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wynlearn.net.au
wyndham's gateway to lifelong learning

Within Find Learning you can:

  • Browse or search a calendar of learning opportunities within Wyndham by clicking on the When & Where text. This section allows you to narrow your search down according to several things including; your learning interests, a favourite provider, or the time of day you would prefer to attend sessions/events. To start the ball rolling with booking into a learning opportunity, you will need to register (see the My WynLearn section below).
  • Find details for Learning Providers in your area by clicking on the Who text and then clicking on a suburb of Wyndham.

Once you've seen what's being offered locally, you might like to get involved in the community of learning within Wyndham by using the Engage in Learning tools. There are a couple of different sections in here:

  • By clicking on the Connect text, you can get a picture of the discussion about learning that's happening within Wyndham currently. After registering with the site (see the My WynLearn box below) you will be able to post your own topics to the forum and start shaping learning in your community.
  • Clicking on the News text gives you access to articles that have been published on the site, as well as news feeds about adult and community education within Australia and links to other relevant organisations locally.

The My WynLearn box is the place to register as a user of the site and start customising WynLearn according to your learning interests. This simply involves clicking on the Register text and filling in a brief form. You will then be sent a password via email which enables you to log in. Logging into WynLearn entitles you to:

  • Begin the process of booking into learning events.
  • Organise to be notified of new opportunities in your interest area by using the alerts tool.
  • Participate in the discussion forums (within the Engage in Learning box) and start dialogue with other local learners.

About WynLearn

Wynlearn is a web site designed by the Wyndham Library Service to bring together information about local learning opportunities. It provides information about learning events and programs held in the local area and has a directory of host organisations. It's ultimate aim is to increase awareness of and participation in lifelong learning among the residents of Wyndham.

WynLearn provides an opportunity for library services, Community Centres and other learning providers to work together not just in a physical location, but in virtual space.

The inspiration and impetus for WynLearn has come from a series of strategic plans that seek to foster and develop lifelong learning in Wyndham. The Quality Community Plan (QCP) is Wyndham's vision for the future based on the input of over 2000 people. The QCP vision for Education and Skills Development is that all its residents, irrespective of their age or income, will have access to learning opportunities that improve their employability and quality of life. As well as formal education and qualifications, this covers access to community learning activities through groups such as Neighbourhood Houses, Community Centres and Adult and Community Education organisations.

The Wyndham Learning Community Strategy (2014-2017) was developed by the Wyndham Learning Community Forum, a group of 44 people established by the Wyndham City Council to provide advice and recommendations on encouraging learning in Wyndham. Wyndham is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, with continued population growth and increasing cultural diversity forecasted to continue over the next 17 years. The community faces some difficult social and economic challenges associated with this new and expanding population. Wyndham City Council’s key strategy documents set out the need to meet the learning challenges: the Quality Community Plan (the community’s vision) and the Wyndham City Plan (2013 – 2017). The learning strategy sets out how Council will meet these learning goals over the next three to four years in partnership with the wide range of organisations in Wyndham who are responsible for learning, as Council is only one of a multiple of providers.

The aim is to strengthen Council's commitment and leadership in community learning by building on its existing services and infrastructure that are inherently educative and by

"... working in cooperation with learning providers and the community to achieve goals that sustain and benefit community learning in a way that responds to global social and economic trends, but is informed by local needs and directed by local objectives." Wyndham Community Learning Strategy

Local libraries and Community Centres are acknowledged as integral to achieving these learning outcomes. It is intended that community access to the Internet will be expanded through libraries and Community Centres along with programs to introduce new users to technology. In line with this, the Wyndham Library Service Strategic Plan 2005-2020 adopts a community learning centre model where future libraries and community centres will be co-located, to facilitate additional technology access and learning space.

WynLearn is seen as contributing to these community learning goals in two key areas:

Partnerships

Wyndham currently has a number of Libraries and Community Centres. These centres offer a range of services ranging from certified courses to life skills and community engagement opportunities.

Together the Community Centres and Libraries provide an essential infrastructure for community learning in Wyndham. Partnership between these groups has been essential for design and development of WynLearn. Participation of the Community Centres has been coordinated through Wyndham City Council's Community Development Department.

Community Centre Coordinators attended meetings to contribute ideas and expertise to the design and development of WynLearn. Their input has been crucial to developing a fuller understanding of barriers to the use of WynLearn as well as possibilities.

WynLearn's construction and hosting has been undertaken by Vicnet - a division of the State Library of Victoria. The Vicnet team was also responsible for coordinating training for all key staff and learning providers in the rollout of WynLearn.

Resources

Wyndham City Council has provided all of the staff support for project management and content design, and has committed to funding a part-time position to maintain WynLearn once it has been launched.