Open Learning Initiatives to Assist Indigenous Australians in the Higher Education Sector

The Commonwealth Government provided funding totalling $1.75 million over 1997 – 1999 through Open Learning Australia (OLA) to support two open learning initiatives to assist Indigenous people in higher education. The initiatives were developed in the wake of the response to the 1995 National Review of Education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, which identified the need for increased access to education for Indigenous people through the use of open learning technology and other alternative technologies.

The Indigenous On-Line Network

The first of these initiatives, the Indigenous On-Line Network, was launched in August 1998, and has involved the establishment of an electronic network between Indigenous academics, which provides them with access to electronic services that may not be available at their own universities.

The aim of the Indigenous On-Line Network is to foster communications among Indigenous intellectuals, provide a forum for the publication of Indigenous academic research, and deliver courses to Indigenous academic communities.

The University of South Australia was selected to develop the Indigenous On-Line Network. The work itself is being undertaken by the Aboriginal Research Institute Centre of Excellence, which is the Indigenous Higher Education Centre at that university. At a cost of $600,000, the network will link Indigenous post-graduate students and academics across Australia, assisting them with teaching, research, communication and information technology support.

The aim of the Indigenous On-Line Network is to provide a forum for the publication of indigenous academic research, and for promoting discussion of aspects of Indigenous education globally. By linking to Indigenous communities, it will also support the unique relationship which Indigenous academics maintain with their communities. This enhanced communication with communities will include the delivery of tertiary level courses via the electronic network.

The network will include links to the six Indigenous Higher Education Centres that were established in 1997 and 1998. Further plans are underway to develop a range of networked services, with different categories of access for Indigenous academics, other interested groups, and the general public. The network should be completed this year. The home page can be accessed at http://www.ion.unisa.edu.au.

The Indigenous Open Learning Project

Through the Indigenous Open Learning Project, Open Learning Australia is developing the educational content for courses to be delivered to Indigenous communities in an on-line environment, thereby enhancing their access to higher education courses. The course packages are customised for Indigenous Australian students covering a broad range of uses including:

• Courses to help prospective students upgrade basic skills to the level required for university study;
• Tertiary level courses such as Social Justice and Legal Issues; and
• Specific culture and language courses.

Universities which successfully bid for funding to develop the education packages include the Northern Territory University, the University of South Australia, James Cook University of North Queensland, Edith Cowan University, Curtin University of Technology and the Australian Catholic University.

The open learning units being developed as part of the Open Learning Project have been introduced progressively, with the majority now available through OLA.

Further information on courses available through OLA can be accessed at: http://www.ola.edu.au/warritngulu

CONTENTS

This edition of Learning for All provides details of some significant developments in the education and training of Indigenous Australians in the schools, vocational education and training, and higher education sectors. The publication also provides information on research findings and best practice in education.

Closing the Gaps – an overview of outcomes for Indigenous students in the different sectors.

Introduction – the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, the Hon Dr David Kemp MP.

The National Indigenous English Literacyand Numeracy Strategy – a major initiative to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students.

Absenteeism investigated – examines the attendance rates of Indigenous students at all levels of schooling and ways to improve them.

Is there a relationship between the school success of Indigenous students and positive self-identity? – considers the relationship between school outcomes and the self-identities of young Indigenous Australians.

Developing Best Practice with Indigenous New Apprenticeships – identifies innovative ways to implement Indigenous New Apprenticeships.

Helping Indigenous students make the transition from school to work – examines how Indigenous students are performing at a number of transition points from school to work. (continued over page)

Green Corps – discusses the participation of Indigenous people in this national training programme for young Australians.

What Works? – discusses effective teaching strategies, which were trialled in schools throughout Australia during 1998 and 1999. 17 Partners in a Learning Culture – outlines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1999–2005.

Partners in a Learning Culture – outlines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1999–2005.

Kardu Kigay – young men in a remote Aboriginal community are helped to develop self-esteem, strengthen English literacy and numeracy skills and gain skills for possible future employment.

Territorian takes out top training award – for Indigenous students in the 2000 Australian Training Awards.

Career options and the world of work – help for Indigenous students and their parents to make choices about their education and careers.

Gumala Mirnuwarni – “coming together to learn”, Indigenous community, schools and industry in the Karratha region of Western Australia work together.

WADU “together in partnership and trust” – innovative workplace learning experiences for Indigenous secondary students.

Indigenous law students gain work experience – since the 1970s Indigenous law students have been helped to successfully complete their degree.

Yandi – an assignment and assessment tracking database to increase the success and retention rates for Indigenous students.

Open Learning Initiatives to Assist Indigenous Australians – aim to improve access to education for Indigenous people.

The Facts and Figures section – profiles trends in participation by Indigenous Australians across all sectors of education and training.

Questionnaire: Learning for All: Opportunities for Indigenous Australians. – The editors would appreciate your feedback on the pilot edition of Learning For All.