::: XPLANA.COM ::: Exploring how we can learn and teach with technology
JAMES FARMER
09.09.03 10:07PM
Subverting the Discussion Board
I like things that I can use in a whole ton of ways. I don’t like things that tell me exactly how I should use them. Take, for example, your average discussion board… really the key learning tool in most major online learning environments (BTW I’m not counting content distribution and presentation as learning ;o), how many different ways can I, as a teacher or learner, use it???
::: XPLANA.COM ::: Exploring how we can learn and teach with technology
INTEGRATION
Incorporated Subversion
JAMES FARMER
09.25.03 2:24AM
The Potential of Personal Publishing in Education I: Whats doing & whos doing it?
"So what's already going on:
Anne Davis is training student teachers in using weblogs and offers up a host of possibilities for use by teachers and a host of reflections of using weblogs by learners.
[What seems like] A very long time ago… I was setting up personal publishing as ‘reflective journals’ (.pdf) for English language learners.
Pattie Belle Hastings is asking her learners to PP for design research and reflection.
Dave Winer at has set up a system where anyone with a harvard.edu email addy can set up a weblog here and do, well, whatever they like with it… for example.
Will Richardson ran a pretty amazing journalism course and got some pretty amazing feedback from the learners. "
WestCoast College of TAFE
The Flexible Learning option allows students:
Flexibility to learn at your own pace, either on Campus or at home.
Ability to enrol at any time of the year.
Freedom to choose when you want to be assessed.
Extended open hours.
Support services including career information and program advising.
Recognition of prior learning (exemptions from subjects if you can already demonstrate the knowledge and skills required in those subjects).
Enrolment in the Kick Start flexible learning skills program to launch students on a successful learning path. This program introduces full time students (particularly school leavers) in a graduated manner to the essential learning processes and strategies to become a lifelong independent learner.
The One to One support program is designed for part and full time students who are able to manage and maximise the advantages of the flexible learning environment.
Specialised learning areas and facilities with a wide range of resources to support your learning.
Professional and dedicated facilitators and support staff to assist your learning experience"
Strategic considerations of evidence game
"About the activity:
This activity has been adapted from Kit 4, ANTA Training Package Assessment Materials Kit which was originally designed for a unit of competency from the Construction Training Package.
We have adopted the activity for: Information Technology; Aged Care/Childrens Services/Community Services; Automotive/Transport; Tourism & Hospitality.
How it works:
Evaluate examples of evidence against a particular unit of competence and decide if it is valid, sufficient, current and authentic.The exercise usually provides a good trigger for discussions as assessors debate the merits of the evidence provided and what further evidence they would have to gather.
Who it is for:
Initial assessor training courses, assessor refresher training or activities as part of assessment validation. "
From VEAC
By Bersin & Associates
"Abstract:
After nearly 2 years of research in blended learning, and detailed interviews with more than 30 companies, we find that blended learning is replacing e-learning as the next big thing. Our research finds that blended learning programs are perhaps the highest impact, lowest cost way to drive major corporate initiatives. Companies have discovered unique and powerful methodologies for selecting the right media to solve a given business problem. The biggest challenges companies face include technology and the change management and business processes required to roll out major programs. Results: Blended Learning solves the problem of speed, scale, and impact and leverages e-learning where its most appropriate, without forcing e-learning into places it does not fit."
Great images on page 4, here's one...
Using multimedia to achieve learning outcomes
George Siemens
Originally Presented at AMTEC 2002
with Stephen Yurkiw
February 7 , 2003
Introduction
"Many media formats are available to designers of learning materials (for elearning, classroom learning, or any stage on the continuum). The challenge is to select the media type that most effectively presents the learning material in order to achieve intended learning outcomes. Not all media is created equal, and certain formats are more effective for certain tasks. This article presents various media formats, their strengths, weaknesses, uses, and roles in achieving learning outcomes."
Balancing the Learning Equation - Exploring Effective Mixtures of Technology, Teaching, and Learning
From The Technology Source
by Bonnie B. Mullinix and David McCurry
"At present, faculty experience with technology varies widely: Some instructors have been developing Web-enhanced learning environments for quite a while, and others have just joined these ranks. In general, though, technology has come to seem less novel in higher education, and its prevalence has allowed faculty discussions to move beyond discussions of mere availability to more critical issues associated with instructional design. This more focused discussion has the potential to transform learning environments and help us to achieve the promise that technology holds for improving learning."
