Introduction
Melissa works as a Learning Consultant of the New England Area Health Service (NEAHS) which is part of the NSW Health RTO. Her 2002 Flexible Learning Project involved forming and implementing an e-learning change management plan that effectively addressed the needs of an RTO that is huge and geographically dispersed.

This article summarises the outcomes of Melissa's project. You can access the full resport by
selecting the link at the top of this article. To find out what Melissa is currently involved in,
select the link at the bottom of this article entitled - 'Melissa's 2003 Update'.

Professional Development Goals
• To formulate, and get agreement on, an e-learning change management plan for
the NSW Health RTO so that an effective flexible learning solution can be
implemented which addresses the needs of a huge, geographically dispersed RTO

Strategies
Developed, implemented and evaluated an online learning experience for staff in
NSW Health RTO; developed change management plan; developed Internet and
Intranet sites;completed online course on Designing and Teaching Online Courses; visits;
conferences and online discussions; literature, software and benchmarking review;
coaching in leadership skills; interviews

Outcomes
• An e-learning change management plan for an integrated NSW Health RTO
• Pilot of an e-learning solution for the NSW Health RTO
• Increased knowledge about technological infrastructure and constraints in the NSW Health RTO
• Knowledge about better practice processes used by organisations which have implemented
e-learning solutions
• Hands-on skills in e-learning technologies, including online facilitation skills
• Leadership in the VET sector via presentations and publications

Learning & implications
Summary of learning
• Technology is not king
- keep the technology simple to prevent breakdowns and keep learners motivated
- trial different e-learning solutions on groups of learners in a safe and supportive environment
- design great learning activities irrespective of the technology
• Content is not king
- create opportunities for learners to create and share knowledge together
(see table of teaching and learning models)
• Communication is king
- communicate clearly at an appropriate level and repeatedly to avoid assumptions about roles, and TAFE jargon

Implications
You can have great learning experiences and outcomes without flashy technology

Online learning works best when learners interact in groups, facilitated effectively

There is a need for online learning and teaching to be viewed as a legitimate part of a
learner or teacher’s day to day work, and not as an add on or a task with less priority

The national communication strategy for VET must be trans-organisational if we are going
to become world leaders

The future
• TAFE’s monopoly over the VET system has to be broken in order for industry
based organisations to have equitable access to resources for teaching and learning
• ANTA needs to continue its work to make a national VET system that is
transparent and accessible for all
• There needs to be strategic continuity of funding for organisations such as ours in
order for change to occur and be sustained
• Communication within the VET system needs to be “common speak”
• Assessment methods such as portfolio and workplace assessment need to better
utilised
• Partnerships between industry and TAFE are essential. However, courses offered
by TAFE need to be more flexible (e.g. more entry and exit points, less emphasis
on face to face contact) and more affordable (e.g. $1500 for a Certificate IV is not
an affordable option)
• NSW Health is a huge RTO with great potential but it does not have the resources
to make flexible learning a success. Learning is not core business in industry and
industry based RTOs are not funded like TAFEs. If ANTA is serious about
flexible on the job teaching and learning then industry based RTOs need greater
access to funding to deliver
Personally
• Spreading the word about flexible learning from a non-TAFE perspective through
presentations, publishing and mentoring
• Setting up an online forum or community specifically for health staff to make it
easier for people to search for information about learning and teaching models and
resources in health within Australia and overseas

Melissa's 2003 Update
http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/leaders/fl_leaders/fll02/melissa_mills.htm