The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is exploring the size and scope of e-learning needs across sport, and cost-effective solutions that can benefit all of sport.

In a world where busy schedules are a way of life, e-learning has become very popular in helping professionals develop and learn.

E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported education and training, and can be used exclusively or as part of a blend with traditional face-to-face delivery. 

Director of the ASC’s Sport Integrity Unit, Carolyn Watts, said the sport e-learning survey will identify skill gaps in the sport sector and will inform national solutions to increase the capability and capacity of the sport workforce through e-learning technology.

‘We believe the value of e-learning to sport is its accessibility to people and clubs across the country, its ability to mix with other forms of education and training, and its ability to be a cheaper option for the delivery of education and training,’ Watts said.

The first phase of the project consists of a survey developed and coordinated with the University of Ballarat. The survey seeks to determine the industry’s views and ideas regarding the scope of e-learning needs of sport across Australia and the suitability of e-learning for sport education and training. 

‘The value of e-learning is significant, including low cost per user, broader reach, consistency of message and learning outcomes, flexibility and its capacity to record, track and report participants,’ Watts said.

‘It can reach anyone who has a computer and an internet connection, at any time of the day, anywhere in Australia.’

National sporting organisations, state departments of sport and recreation and sport federations are invited to participate in the survey. An email with a link to the survey will be distributed by Ballarat University on 25 July. State sporting organisations will be invited to participate directly by their state department of sport and recreation.

The survey opens on 25 July 2011 and closes on 12 August 2011. 

For more information about the Sport E-learning Survey email carolyn.watts@ausport.gov.au or call (02) 6214 7330.