Studying Flexible (Correspondence/Online)

Flexible learning is based on your skill needs and your delivery requirements.
Flexible learning gives you as much control as possible over what, when, where and how you learn.

At West Coast Institute of Training we have developed a flexible learning policy, just for you, based on the following principles:

Flexible learning is synonymous with client-centred learning: The essence of flexible learning is to provide clients with choice from a range of high-quality, well-supported education and training options. It is essential that a strong focus on customer needs and service is maintained.

Flexible learning aims to improve access to learning opportunities: Flexible learning provides an opportunity to improve access to learning opportunities for a range of groups in the community.

Technology is an enabling tool: Information and communication technology is an important tool for enhancing flexibility because it offers considerable scope for altering when, where and how students learn. However, there is a need to avoid being “technology driven” and it is important to recognise that there are other ways of increasing flexibility.

There will always be face-to-face learning: The traditional face-to-face class is an effective teaching and learning method. Information and communication technology can be used to enhance face-to-face teaching and learning. It also allows the College to extend its reach to new clients who would not normally access on-campus, classroom instruction.

Interaction between people is the key to effective learning: The best learning often occurs as an interaction between people. We learn from teachers and from other learners. To be effective, learning technologies must facilitate and enhance this interaction.

There is a need for commitment to evaluation, performance measurement and continuous improvement: As flexible learning (particularly online delivery) is relatively new, it is vital that the College continues to learn from research, evaluation and performance measurement.

For further information on flexible learning approaches in specific course areas, please contact the program area concerned.

Flexible learning is defined as:

“… an approach rather than a system or technique, it is based on the skills needs and delivery requirements of clients, not the interests of trainers or providers; it gives clients as much control as possible over what (content) and when (timing and sequencing) and where (location) and how (mode) they learn; it commonly uses the delivery methods of distance education and the facilities of technology; it changes the role of trainer from a source of knowledge to a manager of learning and a facilitator.” (Source: Australian National Training Authority, 1996, National Flexible Delivery Taskforce, Final Report, p. 11, Australian National Training Authority, Brisbane. Parentheses added.)