recorded and archived. This allows the collection and evaluation of feedback. Quizzes, online surveys and workshop activities will also be used to produce evidence for evaluation. The log term impact on CoP members' own businesses will be more difficult to measure. Within their own organizations, members will be able to evaluate implementation of more flexible delivery strategies via enrolments and course evaluation.
 * Evaluation strategies:**

Pre-project and post-project questionnaires will be used to identify skill levels and areas of interest before and after the project. · There will be team workshops and meetings, both face-to-face and online, to enable reflection during the project. · Emails, chats and discussions will be recorded and used for reporting · Development of model documents and guides to assist team members to deliver and implement the new TAA training package · Evaluation forms and online surveys · Assessment tools in team activities · Measurement of level of discussion and participation in online activities
 * We are capturing our learning via:**

IDEAS: § Active participation in NSW LearnScope EdNA Group § Active participation national Framework events § Active participation in named NSW LearnScope network groups § Industry networks The Community of Practice is a sub-group of the larger Hunter Trainers and Assessors network (HTAN). HTAN has regular breakfast meetings, with opportunity for guest speakers. The LearnScope team will be providing regular project updates at these meetings. It is also an opportunity for HTAN to show industry and the community how members are exploring innovative practice to increase the VTE capabilities of the Hunter, via local print media. Team members from the CoP will have an opportunity to interact in an online professional development event. Many will be participating in online events for the very first time. Members come from different RTOs, may competing in a commercial environment. The knowledge and experience gained by individuals will be shared back to their own organisation’s and industry stakeholders. The LearnScope team will participate in LearnScope reporting processes, such as the postcard opportunity and presentation at the E-Learning showcase.
 * We hope to share our learning via :**

§ Project team members will use organisational communication strategies to share learning with their own RTOs § Presentation to e-Learning Showcase § Presentation to larger HTAN membership § Presentation to host RTO § Involvement in industry, community or VTE networks § Models and guides developed/shared by team both locally, nationally and within industry networks § Promoting staff development within own RTOs
 * We’ll connect with others via:**

§ Development of a new resource/ product § Facilitator's project blog § Links to online activities completed by the team § Moblogging of team activities where applicable, by team members § Web-based home-page (protopage, wiki, MySpace, whatever!) integrating project evidence into one location § Team members will be encouraged to document their own experience (email, blog, voice recordings, moblog, flickr site) as their experience/interests allow
 * Proposed project products/outputs:**