How Do You Choose Quality Training Resources for Your RTO?

July 2023

Last Updated: January 30, 2024.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), choosing your RTO training resources should be one of your top priorities. After all, this decision can impact your compliance, reputation and student experience. You can ensure that your business and learners are protected from severe risks by choosing training and assessment resources that comply with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) standards.

In this blog post, we will discuss the critical criteria that make up an excellent training resource for RTOs. We will also provide tips on how to source compliant learning resources that meet your organisation’s needs. But first things first.

Why Is Compliance Essential?

ASQA is responsible for ensuring that RTOs provide quality education and training. As such, RTOs must comply with ASQA’s compliance monitoring activities and general directions. This way, participants can have confidence in the integrity of the qualifications being issued by training providers.

By prioritising compliance and choosing RTO training resources that meet the required standards, you can give your organisation a competitive edge, fostering trust and credibility among learners and stakeholders.

In the age of Digital Transformation, aligning with compliance standards is even more crucial as eLearning reshapes RTOs and TAFEs. Modern eLearning tools must meet regulatory requirements to maintain the validity and recognition of online qualifications. By integrating compliant digital resources, institutions not only uphold quality and integrity but also leverage the power of technology to enhance their educational offerings, strengthening their reputation in a competitive digital education landscape.

What Happens to a Non-Compliant RTO?

ASQA’s 2017 audit report states that up to 80% of RTOs were non-compliant with Standard 1 of the National Standards for RTOs 2015. This should not be taken lightly as it specifically encompasses training and assessment strategies and practices, training and assessment resources, validation, and trainers. Non-compliance can result in:

• Sanctions and Conditions on RTO Trading
• Legal Actions Against the Directors and CEOs in Breach of National Legislation
• Failure at Audit and Expensive Audit Rectifications
• Loss or Suspension of RTO Registration

Moreover, you’re not just putting your RTO business in jeopardy, but you are also endangering your students by delivering them qualifications without achieving the required competencies.

How Do You Choose Quality RTO Training Resources?

You can avoid detrimental mistakes for your learners and business by following the tips for buying an RTO learning resource that you and your students will love below.

Get a Valid Resource Sample
It’s common for publishers and developers to showcase one or two of their best resource samples. While nothing is wrong with that, they’re not always representative of every training material. Avoid purchasing immediately and get a sample of the specific unit or training package you’re after before making your final decision.

If possible, request a demonstration of the course, so you can gauge whether it’s something you can easily teach back to your learners.

Get Your Assessment Tool Sample Validated
The cost of properly validating an assessment tool is nothing compared to the real risk of getting your RTO sanctioned or deregistered. Avoid this by validating a sample unit first. Doing so will also keep you from wasting money buying the whole thing.

Remember, rectification is highly expensive, costing you more than you paid in the first place. By then, it will also be too late as your RTO already has a bad audit report on file.

Ensure Your Assessment Tools Come with Mapping Documents
When you purchase training resources, it’s crucial to look for comprehensive mapping documents. These documents are key in tracking how well the unit requirements align with your assessment tools, helping you avoid costly errors and ensuring comprehensive coverage of all necessary elements. Prioritise learning resources that offer complete assessment tools accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow mapping documents. This not only simplifies the assessment process but also significantly improves the quality of your training delivery.

As leading developers of world-class learning resources, we at Didasko ensure that we provide complete assessment tools with easy-to-follow mapping.

Does the Learning Material Have a Simulated Work Environment?
Also known as virtual workplaces, this learning resource has the most comprehensive learning and assessment tools as they give your learners much-needed practical knowledge before applying their skills in the real world.

Simulated work environments emulate a working environment that allows RTOs to train and assess candidates without requiring real-world work experience. These environments come with workplace documents, policies and procedures, communication, and other essential documents critical for providing invaluable workplace knowledge and skills.

Is the Correct Method of Assessment Used?
Ensuring that your RTO training and assessment resources use compliant and effective assessment methods is vital. Some tools may fall short by only asking students to describe how they would perform a task rather than having them demonstrate it practically. To accurately assess competence and align with industry standards, it’s important to choose resources that emphasise practical performance tasks. This approach guarantees that your students not only learn but also effectively apply the necessary skills and knowledge.

Are the Materials Visually Appealing and Engaging?
When selecting RTO course materials, consider the visual appeal and engagement factor, especially if you have young learners. Visual elements and engaging content can enhance the learning experience and facilitate comprehension. By presenting information in an easy-to-digest format, you make it more accessible and enjoyable for your students. Look for resources that utilise clear and visually appealing graphics, illustrations, and interactive elements to create an engaging learning environment.

