Thursday 19 December 2013

Plugging and planting positivity

Well, it's been a while since I made a post!  Things have been really busy, both physically and mentally!  All positive, as always!

Since my last post, I've had a revelation of sorts.  It's been mad I tell you!

As a result these revelations, I'm plugging and planting positivtiy as I have never before.  Watch this space!

In summary of the last few weeks:

Next Level 4 Certificate in Technology in Learning Delivery
On Tuesday 17 December 2013, I had a meeting to discuss my plans/ideas for the next (second) course of the Level 4 Certificate in Technology in Learning Delivery with an assessor mentor/new Head of Department.  They are really pleased with my ideas and revised Scheme of Work!  I just need to put some finishing touches and actually get things in place now for a January 2014 start.

Distance learning pilot
This is an idea that was first suggested in 2011 with the Business and Management Department to pilot distance leanring with a level 1 access accounting course.  But it never really took off.  Discussions came about again, so I decided to do a sample distance learning course.  Not a major exmaple, but a clear sample of what could be done.  I had a meeting to discuss the sample with the Head of Department and the teacher who is going to be facilitating it.  They really liked my ideas and it is something that they want to run for next year!  It would provide an excellent model template for other departments to use.

New sharing group
I recently made a post on a mailing list asking if people would like to share what and how people are using learning technologies.  I want it to be a small proactive group to communicate learning activities that is being done with the technology. So, in this group we should share, discuss and gather proactive, inventive and creative use of ILT in subjects/courses. And hopefully build an amazing resource!
Technology should not be the focus, but be invisible when learning activities are concerned. Just like every day life when we personally encounter technology.
Something I am seeing a lot of recently is the same tech and same ideas of use. So it's important that we share and work out new learning activities with technology.
Again, it is the old age question of teacher creativity. But as Learning Technologists, we should provide sound and clear ideas.
 
New training sessions
I have just put out new training sessions for the New Year.  I'm trying something different this time.  I've created sessions on drawing ideas from teachers and sharing using some group methods I have come across.  I think it's important to draw as much out of teachers as possible, as they are key to providing ideas of uses.  Then I am doing some sessions on creating eLearning resources; generic walkthrough package and games based ones.  The titles are:

  • Grade 1 in ILT
  • Making ILT Ideas
  • Learning through games
  • Independent learning

Further giving
I have also registered to become a Samaritans volunteer.  It's one of my life's goals, to help and give back more than I borrowed. This is the start of something.  I wanted to do it to help people and develop myself and process too.  People just need to talk more, communication is everything.  It's understanding.  Hopefully I can become a Samaritan and help people.  I will keep you posted.

I'll take this opportunity to wish you all a magical Christmas and a brilliant New Year!

I may do a video next time!  It's been a while!