IT Training Package and the Workplace Context--HOW?

Australia's new information technology training package emphasizes assessment occurring in the workplace or in a simulated work environment. The options available to Australia's technical and further education (TAFE) institutes in delivering institutionalized training to meet this requirement were explored. The following four options were explored: (1) do nothing different except perhaps to change the titles of assessment instruments from "assignment" to "case study"; (2) require an industry placement component for each award from Certificate II onward; (3) only take traineeships; and (4) require a practice firm component for all assessments. A combination of all four methods was deemed the best and most feasible way of meeting the requirements of the training package and students. A model for work-based assessment was then developed. According to the model, each subject would be assessed by a combination of formative assessment throughout the subject and a summative assessment that are based on a common theme related to a particular fictitious enterprise across all subjects. The model integrates the typical classroom-based delivery, structured support classes, and a final year project, and it contains elements of all four delivery options. Possible implementation issues, including being unable to find suitable industry placements for students, were considered. (MN)