e-Show n Tell 2007

Michael Coghlan has posted a great (and short!) podcast about the Unconference Event. Click here to listen!

[Image: Isaac Mao]

Coming Up: e-Show n Tell

 8pm – 9:30pm

The unconference session is often the bit I find most entertaining…. but for those who haven’t engaged in one before, I thought I’d share some info!

So what is an unconference?

An unconference is a conference where the content of the sessions is driven and created by the participants, generally day-by-day during the course of the event, rather than by a single organizer, or small group of organizers, in advance. To date, the term is primarily in use in the geek community. Unconference processes like Open Space Technology, however, have been around for over 20 years in other contexts, for example in Future studies as Future workshops. There are also parallels with science-fiction fandom, in which a low-key convention with less structure, not focusing on professionals and guests of honor, is called a Relaxacon.

Open Space Technology is an energizing and emergent way to organize an agenda for a conference. Those coming to the event can post on a wiki ahead of time topics they want to present about or hope others will present about. The wiki can also be used to share who is coming because it is the attendees who have a passion to share that contribute to the event and will make it great.

(From Wikipedia)

The e-Show n Tell 2007 Unconference

This session will run in accordance with principles of Open Space and Unconferencing:

• Whoever comes are the right people.
• Whatever we talk about are the right topics
• The Law of Two Feet: if at any time you find that you are neither learning nor contributing – you are free to use your two feet (metaphorically speaking) and leave.

In general, this will be an informal conference session, and probably include discussion of issues arising from the events of day 1 and 2, but topics will be set by those who turn up.

Please join Michael and Frankie for some or all of this session and see what evolves…

A great demo of a new tool for educators interested in using Social e-Learning Strategies.

Check it out @ http://clitest.oten.tafensw.edu.au/s_elearning/

3:30pm – 4:30pm

This session will be facilitated by Rhonda Appo, Indigenous Engagement Project.

Since 2005 the Indigenous Engagement Project has bought together committed Indigenous individuals and organisations to advocate the benefits of e-learning and further strengthen the role of Indigenous people and communities in shaping vocational and technical education.

The key focus of this project has been to strengthen communities’ economic growth, identify areas of skills gaps and build on existing skills and knowledge.

The 2007 projects funded by the IEP have used e-learning to recognise and identify skills and qualifications needed to gain successful employment outcomes, and identify and develop culturally appropriate products to enhance and support learning and employment outcomes and support training partnerships.

Today’s focus will discuss a number of examples from across Australia of how e-learning is creating effective education and training programs.

3:30pm – 4:30pm 

Social e-learning
with  Kim Raschepkin, Chris Froissard and Beth Hobbs

Imagine students who are so engaged and competent with ways of learning, they create their own learning resources to share and learn from each other. Younger students who are savvy with new web tools exchange skills with mature-aged students who are more experienced in industry. The facilitator can expect the collaboration and project work to continue beyond formal sessions, and can still monitor the activities and give support as needed. Remote students, traditionally isolated from peers and with limited means to network and collaborate, are now meeting, hearing and seeing peers online as they work together and build relationships. Students with disabilities are empowered with the ability to instantly chat, share ideas and be virtually present. And, with what seems like ‘just fun’, they are achieving competency in literacy, numeracy, and computer skills for the new office. Graduates enter the workforce with innovative skills and ideas for managing team work and knowledge within their organisation. They continue to network with former students and teachers, and some become online mentors for new students.

These are just some of the surprises, benefits and rewards that the project team is discovering from conversations with trainers and educators using social software as learning tools. But what’s different about planning, designing and facilitating e-learning with social software? The case studies we are collecting offer useful advice for maximising student engagement, collaboration and networking, and setting up for success. We’d like to share some of the key issues in practice that we’ve found and invite your questions, comments or solutions.

Designing E-learning 2
by Clint Smith

The projects focus is to update and extend the existing Designing e-learning resource to further develop and enhance the current model and assist the Framework and the VET system to embed innovative e-learning practices.

The Designing e-learning website shows the many ways you can use e-learning to engage learners, provide flexibility and improve quality in vocational education and training (VET). It can be used as an individual guide, or as a resource for professional development and training sessions. For more information go to: http://designing.flexiblelearning.net.au/