Based at Challenger TAFE in WA, Jill's FLL program focussed on 3 questions:
Question 1: What are the features of a vocational learning environment that will develop the attitudes, values, skills and knowledge required,
currently and in the future, by learners to successfully engage in work or the community?
Question 2:What new skills and knowledge are required by VET teaching practioners to meet the needs of learners? What strategies can be implemented to support the development of these skills?
Question 3: What are the physical and virtual services or infrastructure required to meets the needs of learners?
In this report Jill identifies that while online support and services have previously been targetted at off-campus learners, they are in demand from on-campus learners as well.
She advocates a seamless transition when moving between physical and virtual spaces for learners and teachers. [This would tie in with the VLE model at Sunderland College in UK.]
In answer to Q3, Jill proposes that systems that integrate student learning, administration and support are desirable. She identifies the potential for wireless tools such as PDAs for teacher use in student admin and management and also applications for such tools in practical work areas as reference tools.
As support for staff, a network of Innovators within each Centre of Specialisation (= Program?) will support professional teaching prcatice and the use of technology in the learning environment.
By Jackie Dobrovolny
"Here's a model for how adults learn from self-paced, technology-based corporate training.
Did you ever wonder how adults learn from self-paced, technology-based corporate training? What do these learners do to make the content personally meaningful? How do they learn to apply it on the job? What features of a self-paced, technology-based course do they find particularly valuable? Should instructional designers assist or prohibit learners from changing or customizing the course? Over the next three months, I will present a model, as well as information and examples, to answer these questions and more importantly, discuss the implications for designing and developing effective self-paced, technology-based corporate training.
The model is based on a research study I conducted with employees from several large international corporations. Each study participant selected a different career-relevant, self-paced, technology-based course offered by his or her corporation. "
Lead Balloons, Stone Canoes, and Learning Styles
By Frank L. Greenagel
"The concept of learning styles has gained considerable attention in recent years, but it hasn't been a generative concept in e-learning. Most of the learning styles research has been in formal (classroom-based) education, which reinforces the idea that learning is basically an information transmission process. Other research in how people learn shows that most job-related proficiencies are learned outside the training room or seminar, and suggests that where the learning takes place and how it’s used is inextricably related to how adults learn. E-learning and blended learning practices ignore this phenomenon, and assume that everyone can learn from the information-transmission model, with the only variables being preparation, IQ,, and motivation. The real payoff from the Internet is going to occur when we use it to enlarge and sustain learning communities that develop within an organization or among a cohort."
Overview, Definitions, Uses, and Implications Part One.
"Blogging is using a new medium for what it is good for - connecting and interacting. Blogging is a first generation tool built on, and taking advantage of, the unique attributes of the Internet. It has been dismissed as a self-centered passing fad...and as the new model of interactive journalism, communication, and learning. This article explores the the uses, benefits, implications, and art of blogging."
Setting the wi-fi course - smh.com.au
Setting the wi-fi course
By Darryl Nelson
September 16, 2003
"Wireless notebooks are likely to become as ubiquitous as textbooks on Australian campuses over the next few years. With one eye on providing the best possible student experience and the other on potential cost savings in student computer labs, wireless networks are sprouting up all over the university landscape..... Constantine's team compared the library notebooks with lab PCs in terms of space, leasing and insurance costs, network and power provision, maintenance and support, lighting and heating and availability. They discovered a cost per usable hour of just 26 cents for the notebooks, against 60 cents for the lab."
The difference in cost is quite amazing, although if you take out the cost of physical space in Melbourne then that could make a huge difference. Also the availability - if most labs are closed after 5pm then increasing access to 10 or 11pm would increase availability a fair bit.
Last edited 3/03
Thinking about building or hosting an online community? Looking for specific tips, tools and ideas? Start here. The following is a collection of articles that may help inform your work.
* updated link March 2005.
Link
Associate Professor John Henry
Research Institute for Professional and Vocational Education & Training
Deakin University
"This paper draws on recent research and evaluation work undertaken by Associate Professor John Henry and colleagues at the Research Institute for Professional and Education & Training (RIPVET) exploring the concept of Registered Training Organisation (RTO) preparedness for flexible learning, and the dynamics between strategic change management at the organisational level and professional development of staff. The two projects reported on here are a 2000-2001 TAFE frontiers commissioned research project called Support Services for Flexible Delivery and the ANTA commissioned Evaluation of LearnScope 2002.
