Flexible learning is a philosophy and an approach which expands choice on what, when, where and how people learn. It includes a range of delivery modes:
A flexible approach to training is good for all stakeholders in the training system. For a registered training organisation (RTO), innovation in training and assessment delivery can give an RTO a competitive advantage by opening up international, national and regional markets.
Employers benefit from the ability to integrate training into their workplace in a way that suits their operations, while learners can access training that best suits their learning style and helps them balance their work, life and education commitments.
Flexible learning also increases accessibility by opening up a range of learning options, thus helping to make training more equitable.
The Flexible Learning Business Planning Framework
Each year, funding is available for RTOs through the Australian Flexible Learning Framework for professional development, innovation, evaluation and research in flexible learning.
The Framework recognises the introduction of e-learning requires RTOs to undergo significant change, and is a challenging process which takes time.
It recognises that an organisation introducing flexible learning needs to have:
The Framework has developed resources which offer support to RTOs and practitioners undertaking the move towards the adoption of flexible learning.
Learnscope
LearnScope provides funding and other learning opportunities to teams and individuals within RTOs for professional development. The LearnScope project aims to inform, encourage and support the vocational education and training (VET) sector in building a critical mass of VET people with the attitudes, skills and capabilities to apply new learning technologies to the delivery of services and products.
