Dr Allon J Uhlmann is a scholar-practitioner working in the intersection of cyber security and intelligence, with a particular focus on IT’s role in coercive action and asymmetric conflicts. Allon has worked as an academic social scientist for several years before joining the Australian Public Service where he held several specialist, managerial and policy roles in intelligence and information security. He subsequently returned to academia as a scholar of intelligence studies and cyber security, while continuing to work as a cyber security and intelligence professional. Allon holds a PhD in Anthropology from the Australian National University and is the author of two books and numerous refereed articles in anthropology, intelligence and cyber security.

This paper is based on ongoing research that builds on an earlier study exploring the innovations and adaptations made to face-to-face delivery in programs from Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education (HE) in a TAFE institute in Victoria, Australia during the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants were drawn from two faculties within the Institute and included learners, teachers and lecturers.

COVID-19 has compelled businesses to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies and rethink traditional models to enhance customer value and maintain a competitive advantage. This presentation explores innovative approaches to IT training which leverage online and remote training options to empower students. By focusing on flexible delivery modes, including the HyFlex model (Gogia 2021), we aim to address the dual challenge of meeting the skill needs of the IT sector and enhancing productivity in the digital economy. In conclusion, this study exemplifies how online and flexible learning modes can be effectively utilised to empower learners by providing accessible, engaging, and relevant training. Students are prepared for successful employment outcomes in the IT fields but also contributes to addressing the broader skill needs and productivity challenges in the digital economy. This presentation calls for further research and investment in flexible learning models as a strategic approach to workforce development.

This workshop will develop your knowledge and skills for designing education programs for falls prevention research. It will include enhancing your skills in how to critique, develop, implement, measure and report educational interventions and outcomes.

This is a presentation that was given at a VATL LIT Workshop, sharing the experiences of Holmesglen Library in setting up an Institutional Repository.