1. Introduction
Expressions of Interest are sought from training organisations for participation in the field testing of Toolbox Series 3.
This document describes the concept of Toolboxes, the Evaluation of Usage Project and the role of the field testing programs. It will provide general guidelines on the skills and resources required of participants and other information relevant to the conduct of the field testing.
Requirements for the submission Expressions of Interest are enclosed at the end of this document.
2. Background
Toolbox Concept
"A toolbox is a collection of resources, suggested learning strategies and supporting material to support online delivery of qualifications from recognised Training
Packages."
Toolboxes focus upon effective teaching and learning activities and support a central role for teachers and trainers, who can adapt and contextualise the materials for their own audiences.
Each toolbox includes a teaching guide and installation information and is aligned to a particular Training Package. The Toolbox initiative is part of a national collaborative approach to flexible learning in VET.
Samples of the currently available Toolbox Series 3 products are shown at http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/series3/index.htm
The Evaluation Project
The field testing program is a key component of the overall Evaluation of Usage
Project for Toolbox Series 3. The evaluation project is central to the Online Product
Development, Evaluation and Uptake project of Strategy 2002.

The objectives of the evaluation project can be expressed as collecting and analysing data on:

Teacher and learner reactions to features of the Toolbox including learning approach, the effectiveness in meeting learning outcomes, content, assessment strategy, motivational qualities, ease of use and customisation potential.

Teacher behaviour in facilitating online program, the nature of teacher and learner interaction, and learner to learner interaction.

Learner behaviour and satisfaction as a participant.

Contextual conditions affecting the running of the program including the nature and level of technical support required and portability to a range of Learning
Management Systems.
3. The Field Testing Program
Field Testing Rationale
The field testing of the Toolbox Series 3 will provide one of the sources of quantitative and qualitative data for the evaluation project. Training organisations selected for participation in the field testing program will be required to integrate the
Toolbox into an educational program for a group of students in 2002 and work in collaboration with the lead evaluator to allow for relevant data to be collected. This will involve contact with teachers, learners and technical staff involved.
A sample of organisations that represents a diverse range of contexts and approaches will be selected to undertake the field testing programs. The details of these contexts are given in the following sections.
Preparation
In order for the field testing programs to be successful it is expected that participating training organisations and staff will make appropriate preparation as follows:

Familiarisation with the Toolbox product

Planned educational program, competency units and learning outcomes selected

Determine delivery mode (ie mix of online and face to face, etc)

Organisation of student group

Availability of technical support for installation and maintenance on web server

Knowledge and skills in online delivery of training, including online communication technologies
For organisations which have not participated in any online delivery, introductory support and familiarisation can be organised through the Toolbox Champions in each
State/Territory. Information on the Champions may be found at http://flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox/champions/index.htm

Timeline
April 2002 Registered Training Organisations to participate in field testing program selected.
May 2002 Evaluators communicate with Field Testers about the nature, timing, etc. of their involvement in the evaluation process.
June 2002
August 2002
Commencement of field testing programs.
Preliminary findings from field testing programs.
December 2002 Completion of field testing programs,
Final analysis of findings.
Successful RTOs must be in a position to deliver training by July 2002 at the latest.
Funding Support
It is anticipated that approximately thirty RTOs will be selected for the field testing program. Funding support is available to assist these training organisations with the coordination, administration, staff development and other incidental expenses associated with the field testing program. Funding support will be as follows:
Developers of Toolbox Series 3 …….……… $1,000.00 per field testing program
Nondevelopers of Toolbox Series 3 ………… $3,000.00 per field testing program
The required Toolbox Series 3 product will be provided by the TAFE NSW Project
Manager at no cost to the organisation if required.
It is envisaged that the educational program to be field tested would be part of the training organisation's planned course offering and that all costs associated with the running of the program other than those provided above would be met by the training organisation.
Additional RTOs may also be selected for the field testing program but with no funding support provided. RTOs should indicate on the EOI proforma whether they would still be interested in participating in the field testing program if they were not selected for funding.
4. Expression of Interest
Selection Criteria
As a key component of the overall evaluation strategy, the field testing programs will be selected to cover a sample of organisations that represents a diverse range of

contexts and approaches. Characteristics and features for selection will take into account the following:

Curriculum area.

Range of AQF and competency units.

Type of learning outcomes. eg practical skills, knowledge or attitude

Program delivery mode. eg online distance delivery, supplement for face-to-face delivery

Anticipated student numbers.

Delivery technologies or support infrastructure. eg Learning Management System, communication facilities

Level of planning already undertaken.

Spread across states and territories.
Application
Expressions of Interest should be submitted using the proforma provided in Appendix
A. The proforma may be expanded but limited to no more than two pages. You will need to complete a separate Expression of Interest for each Toolbox you plan to field test. Expressions of Interest should be forwarded to:
Project Manager
Evaluation of Usage of Toolbox Series 3 Project
TAFE NSW - Manufacturing and Engineering Division
Level 5 Civic Tower, 66-72 Rickard Road
BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Alternatively Expressions of Interest may be sent by e-mail to either of the contact persons shown below.
Closing Date
Friday 26 April 2002
Contact for Inquiries
Rose Shum, Project Manager
TAFE NSW - Manufacturing and Engineering Division
Level 5 Civic Tower, 66-72 Rickard Road
BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Tel.
Fax. e-mail
02 8713 4461
02 8713 4417 rose.shum@tafensw.edu.au

Alternative Contact:
Bill Propert, Project Officer
TAFE NSW - Manufacturing and Engineering Division
Level 5 Civic Tower, 66-72 Rickard Road
BANKSTOWN NSW 2200
Tel. 02 8713 4490
Fax. e-mail
02 9790 7003 bill.propert@tafensw.edu.au

Appendix A - Proforma
Training Organisation
(including address )
Contact Person(s) and details
Partnership Organisation
(if applicable)
Name:
Address:
Phone: fax: e-mail:
Toolbox Title
Qualification(s)
(to be covered)
Competency Units
(to be field tested)
Content and nature of learning outcomes
(eg practical skills, knowledge, attitudes)
Program delivery mode
(eg online distance delivery, supplement for face-to-face delivery, workplace delivery, etc.)
Student numbers and starting date of training
(anticipated)
Toolbox Developer?
Were staff involved with the development of the Toolbox?
Capability
(Familiarity with Toolbox, knowledge and skills in on-line learning)
Delivery technologies or support infrastructure eg Learning Management System, communication facilities (if any)
Level of technical support available
(for installation and maintenance on web server)
 Yes
 No

Participate without funding support?
If not selected in group for funding support are you still interested in participating in the field testing ?
 Yes
 No