FAQs

What are the benefits of the integrated VISTA/TLE environment?

The upgrade includes the introduction of a learning content management system (LCMS) to provide a total e-learning solution for training organisations. The following new features of TAFE VC Version 3 will specifically address the training delivery requirements identified as a priority by organisations:

organisations will be able to customise the look of their online learning environment including local branding and use of templates.
Administration is devolved so that organisations can manage all aspects of their learning environment including courses and students.
Capacity to fully integrate the TAFE VC with student management systems and student and teacher portals.
Advanced reporting capability including the ability to develop custom reports for local needs.
Includes an e-learning activity assembler which enables teachers to create new or adapt existing online resources without the need for “html” programming skills.
Provides easy access to several repositories of digital e-learning resources.
Capacity for local management of your e-learning content including version control and digital rights management.
Facilitates sharing and exchange of resources between practitioners and between organisations.

What was the reasoning behind the decision to migrate to WebCT VISTA?

The decision to upgrade to WebCT Vista was made in response to the outcomes of 2005 TAFE VC stakeholder consultations and was endorsed by the Flexible Learning Steering Committee which provides direct advice to e-Works on the management of the TAFE VC.

What will happen to my existing courses?

Active courses and organisation course templates will be transitioned to the new environment and completed courses will be archived. You may decide, to take the opportunity, to revisit you course and re-create some areas using the new features.

What integrations are possible with VISTA?

Custom IMS integration via the Software Development Kit (SDK) is possible including Student Information Systems, organisation portals and Powerlink third party products (for example Voice Tools and The Learning Edge - Learning Content Management System).

Do I have to transfer across or can I stay in the old system?

All organisations must transfer from WebCT CE 4.1 to WebCT VISTA.

TAFE VC Cost

The use of the TAFE VC for delivery of profile funded courses will continue to be free for Victorian Registered Training Organisations and Adult and Community Education organisations.

TAFE VC Training

e-Works will provide the training and support to enable each organisation to establish their 'Vista Institute' in the new environment and to ensure that they take advantage of the new features. e-Works will provide this expertise at no cost however organisations will be required to pay the external costs associated with the delivery of the training. This will be a once-only cost related to implementing WebCT Vista and it will also apply to any new organisations joining the TAFE VC.

For further information contact Nicole Ralph at nicole.ralph@eworks.edu.au.

How many hours will it take for each RTO to migrate to VISTA (including training, exporting courses etc)?

The amount of time it will take to transition over to VISTA depends on the amount and size of course/s, the number of teachers to be trained and your current delivery.

Will content in any format transfer seamlessly from WebCT Campus Edition to VISTA?

A course will look different once it is transferred and Communication tools will lose their postings. A pre move clean-up is suggested and post move quality assurance is recommended. You may decide to rebuild some components of the course to take full advantage of the new features offered.

Extract: RELEASE NOTES WEBCT™ CAMPUS EDITION 6.0 FOR
MICROSOFT® SQL SERVER 2000