Comments for myLearning

Comment on Hot Topic Conversations: What’s Folksonomy? – Social Bookmarking by Mia Harris

Mia Harris — Tue, 25 May 2010 04:58:55 +0000

I am kind of new to social bookmarking but social bookmarks presents great resource when doing research.;;~

Comment on Hot Topic Conversations: Workforce Development Guarantee @ TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute by GK

GK — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:21:56 +0000

Bill, perhaps you should take note of this paragraph from Appendix 3 of the latest version of the DET Code of Conduct:

“… Resign from your position where no other options are workable …. or you prefer this course of action…”

Comment on Hot Topic Conversations: Workforce Development Guarantee @ TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute by Bill

Bill — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:33:18 +0000

the only guarantee is there is no guarantee in this Institute- what do hr actual do it seems to be they are solely reactionary not proactive- hr by name not by deeds.

lift your game hr or get others in who can

Comment on BAIT: Linux Open Source by Jaime A. Garcia

Jaime A. Garcia — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:49:52 +0000

hi
I’m Colombian
Excusme for my bad English
Coming Soon, I’m going to travel to Australia, and I’m going to Study in TAFE NSW
I’m Engineering Software and Computation, I love Linux and OpenSource.
I had participated on FSD in Colombia.
I hop to learn more about you
Bye

Comment on TAFE NSW – Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) by Bruce

Bruce — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:51:03 +0000

Stephan and Diana

Can you give me any information on Podcasting and the Mahara Project that Hairdressing is trialing.

I am embarking on an RPL-eportfolio workforce training activity with the State Railway with somewhere between 90 and 150 existing workers.

ANy info would be great. I can come in to Ultimo if that would be easier

Comment on The Culture of Sharing by MCITP

MCITP — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:58:44 +0000

This post is really good one. The ideas of creativity and innovation are super. The information from the video clip will be very useful to all kind of people.It is a wonderful delivery.Thanks for sharing the video clip.

Comment on E-portfolios: Emerging Technologies which support flexible training and assessment options by Conducting an Adobe Connect Webinar : FLN Blog

Conducting an Adobe Connect Webinar : FLN Blog — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:41 +0000

[...] Podcast [...]

Comment on Adobe/DET Software Licence agreement by MM

MM — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:43:03 +0000

An interesting article but the links do not appear to work.

Could you check and fix if necessary.

TIA

Comment on “New Skills for Sustainability – Challenges and Opportunities” Roz Hall, Director Department of Environment and Climate Change by Nada Maio

Nada Maio — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:41:36 +0000

very interesting. It was very useful getting statistics that are relevant. A number of very surprising comparisons. This presentation is very thought provoking and certsinly has had a great impact on my own thoughts.

Comment on Marcus Clark Cluster Technology showcase by Marion Ashworth

Marion Ashworth — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 06:35:31 +0000

Hello Stephan – we have been working on getting it all together and thanks for putting it on the blog. We will have handouts and hopefully as many types of technology as possible. Marion

Comment on A-list edubloggers by Elaine Talbert by Benard

Benard — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:27:48 +0000

HA HA HA no

Comment on Adobe/DET Software Licence agreement by sridgway

sridgway — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:02:46 +0000

Thanks Dusty, the links are on the DET NSW Intranet site so only available within the firewall. I have sought to summarise the agreements and conditions for readers. If you are a DET employee click on them while you are at work or logged into the DET Portal.

Comment on Adobe/DET Software Licence agreement by Dusty

Dusty — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:34:31 +0000

An interesting article but the links do not appear to work.

Could you check and fix if necessary.

TIA

Comment on Why I share my content by Penny

Penny — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:09:58 +0000

Great stuff Stephan. Great to see someone at TAFE spreading the news. Michael Nelson would be extremely impressed!

