QA Forum
Resources for Learning
Government Resources
The Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training offers comprehensive information about education across the country. If you wanted to loacte an Australian University offering courses in your field of interest, a starting point is the Course Finder. There is also a free video or DVD 'Connecting with Computers' for older Australians wanting to gain basic Information Technology skills and familiarity with computers, the Internet and email.The Australian Government Adult/Community Education Portal is the online entry point to a comprehensive array of government information and services concerning all aspects and levels of education in Australia.
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Learning Organisations and Services
Adult Learning Australia (ALA) is the national peak body representing organisations and individuals in the adult learning field.U3A Online is a facility of The University of the Third Age (U3A) in Australia. U3A Online provides a program of special short courses covering a wide range of interests from Astronomy to Western Philosophy. You can study with a small group of people or undertake a course through self-study. The U3A Online project also enables Universities of the Third Age and their members, particularly those in Australia and New Zealand, to share ideas, resources and information. They have a course list of current anf future courses and a form to locate a U3A near you.
Learning Circles Australia is run by Adult Learning Australia. Learning Circles are group discussions of between 5-15 individuals which create the opportunity to freely discuss issues of importance to individuals and society. For over 100 years, learning circles have proven to be an effective and practical method of learning and social change.
Learning Communities Catalyst (LCC) are again, run by Adult Learning Australia, and are neighbourhoods, villages, towns, cities and regions that promote lifelong learning in every aspect of life. Learning Communities are made up of community members, lead by community members and so are a platform for community action. ·
Volunteers for Isolated Students Education (VISE) provide educational assistance to families and students in rural Australia. They also provide domestic and personal support in the case of emergencies or when respite is necessary. One of the programs of VISE is Internet to the Outback (ITTO), a program dedicated to helping families in the outback to assist with internet education and rural needs.
Open Universities Australia provides information about what you can study, a one-stop registration service and advice and support to assist you with your study. The partner universities and colleges provide the course materials and academic support, assess your progress and award your qualifications.
Education Network Australia Online (EdNA) Online is a service that aims to support and promote the benefits of the Internet for learning, education and training in Australia. It is organised around Australian curriculum, its tools are free to Australian educators, and it is funded by the bodies responsible for education provision in Australia - all Australian governments.
Australian Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL) focuses on raising public awareness of adult literacy issues and promoting the recognition of adult literacy teaching as a profession assists us in building strong links within the field. ACAL provide information on current policies and services in adult literacy practice in Australia and promote community awareness on these issues.
Centre for Adult Education (CAE) is an Adult Education Institution, and CAE exists to provide learning to the Victorian community through a wide range of programs and services. CAE has been doing this for over 55 years and has, during this time, adapted to meet the continually changing needs of the adult learning population. CAE is now primarily a city-based organisation with a strong focus in arts, languages and adult secondary education.
Lifelong Learning Network is a part of the University of Canberra, and was established in December 1998 to undertake policy research on post-compulsory education and training. The Network undertakes research on policy issues in the four sectors of schooling, vocational education and training (VET), higher education and adult community education (ACE).
On the Study in Australia website you will find impartial and reliable information about courses, institutions, study and living costs, the application process, visa requirements and more.
The Language, Literary and Numeracy Program can help you improve your speaking, reading, writing or basic maths skills. Language, literacy and numeracy training is available if you are registered with Centrelink to find work and you would like to improve your skills in these areas.
Courses.com.au is a directory providing information on a wide range of short courses available within Australia. Currently there are over 10,000 courses listed, with over 12,000 courses viewed on the web site each week. Courses are able to be selected based on your location and interests. Courses are available in a number of areas including business, creative arts, food and wine, health and wellbeing and sports and activities.
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Education Statistics
The MCEETYA National Report on Schooling has statistics about Australian schooling. The Appendix has Statistics and Tables about numbers of schools and student populations.Other Useful Resources
Australian Museums and Galleries Online is a comprehensive Internet site designed to help Australian Collecting Institutions make information about their collections available to a world-wide audience. It is also the principal gateway to the Australian Collections Sector for professionals and volunteers, community users and researchers. There is a national guide for you to be able to find a museum or gallery near you.Open Writing Web magazine features a feast of words from regular columnists, U3A writers and other authors. Every day there is something new to read in Open Writing.
The Reading Writing Hotline is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training. The project is managed by TAFE NSW - Access and General Education Curriculum Centre and is Australia's national telephone adult literacy and numeracy referral service. For the price of a local call from anywhere in Australia, the Hotline can provide you with advice and a referral to one of 1200 providers of courses in adult literacy and numeracy. 1300 6555 06
Converse and Company: The online Newspaper for Women in Adult and Vocational Education (WAVE), members come from higher education, vocational education (VET), and adult education in the community (ACE). They are students, teachers, coordinators, administrators, public servants, politicians and academics. Their national executive is the governance body of WAVE. Wherever possible, in each state and territory, they have an informal group of active members who work with a convenor to organise local activities.
