Access to New Technologies (ANT) 2
ANT building better learning communities for the future...!
What is ANT ? 
Applying New Technologies (ANT2) project aims to build on the achievements of the 2006/2007 Access to New Technologies (ANT) Project. This will be achieved by providing leadership, support, training, coaching and mentoring to embed elearning practices through the increased use and knowledge of educational emergent technologies.
The project objectives will support a variety of strategic imperatives that meet TAFE NSW 21st Century Project priorities, including the Workforce Development Guarantee objectives.
Background
In 2006-07 Learning and Innovation project managed the Access to New Technology (ANT) project that was part of the TAFE Online2 Project (now the TAFE eLearning Systems Project (TELS)). This project involved the implementation of new technologies including wireless, Abode Connect, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and resource development kits. The project was completed in 2007.
In 2008 a new project plan was requested from TELS for ANT2. The ANT Working Party from the 2006-07 project, were consulted. It was agreed that the project for 2008 would implement a mentoringg approach to embed technology by developing a group of learning technology mentors (LTMs). The LTMs will work with groups of teachers and staff in colleges to support them to implement the technologies that we have available from the previous ANT project. The project has been endorsed for the amount of $25,200.
In May, funding also became available from the TAFE Workforce Development Guarantee, a capability development program which is part of the TAFE 21st Century initiative. A key focus of this program is “using technology to do business”.
The ANT project made available funding for 6 LTMs and it was decided to fund another 6 mentors and equipment from the TAFE Workforce Development Guarantee funding.
Current Situation
Learning and Innovation have begun the implementation 2008 Learning Technology Mentor project
Implications for clients/learners
The benefits to students will be increased flexibility and personalised learning. Industry will benefit as a result by course delivery being more customised and flexible. The Institute will benefit by having a significant amount of staff develop their capability in the use of new technologies. This initiative further supports the Institute Business plan, “embedding new technologies and personalised approaches in teaching and learning.” The project is fully funded by TELS and the Workforce Development Guarantee.
Project Management
Project Meetings
The Access to New Technology (ANT) Working Group will be managing the Learning Technology Mentors Program.
ANT Working Group meetings
ANT 2 State Wide Project Management
The ANT2 Project is managed by Des Osborn from North Coast Institute and the TAFE eLearning Systems (TELS) Unit
Access ANT Project for accessing ANT Checkpoint Reports,Surveys and recorded Connect LTM meetings.
Surveys and reports
- Online Learning Technology Mentors:Pre Survey to Training Workshop ; Learning Technology Mentors: Post Survey to Training Workshop and Learning Technology Mentors Post Project Survey
- Learning Technology Mentorees: Pre Skills Survey; Learning Technology Mentorees Post Skills Survey
- Mentor Capability Building (post Project)
- Student Survey. TBD
- Zoho Creator (Mentor Contact)
- A final report- Post LTM Project Survey (evaluating the success of the project -involving all participants will be written and submitted to the Sydney Institute Executive.
Evaluation Analysis to Surveys:
LTM Training Workshop Pre vs Post *Survey Training Workshop Report 1
