In February 2004 the Australian Flexible Learning Framework (AFLC) began an Online Forum, "Getting Started in Flexible Learning", moderated by Judy Fawcett, targeted especially for practitioners who were new to flexible learning and wished to engage in a process of guided discovery. This article comes from this forum.

(adapted from material submitted by Peter Allen, South Australia Toolbox Champion)

”A Toolbox is a collection of online training materials comprising learning activities, resources and user guides to support program delivery for endorsed Training Package qualifications."

A Toolbox is a set of web-based learning materials that can be installed on a server by an RTO and used to deliver training online. Toolboxes can also be delivered in a modified way from a CD-ROM when network or Internet access is difficult. Toolboxes focus on effective teaching and learning activities and support a central role for teachers and trainers, who can adapt and contextualise the materials for their own audiences.

Each Toolbox includes a teaching guide and installation information and is aligned to a particular Training Package. Because the toolboxes are authored as web-based learning materials they can be used in a variety of ways. The licensing conditions are very generous allowing you to customise the toolbox - which includes inserting branding and logos and you can copy the toolbox onto CD-ROM for your students - particularly useful for remote students who might have slow or a non-existent access to the internet.

You can check out the ANTA Toolboxes at the preview site:

http://flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/index.htm

Currently you are able to tour the latest Series 6 Toolboxes or access previous Series Toolboxes from here:

You can also access the Toolbox Implementation Guide:

The Toolbox Implementation Guide has been designed to help you get started with your Toolbox, and is based on the experiences of training providers nationally who have been working with Toolboxes over the last few years. This guide focuses mainly on supporting teachers involved in Toolbox implementation, but will also be a useful reference for technical, support and other staff.

http://flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/documents/docs/3.4.1_CD_Booklet_Implementation_Guide.doc

Other Information:

How do I obtain a Toolbox and what do they cost?

Toolboxes are packaged as CD-ROMs for installation on a training provider's web delivery system. They are distributed by Australian Training Products Ltd. (ATP).
Go to: http://www.atpl.net.au/

Most Toolboxes cost less than $400. Prices can be confirmed by contacting ATP. 

How do I know if a Toolbox Competency is current?

As Training Packages are updated about every three years there is a perception that Toolbox content will become outdated. In fact, research has shown that:

• Updates to Training Packages are often minor and in cases where there have been changes the overall intent seems the same.
  
• Competencies are sometimes combined into one or split into two or more competencies rather than completely deleted.
  
• Many or all of the previous competencies remain.
  
• New elements and associated criteria have been added.

Toolbox Treasure Hunt:

http://flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/champions/act/treasure/treasure.html