WestCoastTafe

VERBL: Risk Management in disability, mental health in virtual worlds

The VERBL online resource has been created as a project under the Flexible Learning Framework.

The VERBL online resource suggests ways immersive technologies, such as virtual worlds, can be implemented in risk-based learning in the future. It also includes three case studies that revolve around learning in the disability, alcohol and other drugs, and mental health sectors.

The project particularly focused on psychological, behavioural and emotional risks which are difficult to achieve within the classroom environment, as is assessing learners' management and coping skills.

Mr Beach said one of the key benefits of the project was the development of the VERBL model, which provides a mechanism for organisations and teachers to evaluate what would be suitable competencies to fit within immersive e-learning environments.

Consider some of the possibilities of this tool and remember Flexible Learning Framework Funding is coming up again in February.

SnagIt - arguably the most useful software ever!

Take a “snapshot” of anything on your PC screen. Send it, store it, turn it into a detailed graphic, find it later.

Use it for 'how to' images, demonstrations for students, to capture and store images, or to create maps and instructions.  It's also incredibly easy to use.

It can also be used to add pizazz to your Powerpoints, or if you work in Administration, to create simple 'how to' guides to using your forms or spreadsheets.

SnagIt at West Coast TAFE

There are 11 licenses available in the training room D128. I am available to support staff using SnagIt through the Blended Learning Group - Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

1. Go to the shared drive.(S:)
2. Open up the Educational Technology folder.
3. Go to Blended Learning Group.
4. Book your time, and enter your name, and what you'd like to learn - i.e. SnagIt - beginner.
5. Save and then turn up at your allocated time.

D128 is also available outside these times if you want to come up and create your SnagIt masterpieces.

Training in SnagIt

If you have 10 people, I am happy to arrange a training session for your section.  Please contact me via email.

Access this link to training videos and how to's that will get you started.

Collect, Select, Reflect, Connect - starting, refining and enhancing elearning

You want to share resources with students, but are not sure what to share or how to share them.

The first stage is to analyse exactly what it is you want to share. No tool is going to fix things for you.  If you are clear in your own mind about what you want to achieve you stand a far greater chance of success.

I have summarised some of the important questions below.  In addition, the flexible learning site has an AWESOME resource which will help you answer the questions:

• What is e-learning?
• How do I do it?

Link to Flexible Learning - Design Elearning site

1. What do I want to share?

Do you want to deliver a course and offer online assessment?

In this case you're probably better off using a learning management system like WebCT or even Moodle. While these both work in similar ways, as TAFE employees you have access to PD, training, support and even standard courses which you can reuse if you use WebCT.  If the system upgrades, WestOne will ensure your courses get upgraded. 

Even better, WebCT ingetrates with TAFE's IMS.  In plain English, this means that once a student is enrolled at TAFE, it's a one-click process to enrol them in your online course.

The WebCT vs Moodle argument is like the Apple vs PC argument.  There are pros and cons to both systems.  However, if you are starting out in online delivery, my recommendation is to choose the option that offers support - WebCT.

WebCT allows you to

• share PowerPoints
• Create online course materials
• Deliver assessments
• Develop multiple choice quizzes
• Use ARED to develop drag and drop, and interactive learning objects
• Use online learning objects (SCORM) which have already been developed by other organisations.

If you want to know more about WebCT come and see me.

There are training courses regularly available through WestOne.  Click here to find out more about dates and times.

2. Develop an online social network

First be clear about what you mean by social network. 

I personally like the following definition - A social network is a social structure made of nodes (which are generally individuals or organizations) that are tied by one or more specific types of relations, such as financial exchange, friendship, hate, trade, web links, or airline routes.

Social networks take time to develop, time to support, and time to grow.  Generally the larger the network the more successful it will become.  Networks can develop around a shared interest, however, bear in mind that only approximately 10% of your members will be active users.  This means that an online social network of 15 people, will only really have 1 - 2 people contributing regularly.  This is often the cause of many social networks failing.

Social networks allow you to share online video, photos and comment/chat in one place.  It's a way of amalgamating all your resources in one area.  However, the object is communication and sharing and you have to be prepared to let it take directions you had not anticipated!

What does this mean to me?

Perhaps get together with other people in your division and decide to form a collective network with different groups instead of individual networks per course.  This will also give your students a chance to meet other professionals and students outside of their course area.  It will also share the development and maintenance load.

Think clearly about the outcomes you want and devise ways to support them

If you want students to participate in an online network then you need to give them a reason to go there, and a reason to come back.

