Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people using technology for expanding options and showcasing strengths in educational contexts

New technologies can facilitate the democratization of knowledge and provide a voice for local perspectives and local knowledge. Frameworks that provide for constructivist, intergenerational and social approaches to learning that engage with local needs and aspirations and are appropriately supported over extended time periods are most likely to succeed.Young, Guenther and Boyle, National Council of Vocational Education Research (NCVER) 2007, identified the importance of training being ‘’demand responsive’ rather then ‘supply driven’’. Participants in NCVER’s 2006 Indigenous vocational education and training research forum noted the importance of working with employment opportunities and developing positive relationships with organizations that have the capacity and capability to support community and family goals. Training approaches need to be developed that reflect these priorities. A review of research undertaken by Cydde Miller, (NCVER) in 2005 found the key factors in implementing training that meets the aspirations of Indigenous Australians include self development skills, completion of educational subjects and courses at all levels, employment, self determination and community development.This presentation will showcase a range of innovative education and training initiatives that highlight some exciting interfaces between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, place, education and training, enterprise and technology, interfaces that aim to facilitate fair access and recognition in a demand-responsive service environment. The presentation will be conducted in an online electronic classroom connecting speakers from Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin. Delegates will have the opportunity to actively participate in the online classroom and to engage with a range of electronic applications.