The approaches used in both projects were informed by the Generalisations from Case Studies research method (Smith and Henry 1999, Henry, 2000)."
LinkPaul Jacobson
10 July 2003
Perth, Western Australia
Never Look Back the only thing you can change is the future
Lifelong learning can be about personal fulfillment and enterprise; employability and adaptability; or active citizenship and social inclusion.
ABSTRACT
This paper summarises the major findings from a series of qualitative and quantitative research projects conducted by WestOne and the Western Australian Department of Training during 2001 and 2002. These research projects examined student preferences for various delivery strategies. Of particular interest was the strength of the overall demand for flexible delivery methods and differences in delivery preferences among segments of the student population (defined on the basis of primary motivation for training). The research also looked at the relationship between quality of learning, quality of teaching and delivery strategies.
The research has shown that the experience of the majority of vocational education and training (VET) students is dominated by face-to-face teaching and, on the whole, they are fairly satisfied with this traditional and familiar method of delivery. However, there are signs that flexible delivery options are important and valued by certain segments of the student population (eg “career changers”, “skill improvers” and the “self-employed”). There are also signs that demand will build in the future as students have more experience with a range of delivery options. Furthermore, experience with alternative delivery methods appears to be associated with higher quality of learning scores, which reflect personal empowerment and confidence in one’s ability to learn.
Booklet published by Training Packages @ Work
An introduction to Australia's National Training System for Teachers and Trainers.
Back 2 Basics
Each issue of the newsletter features a Back 2 Basics article focusing on basic information necessary for getting started in the vocational education and training industry. A collection of these articles has been published as a separate 24-page booklet.
The purpose of this project was to investigate the most effective ways whereby learners receive informal and formal support to assist them to successfully complete vocational education and training (VET) within both vocational education and training institutions and enterprises.
Saved as nr8006.pdf
WriteTheWeb - What is a k-log?
What is a k-log?
by Giles Turnbull -- 2002/03/05
Some people are taking the concept of weblogs and applying it to the wider concept of knowledge management. The result is k-logging ("knowledge-logging"). But will it catch on - will your employer dump Lotus Notes databases in favour of browsers and blog-style brain-dumps?
John Robb of Userland has lots of thoughts about k-logs, so we asked him about them in a short email interview.
The natural voice and frequent updates of an engaging personal weblog are the same components found in a successful business blog. The major difference between a business weblog and a personal weblog isn't format, but content. Business weblogs tend to focus, naturally, on business issues (usually a vertical focus based on industry or workplace organization), and often have multiple contributors. However, the same criteria for success still apply: useful and fresh content, personality, and clean design can ensure consistent traffic for your business blog. With the addition of features such as file uploading and the integration of e-mail, a business blog can be a powerful tool for knowledge management, project management, or content management. It can improve the flow of information throughout your organization.
Welcome to the TAFE frontiers range of professional development activities and resources for flexible and online learning in vocational education and training.
Illinois Online Network - Online Learning - Successful Student
Information about successful online learners and also links to lots of quizzes about "is online learning for me?"
IRRODL: Learner Support Services for Online Students: Scaffolding for Success
Stacey Ludwig-Hardman
Western Governors University, USA
Joanna C. Dunlap
University of Colorado at Denver, USA
Abstract
"A critical component of an effective retention program for online students is a learner support services program. While many factors contribute to attrition, at the top of the list are level of interaction and support. To this end, some students in distance learning programs and courses report feelings of isolation, lack of self-direction and management, and eventual decrease in motivation levels. This article describes the types of learner support services strategies that can effectively address these retention challenges. Examples from Western Governors University (WGU) are provided to describe these strategies in action."
This Research at a glance summarises some of the recent research on workplace learning in Australia. Based on our analysis, if workplace learning was working well in Australia, enterprises would have in place the elements outlined in the key findings.