Some ideas:

• set a class task requiring students to set up a profile on the network
• make one of your assessment topics dependent on posting something to the network.
• post regular videos, photos and resources which are directly relevant.
• link to job placement sites
• encourage employers to post profiles.....
• run a workshop with students to get their ideas on how to make the network useful...

Remember that social networks rely on user generated content - you HAVE to be prepared to give up control.

I'm happy to run some social networking workshops if there is demand - please drop me an email or post me a comment here.

Ning is a great social networking tool that operates on our student network.  There are many many more, please come and have a chat if you're interested.

Facebook, MySpace etc are all social networking sites, however, there are issues with blocking and duty of care. 

3. Use Web 2.0 tools

I have used this contentious phrase which is an expression used for the first time in 2004 referring to the second generation of the Internet. The main characteristics of new era in Internet is connected with its constant development and delivering services tailored to the needs of each user.

Huh?

What that means is tools like this blog that make it easier to comment, share and generally exchange information easily.  Social Networking is an umbrella term that refers to this, however, it also refers to a variety of tools that you can access, usually for free, and are great for designing learning materials.  These include:

Slideshare - to upload and share powerpoints

Googledocs - to share documents, spreadsheets and powerpoints and collaborate live in real time with users all over the world.

Flickr - an online photo and video website that allows you to comment, share, and use images to make creative resources.

Blogger, Typepad, EduBlogs - blogging sites which allow you to present opinion and comment on other people's ideas. 

Wimba - create interactive voice tools...

There are many many more, let me know what you'd like to play with next..!

How to comment?

To get in touch with me, please feel free to comment on this blog.  Commenting is a much faster way to reach me than email as I am immediately notified if a comment is made.  Commenting also allows you to see other people's queries, and perhaps find someone in WestCoast TAFE who is interested in the same things as you - it's easy - follow the instructions below and have a go.

1. Click on the header of this article.

2. Scroll down to find the comment box.  I am automatically notified of comments so it's a great way to contact me.

Lecturer Services Workshops June 12 2008

Good morning, afternoon evening or night - depending on when you decide to have a look at this.

Workshops will be held at West Coast TAFE, D128

1. Workshop 1 - 9 - 11,
2. Workshop 2 - 11 - 1
3. Workshop 3 - 2 - 4

I'd really appreciate your involvement.  Program Managers are supportive of the initiative.

TDS (Information Communication Technology Training Delivery Solutions), at the Department have been asked to run a series of lecturer services workshops....

Why me you ask...?

In 2007, the Training Business Needs Group approved an initiative known as the 'Lecturer Services' project. The project aims to deliver contemporary systems and services for Lecturers in relation to their day to day duties. As part of the preliminary investigations, the working party set up by TBNG and lead by Jill Jamieson identified four key areas requiring greater support and investment. The key areas identified are;

1. 1. Mobility:  Access anywhere anytime to systems and online services
2. 2. Systems: Major review of systems and alignment with Lecturer needs
3. 3. Professional Development: Training for Lecturers in emerging and contemporary technologies.
4. 4. Tools: Access to devices that are designed for on site and off site delivery (PDA's, tablets, laptops etc)

 

The next major step towards improving lecturer services is a review of TDS systems, including their use and applicability for lecturers. The review will influence TDS for the foreseeable future and will involve a qualititaive Assessment through broad consultation with lecturers regarding their use of existing systems, such as UE and ASRI.

What's in it for me?

A chance to get heard and to query the types of services available from TDS.

Did you know for example, that ASRI is available online, off campus, and can be used for remote assessment?

Would you like a single log-on to all college systems...?

Would you like to be able to copy rolls in UE..

Come along and have your say, and contribute towards a more technologically supportive environment...

You can't say you weren't asked!

.

Filling in the Work Life Balance Bookings sheet

Use this document to help you find and fill in the work life balance bookings sheet.  Clicking on any of the images will open up a bigger version - good luck!

1. Go to the Shared Drive (S:) and open up the "Work Life Balance" folder.  You will find the masage booking sheet inside.

2: Select 'Massage Booking Sheet'

 

3: Fill in and Save 'Massage Booking Sheet'

Podcasting - too hard, couldn't use it!

There are many misconceptions about technology, and in particular, podcasting.  It's dead, it's too hard, too complicated....

So What is Podcasting anyway?

Licensed under Creative Commons:

There's more than one use for podcasting...

