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.