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Childcare Services: Beyond the Limits!
Another update on our [|e-Stella Blog] is now available describing our final PD workshop on Podcasting. (8/09/06) We will be setting up an online Podcast help course via our LMS later next week. Will keep you posted.

There is a new addition to our [|Blog] describing our most recent PD workshop on Podcasting. (31/08/06) The Stella Maris team at work!

Sponsoring RTO:** Stella Maris College
 * Manager:** John Christensen - john_christensen@stellamaris.com.au
 * Facilitator:** Amy Smith - amy_smith@stellamaris.com.au


 * Target client groups:** Skills shortage; Youth

Stella Maris College is an all girls Catholic school on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Through in house and online training, the aim for 2006 is to improve and recontextualise the delivery of online content for the Children’s Services students. We will address the emergence of technologies such as pod casting, and digital video streaming to improve the delivery of the Children’s Services syllabus. The intention is to cater for distance learners as well as students who prefer to learn at their own pace.
 * Project summary:**

[|View the Stella Blog] [|Hear the Stella Podcasts]
 * Online presence:** (blogs, wikis, EdNA Group, websites, flickr tag, del.icio.us tag, Podcasts)

Proposed LearnScope visit/s:** We had our visit from Alex yesterday (24th August) and it was very helpful. We have found some fantatsic new resources.
 * Postcard from the Field due date:** week starting 30 October


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

http://nswlearnscope.wikispaces.com/message/list/006
 * Team Discussion**


 * References**

http://www.programmableweb.com/reference http://talo.wikispaces.com/TeachingTools [|http://talkingvte.blogspot.com] http://del.icio.us/alexanderhayes


 * FURTHER DETAILS:**

The LMSBC has identified in the past the isolation associated with distance and workplace learning. LMSBC aims to create a network of support through E learning in which learners may develop supportive relationships with LMSBC staff, trainers, other learners and small business owners. This project will also increase access and equity by offering alternative learning methods and interactive resources for all learners. New opportunities arising for our team are expanding our current knowledge in E learning options and being able to offer further learning options to our participants – as well as information sharing through technology.
 * Background to the project:**

1. To investigate and identify the most suitable social software option to assist in creating a network of support for learners at LMSBC. 2. To increase the confidence and competence of team members in using E Learning 3. To identity the social software which clearly supports the philosophy of work based learning. 4. To identify the suitability of the LMSBC website to facilitate E learning. 5. To implement the chosen software option into LMSBC’s network of support for learners.
 * Proposed project outcomes:**

Small Business is notorious for being time poor. Our small business clients and learners will be able to access the E learning network forums/blogs etc at a time suitable to their work and lifestyle allowing better access and equity for all learners. Learners will be able to access other learners, LMSBC trainers and staff in a supportive network to share information and ideas. The LMSBC will include information regarding our E learning options for Small Business on our promotional and enrolment materials to allow all participants and learners to access the technology available – at any time. Incorporating E learning options will better cater for differing needs and interests of each person as they will be able to ask questions, post hints about learning and assist each other in a collaborative and interactive manner
 * Benefits to client group:**

Evaluation of the impact of this project will be made through feedback obtained from learners through discussions, use of E tools, and online surveys. Additionally, learners will be encouraged throughout their learning experience to provide LMSBC with feedback on the value of network support. People who have experienced studying prior to the use of E support and are now studying with this support are asked to make direct comparisons as to the benefits of this network to their learning. The positive effect of this E support will be reflected in an increase of referral from past participants. This impact can be recorded and measured through our training enquiry management system.
 * Evaluation strategies:**

Minutes and Brainstorming – Which will record how the project is progressing and how the team is learning more about E Learning and flexible delivery for small business Surveys and questionnaires that are recorded at the start, during the project and at the end to identify learning as it progresses – as an indication of how far learning has come within the team By identifying whether outcomes are being achieved throughout the project and at the end By using an online journal and online discussion with the Team – this will allow team members to assist each other with learning and share ideas and knowledge even when the team is not meeting together Quotes and anecdotes from Team Members during meetings and virtual meetings with the Project Team – to allow each member to identify what they are learning and how this knowledge can be utilized and shared within the group
 * We are capturing our learning via:**

Progress discussed on Website Distribute our first Blog- ask people to contribute Subcommittee and board meetings Workshops introducing technology involving industry groups and learners Reports to in house meetings, staff meetings, Managers etc LearnScope Conference presentations Ongoing involvement in national network groups Involvement in industry, community or VTE networks Staff development
 * We hope to share our learning via:**

Team blogs Development of a new resource/ product Project portfolio – including links, stories, products, MP3 files, mindmaps, FlickR tags
 * Proposed project products/outputs:**