Comment on Wikispaces Update: Page Level Permissions for Your Wiki by Paula

Paula — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:27:45 +0000

This is great step for wikispaces and takes the concept of Ning which has posed problems in some faculty areas as we know.! Having permissions on pages was Ning’s forte now students can own pages within a wiki and have rights and permissions. Good news for all wikispace members and administrators :)

Comment on A-list edubloggers by Elaine Talbert by sridgway

sridgway — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:29:41 +0000

Thanks for you comment Benard, we are a workforce development unit for TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute so we don’t run courses for external people. There is however loads of resources on the web around blogging, one you might like to check out is http://theedublogger.edublogs.org/

Comment on A-list edubloggers by Elaine Talbert by Benard Mwololo

Benard Mwololo — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:50:46 +0000

YOUR BLOG IS GOOD

Comment on A-list edubloggers by Elaine Talbert by Benard Mwololo

Benard Mwololo — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:47:55 +0000

I am interested in knowing about blogging.Will you help me

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Gary Lom

Gary Lom — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:59:49 +0000

As a teacher of Library and Information Services I am interested in how the delivery of learning via new technologies can directly involve students in the actual competencies required for future work in the Information Industry. That is: how can creating a space for students to engage with these technologies actually in itself be part of their learning.

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Jo-Ann Bathurst

Jo-Ann Bathurst — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:48:30 +0000

As a teacher in Library and Information Studies, TAFE NSW I am working in an area where technological developments within my industry are ever evolving and shaping the direction that libraries and information providers throughout the world are heading in.

Like many I find it difficult to keep up with the fast paced developments in the world of technology, compounded by a need to identify and understand the impact of these emerging technologies as they appear in and affect education within Australia.
What potential for educational application do they have? What challenges do they bring when implemented within the delivery of education and training?

For TAFE NSW to be a viable force within the VET sector we must continue to explore and interact with these emerging technologies, being willing to learn and further develop our skills to met industry workplace demands.

Many teachers within TAFE do not have the skills alone to take these technologies and use them within their teaching and learning. By providing a mentor program that identifies emerging technologies and allows these to be demonstrated so that teachers could see the potential use within their own teaching and learning, providing a program purpose driven to meet the needs of their clients for engaging and innovative learning would be extremely useful.

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Tony Palamara

Tony Palamara — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:18:41 +0000

The challenges and benefits of embedding new technologies.
I will start with the benefits of embedding new technologies.
In my teaching area (Business services, Management Studies) I was responsible for implementing new training packages. As part of the strategy, myself and the other head teacher (Jon Lippa) chose to gain competitive advantage in the marketplace by shortening the duration of some courses. In addition to this, we were responding to customer needs, and especially those customers such as single parents who have difficulty attending to many classes.
The new course design was achieved by utilising new technologies (consisting mostly online programs ) and selectively grouping particular units of study.. The management studies section at Petersham TAFE is now at the forefront in providing online delivery and support for its courses. Teachers in our section also use new technologies to support face-to-face classes. This consists of online sites containing resources (example Moodle and Wikis).
In summary, new technologies provide an excellent platform for meeting a student and customer needs and providing additional service value.

The challenges of embedding new technologies are numerous (and could certainly take up more than 300 words). I will summarise the main challenges. Fear of the technology among teachers. Resistance to change. A steep learning curve for some of the technologies such as janison. A lack of understanding and experience in online facilitation. For some students new technologies present some challenges. Some students do not like online learning and they prefer face-to-face classes. Bringing them over from the “ dark side” is one of our challenges.

In summary new technologies are inevitable and provide an excellent opportunity to enhance our teaching and facilitation. I hope to inspire and motivate teachers through this role as I have continued to do over many years.

PS..This is 295 words and I used technology to count them for me.
Tony

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Wendy Simmonds

Wendy Simmonds — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:26:52 +0000

The new e-learning technologies are essential for 21st century education delivery. This environment of online learning, social networking, content creation has become the world of the current generation.

Younger students especially want to locate information online and be able to interact without the visible classroom.

My area of teaching and industry experience is library and information services and web 2.0 technologies have been widely and rapidly adopted by libraries world wide.

We have had to introduce this in our course as we prepare our students to be industry ready.

I wish to learn more and become more proficient in these areas and be able to mentor others in this exciting new environment.

