NBN e-learning Program
Evaluation & Organisational Readiness
Margaret Aspin Managing Director
Dr Ronald Aspin Senior Consultant
Key findings - preliminary
Connecting to the NBN
Expectations that connection to roll out areas would not be an issue – not always so, e.g.,
- Armidale only connected in outer areas;
- NBN ready house in Brunswick charging $3,000;
- NBN connected centres heavily booked
Key findings - preliminary
Hardware and software
Existing hardware and software were not adequate for e-learning using NBN broadband, e.g.,
- old PCs had problems with audio and graphics
- previously useful e-learning software wasn’t up to the task
- Headsets were a common problem
Key findings - preliminary
Wireless operation
Synchronous streaming with 10 plus (?) computers required each computer to be hardwire connected.
Distance from the router when using wireless affected download speed.
Key findings - preliminary
Expectations of learners
Learners have expectations that everything will work immediately and smoothly
Video conferencing confronting for some learners
Navigation was an issue for some - needs to be simple and obvious or time to familiarise themselves
Key findings - preliminary
Team members, teachers and trainers
Common issue for all e-learning:
- Get the right people on board
- Run PD
- Plan, prepare, test, trial
- IT people who know audio and video as well as basic IT
Summary - preliminary
Pilots have been a significant success
Trialed wide range of technologies; PoV, virtual world, 3D interactive gaming, HD video streaming, synchronous multi computer chat and streaming, mobile classroom, etc.
Wide range of RTOs; community, TAFE, enterprise, private
Pushed boundaries and most, but not all, found solutions to problems
Overall experience
Team experience:
Predominantly excitement and enthusiasm for more, met most expectation for most and exceeded expectation for others
Learner experience:
Engaged, positive learning experience, minimal negative feedback
Thank you all and a special thanks to those who have shared their experience with us personally.
