Post 16 e-Learning Conference

From one blog to another..I missed this last year so looking forward to attending the post 16 e-Learning Conference in Manchester next week.

Had the idea (oh dear!) of trying to blog reports from the conference to avoid the dreary business of writing stuff up on my return.

Fingers crossed all the gadgets cooperate!

If you would like to follow my adventures up north - and help evaluate another powerful blogging tool - follow the link!

NLN e-Learning Materials (Round 4)

Part of the national e-learning strategy for adult and community learning has involved the commissioning of e-learning materials suitable for post-16 learners.

The first three rounds produced material designed for further education and sixth form colleges. Whilst this latest 'round 4' is aimed specifically at adult and community we also have access to the earlier material.

• The materials are packaged as self-contained 'chunks' of learning (learning
  objects) of around 15 minutes.
• They are interactive, utilising audio, video and animation to provide information, tasks and assessments to enable learners meet specific learning objectives.
• The materials can be used by individuals or by groups and can support face-to-face delivery as well distance learning.
  
  

The four subject areas covered in this round are:

Family Learning

Modern Foreign Language

ESOL

Making Learning Work for You

I have a few CDs with samples of the first three rounds and some containing preview versions (not ready to use with learners) of Round 4. Final versions of Round 4 should start to be available for download in a few weeks.

Conatct me at le_admin@kent.gov.uk if you would like a copy of either CDRom or other help with using this material.

Email Notification

I have replaced the email notifier, 'Bloglet' (I don't make this up!) with another called Feedblitz because of recent problems.
Feedblitz has some advantages - amongst them - I hope... IT Works!!
If you are subscribed you do not have to take any further action, your notices will be delivered as before with the added advantage that you will get the title of the post in the email.
If you haven't yet subscribed, it is a good way of keeping in touch with minimal effort.

Connectivism - a new learning theory?

This post is a bit different - but I include it because there may well be new teachers out there engaging with the various theories of learning or even experienced teachers who are starting to wonder what will be the impact of new technologies on teaching and learning in the future...

The link Connectivism - a new learning theory? - takes you to an audio stream of a lecture by George Siemens (35minutes long) with slides. It uses 'Articulate', which I haven't met before, but worked well combining the slides and audio.

This presentation covers many of the current discussions around learning technology: personalisation, social networks, connectivism and syndication tools like RSS.
As he summarises it,

'the interplay of people, society and technology'

He describes something different to the traditional content-provider/consumer model of teaching and learning with the emergence of a different relationship enabled by Web 2.0 a set of tools that increasingly put end-users in control.

Another important concept covered - 'networked individualism' i.e. connections with others based on interest not geography. Learning as making new meaning with others -not, he argues, an isolationist process. but an 'aggregated perspective'.

Siemens argues this reality of learning is now at the doorstep of educators. Tools are already (and easily) available e.g. blogs, wikis, VOIP, aggregators etc.

The web is seen as a platform, rather than a collection of sites - users can create and contribute.

But, he acknowledges the issues this raises:

• can result in 'amateur' contributions ie variable quality. It is important that the end user has skill levels that allow them to determine the validity and quality of material.
• The 'echo chamber' effect - ie the tendency to 'listen' only to those sources we agree with. We exclude any moderating voices if, essentially, we only hear of what we approve.

Have to say I found much to think about in this presentation, give it a try.

More at http://www.connectivism.ca/

A Blog About Blogs

Thought you would like to know that Kent Adult Education has made a successful application to run a project evaluating the use of Weblogs in adult and community learning.

The project will focus on a group of learners studying for the new e-Citizen qualification and a digital video course.

Peter is the tutor who will be at the sharp end of this work and one of his first tasks is to decide upon an appropriate blogging tool. There are dozens out there all with different capabilities, though Blogger is high up the 'ease of use' list!

Peter's learners will be looking at uploading video clips and sound as well as text and pictures so the search is on.

We'll keep you informed of progress, as weblogs are increasingly recognised as a useful tool for both teachers and learners...

• a personal development journal
• an information tool
• a public space for developing writers
• encouraging peer support
• constructive criticism
• collaborative learning

So watch this space...In the meantime if you would like to discuss how you might use a weblog with learners email le_admin@kent.gov.uk with some contact details.