Broadcast lectures

you CAN..,but would YOU listen to 1 hour of your face to face lectures....
Why not:

• Record soundbites - your key points
• Keep 'bites' to 5 minutes or less  - this makes it easier to record, easier to save....
• Record interviews
• Chad Tilbury in Hospitality has recorded interviews with Perth chefs for his students to listen to..Link to Chad Tilbury's podcasting site

 

This gives your students access to expertise and viewpoints that they might not otherwise get.

Use for assessment

Let your students show you how they'd like to use podcasting. 

Ask students to create a series of podcasts as part of assessment requirements. One episode could constitute an assignment. 

You gain:

• a body of student produced work providing resources to future students. 
• new ideas about ways to use podcasts.
• give students new skills that are valued in the workplace.

The library has digital voice recorders, ipods and microphones to borrow - speak to me to get support...

A helping hand with literacy....

If you have students with learning difficulties you could:

• record vital support documents, or course materials.
• Provide step by step guidance
• Provide audio key points.

You will have heaps more ideas...  Get in touch if you want to have a play with podcasting.

Secret Women's Business Survey Link

There is secret women's business happening at West Coast TAFE.  A group of women recently met for coffee, chat and to celebrate their achievements both at work and in their home life.  It was great to swap stories and celebrate the many varied accomplishments of the women who attended. 

We are trying to find out more about the skills, capabilities, interests and diversity amongst women at West Coast TAFE.  The group has agreed to meet again next Term to sketch out an agenda of what we want to achieve.  Please be involved - even if you can't come along, please help us by filling out the questionnaire below. 

Click Here to take survey

We look forward to seeing you there.

Harriet

What is RSS and why should I use it anyway?

So you've seen the little orange picture - heard the discussions (or not!) about RSS, and have absolutely no idea what it is or what you should do with it!

Simply it's a way of sending the web out to fetch articles, newsletters, blog posts, images that you find interesting.  With RSS, you subscribe to a reader - think of it as a mailbox....  Anything you 'subscribe to' using RSS will end up in this mailbox.  Instead of searching the web to find out if there is new information on a site, it will tell you and send you the inforamtion - straight to your reader....

Have a read of the beginner guide to RSS here.- A beginners guide to RSS

The video below provides a really simple visual guide to RSS:

What is Twitter anyway?

Many of you already know about my love affair with Twitter. 

The most common question I get is ".... What is Twitter,"  "I can't see the point in it"  and "what relevance can it possibly have to me?" 

The CommonCraft people have attempted to answer some of these questions in the video below.

While it may not really answer all your questions, it might help make things clearer.  Of course the best way to experience the power of Twitter is to get involved.   As usual, ask me any questions you need - and enjoy :)

State Innovation Funding $10,000 to $50,000 available!

Applications close 4 April 2008

This article summarises the key points of the WA State Innovation Funding via the Australian Flexible Learning Framework.

What's available?

Funding (10k - 50k) for projects in the areas below.

1. Business Training provider partnerships (i.e. local government, small business, non-profit, support, volunteer organisations etc.
2. Empowering learners
3. A combination of the above categories.

 Funding must be matched dollar for dollar in kind.  In-kind can be, for example, time.

Guidelines suggest that they funding "may include a focus on Indigenous learners and learners who have a disability"

Priority Areas

• 40% of funding to business-training provider partnerships
• 40% of funds to learner groups

Funding can't be used for.....

• purchase of infrastrucutre, equipment
• entry level e-learning awareness training
• one-off training workshops

Important selection criteria

• Strong champions are required within business and RTO
• Describe learners associated with the project, including whether they associate with a group pof disadvantaged learners.

The Business Case

The business case must:

• include a Statement of need - evidence of demand or identifying the need.  It must identify how the project will address this need.
• have clear Outcomes
• Address an identified training need
• Improve opportunities for workforce development
• Implement change management for a critical business and/or learner issue.
• Provide a benefit to the national training system - aligning with goals of the 2008 - 20011 Framework Strategy.   Download 2008_2011_Framework_Strategy.pdf
• Demonstrate that the project will cover an area of nationally recognised training. It must include recognised courses and modules - naming units of competency and training packages.
• Demonstrate how the project will support embedding of e-learning as a training delivery strategy.

Other criteria

The business must describe how the project will embed e-learning in WCT's training strategy.

Link with Leadership Program activities.

...But wait, there's more

This is but a short summary of the guidelines.  If it has whetted your appetite.  Please download the full guidelines below.

Contact Harriet or leave queries/comments below for more information. 

Download wa_guidelines_for_applicantsfinal1.doc
Download wa_innovation_funding__final1.doc