Outreach Inclusive E-Learning Project

Outreach Inclusive E-Learning Project

“TRAINING IS FOR EVERYONE”

E-Learning for People with

Psychiatric Disabilities

Project Title

Project Snapshot

Key Features Who – students with psychiatric

disabilities (range of socio-demographic barriers eg youth at risk, geographically isolated, NESB, mature aged etc)

Where – provided class based attendance, blended and/or fully online learning opportunities

What – provided access to learning for people isolated by their disability

Project Snapshot A two stage program

– Stage 1

preparing the students for online learning

– Stage 2

experiencing online study in chosen elective areas using Janison tools, Breeze software and telephone technology

directing students to interactive websites especially ones to do with mental health

What we’ve learnt – so far

What’s critical Providing successful experiences

based on adult learning principles Teacher contact to assist the

students to maintain the momentum, guide their learning and provide feedback and direction (review, reinforce, feedback)

What we’ve learnt – so far continued….

What’s been unexpected How much the students love the

interaction with the computers This mode of learning provided better

outcomes for people who have had difficulties in completing their studies in the traditional classroom

One student who began the course reluctantly seeing it as an additional burden, now sees it as supporting him in achieving his long term educational goals

What we’ve learnt – so far continued….

Any issues? Students need to devote time to their

learning outside the classroom Level of technical skills made it

difficult for some students to manage this mode of learning

The fact that a lot of online learning is heavily text based – many students prefer interactive multimedia online resources

Offering choices can be a positive but can overwhelm some students

What next?

For remainder of the project Focusing on each student

successfully completing at least one vocational elective

Thinking about and exploring pathways

Introducing further technology eg podcasting, video conferencing

Post Project EOI by teachers for Institute Breeze Software

Trial project Have begun the development of an Outreach

blog to introduce our students to new technologies

Continue to encourage the uptake of online learning by disadvantaged learners

Outreach staff to further their skills in using eLearning tools

Project learning to be shared with other staff from Sydney Institute by conducting workshops