Planning online learning

Students have the flexibility to:

• study at their own pace
• choose when and where they will learn
• study when it is convenient for them.

You have flexibility to decide when, where, and how you deliver learning to your students.

Students can study from anywhere they can access the required technology.

This flexibility means you have greater geographical reach to a wider range of students.

You can offer more units of competency online. 

This provides:

• greater choice when creating a training plan
• students a wide range of options when planning their study.

Students have different learning styles. 

Online learning gives you the flexibility to use digital tools to personalise resources and delivery modes.

You can create a learning environment that best suits the needs of your students.

Online courses may reduce costs such as travel, parking, and printed course materials.

Reduced face-to-face contact with trainers and fellow students can cause a sense of isolation and may affect a student’s motivation.

Isolation can make it difficult for trainers and other staff to identify and act upon wellbeing concerns for students. 
 

You need to ensure students have the level of digital literacy needed to succeed before they enrol.

Needs a level of self-discipline and planning for students to learn ‘on their own’.

Needs reliable technology. The internet and digital tools need to work and technical issues might occur.

You may need to provide ways for learning to progress during long or short-term technical issues.

Students and trainers need to understand how to use the required technology.

Student learning styles differ. Online delivery may not suit all students.

Students need to have the communication, motivation and time management skills needed to learn online.

Online delivery may have start-up costs.

Digital technologies like software, cloud-based platforms, devices, and the internet can require initial and ongoing costs.

Before you design an online learning program, think about your students.

Who you deliver to is just as important as how you deliver your course.

There are various online delivery methods to consider.

Understanding the needs of your student group will help you decide the best method or combination of methods to use.

Your students need the resources and ability to learn online.

Things to consider for online students:

• access to the required technologies
• digital technology skills
• access to peers and trainer
• learning style
• ability to self-pace study time
• maintain motivation and progress
• benefits of flexible learning
• support needs
• travel needs
• assessment requirements

Consider the needs of industry and employers when planning online learning.

Employers need to have confidence in the graduates they employ.

Graduates must have the skills to be safe and productive in the workplace.

You need to provide access to training and resources to meet training package requirements.

Include opportunities for students to:

• engage with content and absorb the knowledge
• practise the skills in different contexts
• apply skills and knowledge in various ‘real world’ environments

Check your resources align with industry standards.

Review Standard 1.2 on engagement with industry2025 Standards.

Your workforce planning needs to demonstrate how the number of trainers, assessors and support staff you have are appropriate for the services you deliver.

When you develop trainer to student ratios consider:

• course requirements
• trainer access
• student learning styles
• delivery methods

Trainers may have greater flexibility if students don’t need to be online together.

There may be more time to teach a higher number of students.

This ratio may be higher than in a normal classroom environment.

Focus on student needs. Ensure your trainer is available for queries and support.

Trainer to student ratios need to support student motivation and progress.

Review Standard 3.1 VET workforce management - 2025 Standards

ELICOS providers need to check class ratios don’t exceed 1:18. This is a requirement of Standard P3.1, ELICOS Standards 2018.

Students need access to digital technology to study online.

Technology requirements vary depending on the mode of training and the resource needs of the VET course.

Digital technology can include:

• cloud-based file hosting services
• video conference facilities
• online recording tools
• printers and photocopiers
• mobile phones.

You need to tell students the technology requirements before they enrol. You also need to review, prior to enrolment, your students digital literacy to ensure they can confidently use the digital tools required for online study.

Check your students have access to the correct technology.

• Do students have access to a computer and reliable internet connection?
• Can you provide alternative delivery modes? You need to clearly communicate if alternatives are not available.
• Will you provide the technology or do students need to provide their own?
• What can students do if they can’t access their own technology? You could connect them with potential borrowing and funding programs.
• Are you going to use a learning management system (LMS)? Ensure the LMS is easy to navigate and use. Provide simple instructions and uniformity across units. Make sure your system allows you to keep a record of the student’s work and backups of these records.
• What is your plan for managing privacy and security? Ensure you have a policy to cover you and your students, both domestic and international.

Digital tools are becoming more accessible to a wider range of students.

This gives you greater options when designing an online course.

There are many tools available for training online.

They include:

• Digital learning software
• Hardware such as, computers, tablets, communication devices
• Digital learning resources
• Online platforms
• Collaborative learning environments
• Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• Gamification
• Augmented reality
• Cloud technology
• Video conferencing
• Wearable technology
• Simulation tools
• Social media
• Online forums.
• Artificial intelligence

What to consider when choosing digital tools:

• course goals
• budget
• ease of use
• accessibility
• content design features
• multimedia functions
• help desk support

Your digital tools need to meet the requirements of Standard 1.1 of the 2025 Standards.

Your trainers and assessors need the digital skills to use the tools chosen for online delivery.

Review Standard 3.2 Trainer and assessor competencies of the 2025 Standards.

Adapt your training and assessment strategy for online delivery.

Show how you support your trainers and assessors to deliver online.

Provide professional development to help them develop the skills needed to deliver online.

Check they have suitable:

• qualifications, knowledge, and skills
• understanding and access to digital tools
• ongoing support

The TAE training package includes:

• TAEASS404 - Assess competence in an online environment
• TAEDES513 - Design and develop e-learning resources
• TAELED801 - Design pedagogy for e-learning
• TAEDEL511 - Facilitate e-learning
• TAEDEL405 - Plan, organise and facilitate online learning
• TAESS00031 Design and Deliver E-Learning Skill Set  
• TAESS00023 Online Learning and Assessment Skill Set

These can support trainers and assessors in developing their skills for online learning. 

Learn more about assessment requirements:

• Implementing, monitoring and evaluating training and assessment strategies
• Employ skilled trainers and assessors

Keep your delivery locations updated so your students know where your courses take place.

Tell us when you change to an online delivery mode by updating your records in asqanet. 

Monitor, review, and record your training and assessment practice.

Update your record of training and assessment practices when you change o online delivery. Record keeping supports reporting. It makes it easier to show and report compliance