Good news for the Work Based Learning Sector – a web site that has been created to promote collaboration, share good practice and identify resources etc etc etc. What’s amazing about this site is that it is created entirely from freely available Web 2.0 tools – the front page is a blog! It just goes to show what can be done with a bit of imagination and thinking outside of the box. Below is an article that explains the origins and rationale behind Innovate. Have a look and see what you think.
What is Innovate?
Innovate is a freely accessible online resource designed to support the Work Based Learning Sector in their adoption of ILT and e-learning.
Why was it established?
Recent studies conducted by the RSCs highlighted the fact that WBL providers have difficulty in sourcing ILT/e-learning information, resources, examples of good practice and expertise for advice and guidance. Some WBL organisations have a lack of awareness of the use of technology and the opportunities it presents in developing quality provision. This resource attempts to address these issues by providing on-line resources for:
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teaching and learning
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staff development
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strategic development
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examples of the use of technology in work based learning provision
Innovate also provides the opportunity for WBL staff to engage in peer support and to join networking groups on topics such as e-portfolios, mobile learning and staff development.
How can it be used and by whom?
The Innovate resource can be used by all staff within Work Based Learning organisations. For managers it offers advice on inspection, strategic advice and guidance etc. Delivery staff can make use of its web based resources that include “how to guides”, case studies, free content creation tools, teaching and learning resources and much more. Innovate can also be used as a reference for anyone wishing to keep abreast of issues facing the WBL sector.
Is there a cost?
No, Innovate is entirely free to use. It was also set up using freely available online tools as a way of demonstrating what can be achieved with no, or very little cost.
Is registration required?
No. You are not required to register to use Innovate however registration will allow you to actively participate in discussion with peers, join online groups that focus on specific topics and ensure you are kept fully up to date on issues that might be of interest to you.
How can I get started or learn more?
Join the Innovate WBL community at http://rscwbl.jiscinvolve.org/ or contact your local Regional Support Centre for more information.
Filed under: Innovate | Tagged: Innovate, WBL, Work Based Learning
Great idea – hopefully there will be some insteresting conversations in here. How likely is it that employers will become engaged with this without real insentives and promotional work?
That’s the million dollar question. Many of the links and resources etc here are more ideally suited initially to the training providers. However, if we take communication tools as an example, there are many resources identified that would benefit employers in terms of efficiency and/or cost – Skype being a prime example. Also, I think it is important to keep the employers in the loop, so to speak, on developments in technology especially if we wish to use it for assessment and evidence gathering/capturing.