Flexible learning in WA

The author describes how trainers in the west are overcoming the twin hurdles of distance and education delivery, with a major priority being a reduction of the need for additional capital works at a time of reduced budgets. The Great Southern Regional College at Albany has made substantial changes to its training delivery for the community, implementing new methods of flexible attendance patterns and learning. The planning and implementation processes are described: examining the assumptions behind traditional methods; devising a new set of basic principles; selecting and developing a range of existing courses and modules; leasing a video-conferencing facility and training staff in its use; developing item banks for competency-based assessment; conducting a training needs analysis in the college. The key to the system was the structured work guide for each course or module. The language used must be concise, accurate and appropriate. Problems in implementing a flexible system in an administration geared to fixed timetables were largely overcome with the use of an existing External Studies unit. The manager of the Flexible Learning Centre co-ordinates the initiation of a flexible delivery program. The Centre was formally opened in February 1992, and has since enrolled over 500 students, in 80 offered programmes. Show less