Case study 4: A Strategic approach: Implementing e-learning in building and construction

University of Ballarat (TAFE)

Being strategically driven is very important - Carla Reading, Head of School, Manufacturing Services, University of Ballarat (TAFE)

E-learning at the University of Ballarat’s TAFE division started with their ‘renewal of teaching’ endeavour. This was driven by the University’s strategy to respond to the changing world of vocational training in the increasingly digital economy.
One of the enablers of the ‘renewal of teaching’ was the former TAFE Development Centre’s TAFE Teaching and Learning Excellence Program.

'As a modern community training provider we had to find ways to take training to the people – take it into industry, into homes and other places. To take it to them on laptops, and in the future, perhaps offer training via iPods'. (Carla)

An institution-wide strategic approach means that everyone, from top management to the teaching staff, needs to be convinced and involved in adopting an e-learning model.

'This is driven by a combination of top level planning and lower level implementation; the one feeding off the other'. (Carla)

Sue Goodbourn and her staff in the TAFE Development Unit (TDU) did a good job of getting things going. They sold the e-learning concept to staff who gradually began to take it on. But for the strategy to work overall, the infrastructure and resources also had to be in place.

Ballart University is now building a fully equipped and environmentally sustainable centre for the TAFE building and construction department, which totally integrates computer facilities with traditional trades equipment.

'The building project followed the strategy, but it has also been an impetus and driver of change'. (Carla)