Telematics Trust Calls for ICT Funding Applications

The Telematics Course Development Fund (Telematics Trust) is committed to the development and use of new information and communication technologies that support innovative educational initiatives within Victoria. Funds are now available in the form of grants and loans.

The Trust provides unique funding opportunities to individuals, Educational Institutes, Government, Business and Not for Profit organisations that are exploring the possibilities of using information and communications technology for educational purposes.

The Trust can provide two forms of funding support;

1. Grants

The Trust requires that all projects provide some level of partnership funding whether it be cash or in-kind support. On average, the Trust provides grants of up to $30,000. The Trust will consider applications for large grant requests ($50,000 plus) where there are a number of funding partners involved and/or partnership funding secured or where the application forms a distinct part of a larger project.

2. Loans of up to $100,000 - Security for all loans must be provided.

The Trust does not place any limitation on the number of grants a person may hold from the Trust, however, the applicant can only apply for additional funding for the same project once the initial funding has been fully expended. Applicants can apply for a maximum of two grants in a funding round if the projects are distinct. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate they can devote adequate time to each project for which funding is being sought.

The Trust Funds projects which;

• Are in need of special attention;
• Would be assisted by seeding grants;
• Are not within the province of other funding bodies

Assessment criteria

• The quality of the applicant and their ability to deliver the project
• The excellence of the proposed project and the likelihood that it will lead to:
   - the promotion of public education and training in Victoria
   - an important innovation or the solution to an important practical problem
   - economic or social benefit to Victoria and;
• Where a loan is requested, all the above plus:
  - sufficient financial return to repay the loan

Recently funded projects

Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES)
Staying Healthy In Our New Home

This project will create a series of photo-stories in a range of new and emerging languages for digital distribution. The project will utilise ICT to introduce and educate new and emerging communities, from a refugee background, to Australia’s health system and essential health information. The project will produce digital presentations in eight languages not currently provided by existing translated materials. The presentations will include case studies and storytelling techniques to convey the information to communities who largely practice an oral rather than written communication tradition. Refugee arrivals often have no experience of a sophisticated health system or know of preventative health care strategies. The Photostory format is ideal as it allows for an audio visual presentation of information, which can be provided when they need it in a language they can understand.
Grant Received: $54,500
 

Australian Theatre School
iPerform! - Drama & Theatre Tutorials Online

The project will see the development of software and film content for online interactive tutorials and professional development training, for students, teachers and actors in the performing arts. This program is specifically designed to reach people in remote areas, those (such as touring actors) who have other commitments and those that do not have the financial resources to participate in workshops or to develop their skills. iPerform! Will be a platform where individuals can undertake professional development and enrich their learning experiences in the performing arts.
Grant Received $39,739

RMIT University
Engaging Indigenous Plumbing Students through Digital Technologies

This project will support RMIT indigenous students to improve the outcomes of, and participation in, theory and practice sessions at RMIT. This project will assist to determine how to use a range of e-learning tools to engage and improve the learning of Indigenous students from remote and regional areas enrolled in Certificate III in plumbing. This project will also assist to identify and implement best practice for VET trainers working with indigenous students and provide strategies and resources for workplace trainers.
Grant Received $29,700
 

Further information about the Telematics Trust and application forms can be obtained from www.telematics.org.au.

The Trust meets twice yearly. The next closing date for applications is 13 August 2010