12 page summary of various papers and project reports. (NCVER)
By Timothy Butler and David Coleman
"In this guest editorial we examine five models for collaboration that vary from barely interactive to intensely interactive. Granted the CS definition for collaboration requires some level of interaction by two or more people, and in the past we have said that reciprocal data access (such as you would find in a library or repository) is not collaboration, we have also said that technology, content and process are critical for any type of collaboration. This being the case we are expanding our definition of collaboration (slightly) to include content libraries as most of the vendors in this area have added collaborative functionality. In addition, content is often critical for a collaborate interaction to occur."
Improving Learning and Reducing Costs: New Models for Online Learning
Nice article that summarizes five emerging models in learning design. As the author notes, "All five models treat the course not as a 'one-off' but rather as a set of products and services that can be continuously worked on and improved." I think this is a good trend, not merely because it supports more sustainable development but also because it allows for the evolution of learning beyond that static, paced entity called a "course". The 'emporium model', for example, "eliminates all class meetings and replaces them with a learning resource center featuring online materials and on-demand personalized assistance." But we can go further than that. "Students need to be treated like individuals, rather than homogenous groups, and should be offered many more learning options within each course." This trend leads us to much of what Jay Cross has been talking about, the gradual migration from formal to informal learning. By Carol A. Twigg, EDUCAUSE Review, September, 2003
NCVER Research: project nr2f03
not yet completed - check back in late September
This resource was developed by the 2002 LearnScope "Educational Design for E-learning" team based at OTEN NSW. Many thanks to the team for contributing this resource to the community.
Purpose: This document provides a Project Manager with a set of considerations to be addressed (ideally at an initial project planning meeting attended by all project team members and stakeholders) required to inform the planning or initiation and specifications phases (see project management methodology) of an e-learning/online project. The outcomes of the discussion should be fed into a planning/scoping document (see Proforma for Planning/Scoping an E-learning Project) and lead to a shared understanding of the basic information underpinning the project as well as stakeholder agreement and commitment.
Assumptions: The project is externally funded and involves a joint and collaborative effort of partnering Institutes and the applicable Educational Services Division. As such it is ideally suited to TAFE Connect and ANTA Toolbox project preparations.
Flexible Learning Toolboxes - Preview by Toolbox Code
FNB30199 Certificate III in Financial Services
WRR10197 Certificate I in Retail Operations
WRR20197 Certificate II in Retail Operations
WRR40197 Certificate IV in Retail Management
FNB60299 Advanced Diploma of Accounting
FNB50299 Diploma of Accounting
Certificate IV Frontline Management
BSA30200 Certificate III in Business (Legal Administration)
BSA50197 Diploma of Business (Administration)
From "Paperless Classroom" to "Deep Reading" - Five Stages in Internet Pedagogy
by Grover C. Furr III
"I began using the Internet in my literature classes in 1992, before the advent of the World Wide Web. Over the past 11 years, my use of the Internet for pedagogical purposes has passed through four major stages, and has recently emerged into a fifth stage that I call "Deep Reading." In this article, I outline and illustrate this progression, with primary emphasis on the latest stage. I not only discuss the "what" and "why" of Web-enhanced instruction, but also provide some practical suggestions on how to employ it successfully. I hope that this account of my experience may inspire other instructors to use digital technologies experimentally in their teaching, and that the specific techniques I describe may save some colleagues from having to start from scratch, as I did."
"Welcome to Everyone Online, the Access and Equity in e-learning online tutorial. This tutorial has been designed to show managers and practitioners some simple techniques they can use to design and develop accessible e-learning products.
It has also been designed to give you a range of practical tips that you can implement when designing your own e-learning resources."
Access & Equity in Online Learning
"This project, conducted in 2000-2002, focussed on ensuring that all learners have a genuine choice to access e-learning. The needs of the following Learner Groups were examined:
learners with literacy needs
Indigenous learners
learners with disability
women e-learners
rural and remote e-learners
isolated metropolitan e-learners
issues around the digital divide "
Series of Implementation Guides and Checklists including W3C Priority 1 Guidelines
This website supports a research project into how new technology will affect the provision of training in the vocational education and training sector. This project has been funded by the Australian National Training Authority through the ElectroComms and EnergyUtilities Qualifications Standards Body Australia.
