Tuesday, February 28, 2012

E-Learning for Remote and Rural Australia

There has been a recent initiative for more complex and interactive e-learning for primarily beef producers in rural Australia.

This program is to run in Queensland and is based around the use of the NBN which allows high speed two way communications and use of more complex media eg HD video clips. More detailed information is here -
http://qcl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/livestock/cattle/beef-growers-trial-elearning-programs/2468837.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

However, while this is a focussed program specificlly for beef producers, and enterprise based, it should not be forgotten that there is a wealth of often free e-learning available right now.

Some examples include:


  • the extremely wide range of self paced learning modules available through www.hp.com on a wide variety of topics, including computer programs, business develpment and so on. These are generally excellent and well honed as they have been around for a while, although not specific to rural use

  • post graduate diploma and other higher education courses from a wide variety of providors on many aspects of rural work - although many of these are not entirely free

  • this site is a collection of about 20 of what are supposed to be some of the best e-learning sites available - and the range of stuff is quite amazing http://khatarnakchokra.tripod.com/learnfree.htm

  • the open courseware program of MIT from the USA has some tremendous stuff, but more general, although some good management materials -http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm and a wide range of environment based stuff including soils, air, water.

  • the courses by http://alison.com/ are more non rural focused although some are relevant

  • And of course, Microsoft has its own e-learning centre for their products - with some extensive courses available - http://learning.microsoft.com/Manager/Default.aspx

It is really up to you, and I am sure there are many other options, although it is true that focussed topics can be attractive, trying something more general can be a start to some positive development.

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