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 * Going Virtual**


 * [photo of team]**


 * Manager:** Sam Meredith – sam.meredith [at] tafensw.edu.au
 * Facilitator:** Dianne Van Berlo – Dianne.vanberlo [at] tafensw.edu.au


 * Sponsoring RTO:** Armidale TAFE – New England Institute


 * Target client groups:** indigenous; youth; community

This project will train TAFE NSW New England Institute (NEI) teaching staff in use of real-time communication tools such as webconferencing (virtual classroom) for delivery of off-campus training programs. Webconferencing allows teachers to interact directly with their students from their desktop computers using text, audio and video communications, interactive whiteboards and sharing of computer applications on screen. This direct communication allows teachers to provide instruction, motivate and question students as well as encourage peer-group interaction. Software used will include Flash Communication Server and Adobe’s Breeze.
 * Project summary:**


 * Online presence:** (blogs, wikis, EdNA Group, websites, flickr tag, del.icio.us tag etc)

Our team blog: [|A Real Toolbox for Going Virtually Anywhere]

Flickr tags: nswlearnscope06 goingvirtualworkshop goingvirtualworkshops2and3


 * Postcard from the Field due date:** week starting 23 October


 * Proposed LearnScope visit/s:** Robyn – Sept 22


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


 * Team Discussion** **[|http://nswLearnScope.wikispaces.com/message/list/109]**


 * FURTHER DETAILS:**

NEI has been delivering training using webconferencing (virtual classroom) particularly for TVET programs in Retail Operations and IT. TVET is TAFE delivered vocational education and training to schools at typically Certificate II level. This training has been very successful with the key delivery tool being webconferencing but also combined with site visits to schools and use of online learning material.
 * Background to the project:**

Other NEI Faculties now wish to use the technology for delivery particularly to more isolated students and schools, for example schools which are part of the Northern Border Schools Access Program. This LearnScope project will provide NEI with the opportunity to train four key staff from each of the four faculties- General Education & Equity Services; Business & Creative Services; Trades & Primary Industries; Heath and Personal Services.

Staff will develop knowledge and skills in: · Facilitating webconferencing sessions to build rapport and maintain student interest and engagement · Designing communication activities to stimulate learners, including indigenous learners · Working with NEI’s desktop webconferencing interface which includes video, audio and interactive whiteboard · Working with proprietary products such as Adobe’s Breeze communication tools · Use of microphone and webcams including headset microphones.
 * Proposed project outcomes:**

Students who are taught through webconferencing gain incidental learning such as use of computers and keyboards, use of microphones and headsets, oral, visual and textual communication skills. These are all powerful skills to enhance employability, once again especially for those from isolated communities who otherwise would not have access to the ‘virtual classroom’ through which to communicate with a wider group of peers and teachers. This LearnScope project is a strategic initiative for NEI, which will allow it to train teaching staff in innovative use of a communication technology in order to offer training programs to communities who would be otherwise out of their reach. LearnScope participants will implement use of webconferencing with other staff and students during the life of this project. They will capture comments both formally and informally as they facilitate training with these staff and students.
 * Benefits to client group:**

· Participants will facilitate training with their client groups. Comments will be gathered through use of focus groups and informally with individuals. · Clients will be invited to comment on: · Their improved technical skills in use of headset microphones and webcams · Keyboarding skills · Relationship and team building skills across a distance. · Data can also be gathered on improved retention rates.
 * Evaluation strategies:**

· Skills test for participants before commencement and at final session to compare results · Reflection at face to face workshops · Implementation of changes to the program during the fortnightly virtual sessions · Team stories including quotes and anecdotes · Evaluation forms · Use of EdNA specialist groups · Key input into the national Access to Broadband project
 * We are capturing our learning via:**


 * We hope to share our learning via :**

This project is a collaboration among all four faculties of NEI. Through this collaboration, not only can Faculty staff share ideas, knowledge and skills across different discipline areas but also build rapport across Faculties. Other collaboration activities will include: § Project website for upload and download of training material, program updates, and discussion forum. § Project website to be linked to the NEI Flexilink website to ensure information is available to others, both within and outside NEI. Attendance at the NSW Planning Workshop in May and presentation at the NSW LearnScope Showcase in October, and updates to NSW LearnScope for inclusion on the LearnScope website

This LearnScope project comes at a fortuitous time. Some staff trained in use of webconferencing as part of this project will be involved in an Access to Broadband project with TAFE Tasmania. Through this involvement not only will the staff be able to implement their new knowledge and skills through virtual communication with TAFE Tasmania staff and students via high speed communications, but also pass on their knowledge and skills to their TAFE Tasmania colleagues. In addition, TAFE NSW Online Project has offered Institutes the opportunity to buy equipment for use in teaching and learning. NEI will buy podcasting equipment, which can now be implemented as part of this LearnScope project. NEI staff development unit also supports ongoing implementation of training in virtual classroom technology. Staff trained in this LearnScope project can pass on their knowledge and skills to their faculty colleagues.
 * We’ll connect with others via:**

Digital stories Postcard Website Podcasts
 * Proposed project products/outputs:**