This follows the announcement that the Framework has received the go ahead for its activities until the end of June 2011, opening up new opportunities for Australian RTOs, business, and industry to embed eLearning as a key aspect of their business strategy and tailor training to meet learners' needs.

The six-month allocation will bring the Framework funding cycle in line with other funding arrangements under the Department of Education, Employment, and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), which are based on a financial year calendar.

The 2011 eLearning Innovations funding opportunities have been available since August 2010, reflecting this shift to a financial-year Framework funding cycle. Funding and support will be awarded to RTOs based on their capacity to:

• support business-training provider partnerships that can drive the integration of eLearning into business and training and
• develop innovative eLearning practices that target the needs of a more diverse range of learners.

Applicants should also demonstrate how their projects will support their respective state/territory vocational education and training (VET) priorities.

The funding allocation for each state and territory is as follows:

Australian Capital Territory $129,600

New South Wales $714,200

Northern Territory $118,500

Queensland $462,600

South Australia $240,600

Tasmania $144,400

Victoria $556,950

Western Australia $283,150

Since 2008, the Framework has provided funding, resources, and support to almost 450 eLearning Innovations projects.