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Johanne Champness

Johanne Champness — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:45:56 +0000

My role in embedding new technologies into teaching comes from the viewpoint that the students who are generation Y are so use to technology that when they arrive on our (TAFE’s doorstep) and see a VHS, an overhead and boring handouts or death by PowerPoint they are disengaged and feel that they are taking a step back to the dark ages. Students use texting, facebook (social platforms), gaming, listen to music all at the same time and we are trying to get them to focus on one item. It’s just not done like that anymore.
Packaging learning in a totally different way involves putting notes, links to animated learning, music and even Podcasting your class onto a platform easily accessible for students to access. However, due to the ageing workforce people/ teachers aren’t keeping abreast of changing technologies, and are scared of what to do if they have to run the class this way.
So how do we get the teachers to meet the students – well give it a go/embrace it!- Lets embed technology in your course or class whilst there is support from a learning mentor. Learning by mistakes is also a factor which will be instilled in the classroom, fortunately, there is the generation Y who will help (as they realise us oldies don’t quite know what we are doing with technology). BUT if we don’t try other organisations will capture this market and TAFE will lose these students. We have the content however the delivery platform needs to change to engage the learner. Students are rating us on the web these days (rate your teacher) how will you fair?
So as a mentor , who also does not know it all, but is willing to give it a go I will like to be considered for this role

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Masafumi NAITO

Masafumi NAITO — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:50:22 +0000

Basic skills of technologies are essential in most industries nowadays; however, I wonder what “basic” is. The term of “basic” can be various – some people’s “basic skills” may be only sending/receiving Email and web surfing, maybe others say that would be making a brief note in word document, or possibly that would include using Excel at least.
In my teaching area, Languages – LOTE, many teachers can use MS-Word to make handouts for their class basically, but I’m still often asked to help them (especially when MS-Office 2007 was installed into computers in our staff room). Moreover, some or many of them have difficulties in using other technologies although they can be very useful to teach languages.
Our department started using the moodle a couple years ago. The moodle and other online based technologies can help our students to practice at home; furthermore, they can catch up with the course when they cannot attend the class due to their busy life. However, many teachers and students cannot find a person to ask for help when they have got a problem with the moodle, as our courses are held in the evening and Saturday – and then I help those people voluntarily.
Apart from the moodle, other technologies can be very useful for our language teaching. We can make our own audio files if we can use Audacity; we can scan hand-drawings into handouts to attract students; we can upload handouts if we can make PDF files and so on; but unfortunately not many teachers can use those technologies, yet.
I have been happy to help my colleagues and students with their technological problems. My colleagues hesitate asking me, because they know it is not my duty. However, they will feel much easier about asking me if I am one of the mentors.

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Marion Ashworth

Marion Ashworth — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:24:44 +0000

As mentioned in an earlier entry, it is important to synchronise and structure the development and processes of elearning within TAFE NSW rather than erratic and isolated efforts. During a meeting with my head teacher when I and one other teacher decided to embark upon developing a WIKI for the teaching section, she sought our solidarity and concentration on one technology focus rather than spreading ourselves too thinly and trying to be jack of all trades – a Wiki expert, a Moodle advocate etc. We believe that it is better to start at the roots rather than having clusters of flowers everywhere blooming but with no apparent connections. The primary aim within our teaching section is to development moodles whereby students can access material online to enrich or to provide access in times of need. By developing a program to mentor staff in learning technology, we will be able to mentor staff and encourage their efforts with learning technology. It will also ensure that we are able to share our knowledge with many others so that TAFE maintains its credibility as leader in vocational training.

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Chris Cummins

Chris Cummins — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:57:05 +0000

I think the challenge in embedding new technologies in the classroom is more about finding the money to buy it rather than getting the teachers/students to use it.

Sometimes the simplist of applications can motivate the students, whether it be a simple Powerpoint or Photo Story. On other occasions, more advanced technology may need to be used for a more detailed presentation. Utilising online capabilities and engaging students in elearning experiences are essential, especially for some block release students who may travel great distances to TAFE.