"This essay provides new data on long-run apprentice training rates by broad occupational
group in the main trades, which shows there was a sustained break in the long-run apprentice training rate from the early 1990s to the present. This sharp fall in apprentice training rates is contributing to shortages of core vocational occupations, which are essential to production and maintenance in a modern knowledge based economy. The essay considers the implications of this decline and provides an overview and assessment of the key explanations of these trends. It also suggests policy recommendations to redress the decline."
Wentworth Falls Bed And Breakfast Accommodation
$125 B&B pp single room
about $145/ twinroom B&B
New & clean - building completed in April 2001
All rooms are light (north facing), cosy and boast pool and valley views
All rooms en-suited, hair-dryers, electric towel warmers, central heating, ceiling fans, TV&VCR, pure wool doonas, electric blankets, room phones
A hearty cooked breakfast in our 'room with a view' or outside in the courtyard over looking the valley, under our huge market umbrella (weather permitting)
From the courtyard, take our private bushwalk to the bottom of the valley and under the waterfall, to 'Water Nymphs Dell'
You are welcome to BYO - we have fridges for your exclusive use
Leura Accomodation - Old Leura Dairy - The Workers Cottage
Mid Week $286.00 per night (min 2 night booking) Weekend $412.50 per night (min 2 night booking) king size bed (can split to 2 single beds), a queen and a double bed
also
Leura Accomodation - Old Leura Dairy - The Straw Bale House
704.00 per night - probably too expensive.
TravelHERO.com - GRAND VIEW HOTEL Hotel Reservations - wentworth falls Features and Amenities of GRAND VIEW HOTEL
Free Parking
Handicapped Accessible Rooms
Non-smoking Rooms
Air Conditioned Rooms
AM/FM Clock/Radio in Rooms
Coffee Maker in Rooms
Refrigerator in Rooms
Television
Video Tape Player
Bar/Lounge on site
Restaurant on site
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Historic town in the Blue Mountains
Three Sisters National Park - nearby
Scenic Railway - 10km
Antiques, Crafts - nearby
Availability: This property may take up to 24 HOURS to confirm rates and reservations.
Room Rates Range (Actual rate provided upon reservation confirmation)
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YHA Australia - Blue Mountains - Hawkesbury Heights Backpacker Hostel
Ellnet is a collaborative e-learning initiative designed to promote leadership learning within the education sector. Partnering educational organizations and academic institutions will create micro-modules addressing specific areas of expertise and leadership competencies. Educational leaders from all facets of the education sector will access ELLnet for their professional growth and learning.
Intro
Why the fuss?
What is RSS?
Viewing RSS Content
Connecting Learning Objects via RSS
Implementations
Q&A
"While there is now some statistical information available on distance education at higher education institutions in the United States, very few if any research surveys have focused on online education. The 2003 Sloan Survey of Online Learning was designed to find answers to some key questions related specifically
to online education delivered by higher education institutions in the United States.
When schools first began experimenting with online education over a decade ago, they were faced with a number of fundamental questions. The current study of degree-granting institutions of higher education in the United States allows us to answer a number of these questions, and pose some additional ones that merit further research."
A theory for eLearning
(Pre-discussion paper)
Mark Nichols, eLearning Consultant, UCOL, Palmerston North, New Zealand
"There has been much written about eLearning practice however little attention has been given to eLearning theory. After arguing that a lack of established theory will hinder further development in eLearning, this paper presents ten hypotheses for eLearning in an attempt to focus attention on the underlying principles that apply to eLearning in all situations."
Faculty (distance education participators and non-participators) and administrators at a research extensive, state-related university were surveyed about (1) faculty use of technology in teaching, (2) motivating and inhibiting factors for participating in distance education, and (3) understanding of policies on distance education. This paper presents a factor analysis of the 46 motivating and inhibiting factors for distance education participation and an analysis of interaction between responses and level of participation in distance education, gender, age, faculty rank and tenure status.
Elearning has an unacceptably high drop-out rate, says this article. So George Siemens organised a group of online educators put themselves through a (non) course of discussion to address the problem. They created this resource or “collage” of their thoughts.
The article focusses on “preparing students for elearning”, and is organised under the following headings.
Introduction, Preparation Ecosystem, Preparing Students for Elearning, Role of the Student in Elearning, Role of the Instructor in Elearning, Role of Learning Styles, Profile of "Ideal" Online Student, Tasks to Complete Before Course Start, Support Documents for Students, Conclusion