Does the Provider Stay Current with Industry Trends and Innovations?
In the rapidly evolving landscape of vocational education, it’s crucial to ensure your RTO training resources reflect the latest industry trends and technological advancements. Modern vocational education thrives on staying ahead of the curve, integrating new methodologies, tools, and practices that prepare students for the future of work. Selecting resources that are updated regularly with current content not only enhances the relevance of your training but also aligns with the principles of harnessing the potential of vocational education in the modern era. This commitment to contemporary learning ensures your learners are well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s job market, embodying the essence of vocational education’s role in bridging the skills gap.

How Do You Check the Learning Content?

As an RTO, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your students are getting the best value for their money through quality courses with robust content. But some guides don’t really show the inclusions of the course until a purchase is made. Some courses don’t even have excerpts, leaving you clueless as to what the material has to offer.

So before you even consider investing in these materials and resources, make sure you check the following:

• Availability of Learner Resources: Check if the package includes a learner resource, guide, or textbook alongside the training materials. Learners should have access to comprehensive materials that support their learning journey.
• Assessment of Learning Guide Size: Examine the size of the learning guide to ensure it provides sufficient content and covers all required topics. Compare the declared number of pages with the actual content to avoid resources with excessive white space or insufficient information.
• Clarity of Self-Paced Learning Guides: For self-paced courses, assess whether there is a clear step-by-step learning guide. The guide should provide structured instructions and facilitate independent learning for students.
• Relevance of Practice Instructions: Evaluate the practice instructions to determine if they effectively develop the target skills. Ensure that the practice activities align with the learning outcomes and prepare students for the assessment tasks.
• Seamless Transition to Assessment: Verify that the learning content seamlessly transitions to the completion of the assessment tools. The content should effectively prepare students for the assessment tasks and ensure a smooth progression from learning to application.

This purchasing checklist ensures your learners get the most from their courses. Avoid outdated or overpriced resources that don’t adequately prepare students for assessments or skill acquisition. Opt for comprehensive, clear, and relevant learning content covering essential topics. Quality materials are key to preventing poor learning outcomes and student discouragement, so ensure you’re selecting the right resources for your needs.

Be a Highly Sought After RTO

It is important to choose learning resources that are of the highest standards, as this will ensure that your students receive the best education possible. There are many factors to consider when choosing learning resources, but by keeping these things in mind you can be sure to select resources that will benefit your students and help them succeed.

Unlock your RTO’s full potential with Didasko’s comprehensive learning resources. We take pride in offering top-tier materials, including those for highly sought-after courses like the Certificate IV in Hospitality, Certificate III in Carpentry, and more!

When it comes to culinary arts, the field of patisserie is increasingly in demand. By offering the Certificate IV in Patisserie, institutions ensure students gain specialised skills, setting them apart in the industry. Didasko’s materials for this course are curated with precision, reflecting the artistry and technical expertise required in patisserie. It’s not just about teaching recipes but fostering creativity, innovation, and mastery. This addition can make your institution a preferred choice for those aspiring to become pastry maestros.

For institutions aiming to offer a higher qualification in the hospitality sector, we’re thrilled to offer our eLearning materials tailored for the Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management.

Institutions striving to offer a higher qualification in the hospitality sector recognise the pivotal role of a quality learning resource provider. Didasko’s eLearning materials for the Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management exemplify this importance. By providing comprehensive, up-to-date resources, institutions can ensure that their students receive the best education possible, setting them on a path to success in the dynamic hospitality industry. The choice of learning resources can truly make or break the effectiveness of a hospitality course, influencing the reputation of the institution and the success of its students.

In the field of leadership and management, the need for specialised training is more pronounced than ever. The BSB60420 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management is a testament to this, providing a curriculum that’s not just about nurturing competent managers but visionary leaders capable of navigating the complexities of the modern business environment. Didasko’s commitment to excellence is mirrored in developing learning materials for this advanced diploma, ensuring that each module is infused with real-world relevance and strategic depth.

By integrating recognised frameworks, our materials don’t just stay current – they stay ahead, anticipating industry needs and trends. In partnering with Didasko, you’re not just making a choice for today but investing in the future success of your learners. Harness the Didasko edge and position your institution at the forefront of vocational education excellence.

Empower Your Students: Our expertly designed resources ensure effective and engaging learning experiences, enabling your students to excel in their studies and future careers.

Stay Updated: We stay ahead of the curve by regularly updating our course materials to align with the latest industry practices and advancements, equipping your students with relevant and in-demand skills.

Dynamic Learning: Embrace diverse learning styles with our multimedia-rich resources, featuring interactive quizzes, engaging videos, and visually appealing infographics, making learning enjoyable and effective.

Get in Touch: Connect with our team today to learn more about our exceptional course materials or to request a demonstration. Let us help you elevate your RTO’s educational offerings and success!