However, to professionally implement these programs (computer software, blogs, moodle etc), they need the facillator to be fully trained. A lot of teachers already have a lot on their plate without having to find the time to do extra study, especially on some of the more complicated software applications. This can scare some away. I believe that learning new technology is a worthwhile investment, not only to myself, but to the students as well. It really can make learning a lot more fun for the students and sometimes a little easier for the teachers.

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Linda Briggs

Linda Briggs — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:02:59 +0000

It is time to stop burying our heads in the sand regarding new technologies – saying this is easy but making it a reality for TAFE teachers requires much more thought! There are many wonderful teachers who embrace new technologies but there are also many other teachers who would use these technologies if they could just work out how.
As a Library Manager at a TAFE College Library my workplace is a natural repository for the equipment needed by teachers if they are to use new technologies. We have ipods with belken recorders, digital cameras, laptops, data projectors and, of course, the wonderful resource development kits. Library staff are also committed to working out how this equipment works – as we are the first people staff ask when they make their tentative approaches. We are also in contact with all staff in the College and are the first port of call for enquiries.
To me it makes perfect sense for a library staff member to be the Learning Technology Mentor – providing a one stop shop for equipment and mentoring.
As library staff already conduct workshops on using equipment this would be a natural progression.

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Tom Kramer

Tom Kramer — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:49:17 +0000

New teaching technologies have the potential to transform student learning experiences and outcomes. Teachers, too, will benefit from their world opening to new creativities and practice

In spite of these advantages, teachers often find it difficult to adopt new on-line techniques, in part because institutional practices are still geared to support more traditional approaches. Infrastructure for a start. What will we do with all those redundant classrooms if learning is wholly online? (I’m just reflecting common fears in the extreme).

Then there’s funding. It seems as though budgets aren’t mainstream enough to cope with the relatively large demands of new technologies. In any case, they have enough problems coping with the traditional ways of supplying education. If only the boffins could understand that learning benefits are but one dimension of LMS’!! There is money to be saved through efficiencies and revenue to be earned through new revenue streams.

Another point to consider in introducing and embedding new technologies is that the system shouldn’t be introduced for its own sake (or because there just happens to be an end-of-year funding bucket which has materialised and needs emptying). There has to be a proper and rigorous needs analysis done. Which technologies? What problems do they solve? Who will we ask for input? What do students expect in relation to technology and which ones do they use regularly in their everyday lives?

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Paul Colwell

Paul Colwell — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:00:09 +0000

What a great opportunity for those staff selected to finally develop and advocate for these great resources in their cluster or college. As noted by other posts, it is an altogether familiar story to hear about unsustainable technology developments. I beliieve this is in part also due to the work commonly falling to 1 or 2 technology savvy team members. This project will hopefully dismiss this issues by allowing time and empowerment of others previously expressing interest but needing structured assistance.

The prompt notes the C21 review. I note the multitude of technology developments about to roll out requiring increasing electronic abilties. Staff will need transferable technology skills delivered by someone they trust to admit their deficencies to, who can also blend their other skills with these emerging technolgies for the betterment of the whole organisation.

Good luck everyone!

Comment on Your role in embedding new learning technologies in doing our business by Pamela Smith

Pamela Smith — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:09:05 +0000

I am teaching in the languages section and at present I feel many of our students with overseas qualifications are very media savvy and ‘leave us for dead’ in use of technology. In our English Study Centre students jostle for computer time and what is available on-line is almost their exclusive use in a centre with book-based, casette tape, video and CD materials. To ensure what we teach is relevant is a wonderful challenge given that skills and knowledge are interwoven in this learning area. We are sending students off to further study at university and mainstream TAFE courses and I would like to think that, for all of them, technology is not a stumbling block. For that to happen, the stumbling block needs to be removed from teachers’ perceptions’ of how technology can be an aide and a platform for student learning and interaction. I realise it takes time to learn and be comfortable with new things, especially in the area of language learning where traditional classroom dynamics work so well. I agree with the earlier comments that learning technologies need to be easy to use and meaningful so here’s hoping.