Kit out to amp up – The ARDC Trainer Toolkit
Adeline Wong1 1Australian Research Data Commons Australia
Abstract
Quality learning only happens when trainers are equipped with best practice andragogy and tools which guide the design and delivery of quality learning resources. Many in the digital research trainer community are subject matter experts (SMEs) or practitioners in their fields and are highly proficient at the tech they teach. But how might highly technical expert knowledge be translated for effective learning? How might training be made more accessible for diverse audiences? How might specialist trainers demonstrate their trainer value?
One way the Skilled Workforce Development team at the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) supports digital skills trainers is by kitting them out to help them upskill their learners and themselves. The ARDC Trainer Toolkit comprises a suite of resources for trainers and their learners. These include the Trainer Certification Guide, learning resource self-assessment tools, and learning/training related templates. The self-assessment tools enable SMEs to critically reflect on their practices, encourage learner-centred approaches and apply inclusive design principles.
In helping trainers look out for diverse learners, there is also a need to look out for the trainer community and to help them make visible what’s often invisible – their value. Certification often serves as shorthand for trainer skill sets and can help amplify trainer value. A resource from the toolkit, the Trainer Certification Guide helps skills trainers in Australia navigate certification pathways.
This presentation aims to provide an overview of the ARDC Trainer Toolkit and showcase some of its tools. Feedback, and suggestions for new trainer resources is welcomed.
Biography
Adeline is a Skills Development Lead (Learning Design) in the Skilled Workforce Development team at the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC). She has worked in Education across a range of sectors from government, private, VET and Higher Education. She has a background in curriculum and assessment design and has taught in Australia and overseas. She is interested in how adults learn and what motivates their learning.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9135-4757