Sydney Institute Report May 2009
image by sridgway
It’s hard to belive 6 month has passed since the Feb 2009 update, the year is flying along.
Personnel changes in the Workforce Development Unit
As most of you all know Julie Collareda has moved to SWSI to take up the position of Manager, Innovation & Technology Based Learning. Julie has been a driving force behind innovation and directions @ Sydney Institute and she will leave a hole, howver she is not far away and given the increasing willingness to share and collaboration in recent times we will no doubt be working with her closely.
Paula Willimas has also moved on to a position outside TAFE NSW in the Higher Education sector. Her energy, innovation and inspiration will be greatly missed @ SI, WI and the wider elearning networks within TAFE NSW. All the best Paula and we look froward to cross sectoral collaboration in the future.
Learning Technology Mentor Program
Our 2009 Learning Technology Mentor Programs kicked off with 13 new mentors being selected and participation in a 3 day induction program. They have commenced their mentoring this week and will continue for 10 weeks.
We modified the program based upon feedback from the 2008 program.
- induction program was reduced from 5 to 3 days
- technologies scaled back to 5 core SI elearning platforms
for more information see the 2009 induction program
AFLF elearning innovations projects
Sydney Institute was successful in receiving funding for 2 elearning innovations submissions.
- Petersham College – Child studies partnership with Lady Gowrie- RPL elearning solution with Adobe Connect. Debbie Zappia and Jackie Goodyear (West St)
- St George College – Architectural Technology – Lou Martini at Kogarah for Online CAD tutorials called ‘Revit’ access remote learning
Equella Pilot Project
Sydney Institute in conjunction with TAFE eLearning Systems (TeLS) have been involved with a trial of the repository platform Equella and Moodle.
The main objectives of the formal trial are as follows:
- To configure and demonstrate seamless, simple interaction between LMSs in selected representative TAFE Institutes and the EQUELLA LCMS for storing, sharing, finding and using learning content.
- To configure EQUELLA to support the workflow and business requirements for content development and publication in OTEN, the Distance Education arm of TAFE NSW.
- To demonstrate support for business models with complex permissions and sharing requirements (e.g. with my institute, with all institutes, with specific institutes, with some external groups, with some internal groups, etc).
- To prove that existing content can be effectively migrated into EQUELLA and determine the benefits of the LCMS/LOR for ongoing content management compared to existing systems (i.e. the proliferation of existing content in locations such as local hard drives, shared server drives, USB keys, SharePoint sites and miscellaneous databases, etc).
- To demonstrate that EQUELLA can operate as an effective repository for curricula and related knowledge objects extending beyond standard, student- facing learning content (e.g. extend to manage curricula materials, etc).
For more information on the prject and the upcoming outcomes see the Equilla Project page
NSW DET (COAG) RPL Promotion Projects – Assessor Networks – Recognising elearning Skill Set
Most of you were involved in the consultation and collaboration surrounding the elearning skill sets earlier in the year.
This COAG funded project will develop a model and set of assessment / recognition tools to be used to enable the recognition of three elearning skills sets with a group of 12 practitioners at Sydney Institute. The tools and processes will then be available to TAFE NSW and other VET providers.
For more information see the project page
Hot Topics and Sunrise@SI webinar programs
Both the Hot Topic Conversations and the SunRise@SI weninar programs have continued with a new programs outlined for the rest of the semester. We experimented with SunRise@SI @ 7:30am but have moved it back to 8:00am.
Wireless Networking Roll out
The Sydney Region lead roll out of wireless access points continues throughout the institute. The long term goal is to have coverage in all covered areas in college campuses wirelessly enabled. We are in the process of developing a communication and PD program across the institute as demand increases.
Connected Classrooms
Arising from a SI regional initiative over the past 12 months connected classrooms and Video Conferencing facilities have been progressively installed across institute campuses. Workforce development has been developing a PD program to support the rool out.
New England – Expanding our Universe
Jupiter and Ganymede
New England Institute continues its adventures and exploration of new boundaries with its shuttle load of teachers coming along for the ride.
Shifting, shaping and Moodling!
Since our last meeting we’ve run 6 face to face Moodle training sessions at Campuses around the Institute, travelling around 2000km to do so.
At the same time the team has worked with CLI to get the LRR underway. We’ve garnered strong Faculty support from Assistant Directors to facilitate uptake of their resource repository which will help with storage and retrieval of resources, validation, sharing of resources and also improve Institute wide storage management and requirements. This has been extended to a Data Classification Project which is a joint project between Information and Communication Technology Unit and Educational Developments Unit to establish a NEI data classification framework and rules.
Janison transfers have continued, based on an audit of enrolments and usage (type and frequency). CLI’s IMS extraction tool has been a great help in this.
Playing and planning!
Knowing how we love to play- ICT has decided to give us our own Educational Developments Unit sandpit so that we can extend our trials including integration of Mahara and Skillsbook, Joomla, and more…
The team have also developed a plan to repurpose our IDL studio into a dedicated M Studio- multicast studio, which we’re really excited about.
Spruiking!
Campus briefings for returning and new staff have been underway and the team has, via various means, managed to get around to nearly all Campuses to spruik about the “wonders” of the Learning and Assessment team and how we can help staff to effectively use learning technologies in their training and assessment.
We’re sure that 2009 will be an exciting year – full of challenges and opportunities, and new destinations to explore.
And… I’m sure we can help each other to expand the universe of our staff and communities, and to avoid those dreaded black holes we occasionally come across.
SWSI Update
Development of an actual e-learning Unit – “Innovations & Technology Based Learning Unit” being formed for 2009. Julie Collareda from Sydney Institute has been appointed as the manager of the Unit and starts on the 9th February.
Development/Branding/Training of Sharepoint sites for all Institute teams are in progress with many exploring the possibilities for sharepoint to meet the various team needs.
Moodle hosted externally has now been branded and setup in preparation for classes in Semester 1. Training of staff and development of courses have been in progress from November and those involved are very excited and have built courses from toolboxes, CD’s Janison content and directly into Moodle. All faculties are involved in some capacity and we have over 520 users and 50 courses currently and this is before students have even started.
Podcast Server being reviewed to have similar look and feel as Teacher tube.
The unit has been working on having systems and workflows that are simple and have had some positive feedback from staff as to the effectiveness of this new system. These workflows will be reviewed regularly and adjust as improvements are identified.
All 83 Smartboards from the ANT2 Project have been installed and are ready to be used by staff in Semester 1, 2009. Training will be ongoing in the use the smartboard and the related software and peripherals through L & D Unit.
Riverina Institute Update
The Learning Technology Team won a 2008 TAFE NSW Riverina Institute Staff Excellence Award for Customer Focus and Process and Improvement in support of Teaching and Learning. The application was supported by 48 submissions from staff across the Institute including 20 from Head Teachers expressing the positive impact of the team on themselves and teachers in their teaching sections, 24 individual Teachers, a number of Heads of Campus, Institute teams as well as the Australian Flexible Learning Framework and the Centre for Learning Innovation.
In 2008, we provided day to day training, support and advice to staff for a range of learning technologies including web-conferencing, videoconferencing, Interactive Whiteboards, SharePoint, and the use of Janison Toolbox for online delivery (Learning Management System). This core work involved 199 staff being provided training in flexible delivery using technology. On desk tutorials have still proved popular with 97 staff members accessing the service. Additionally, the LTT have provided support to new teachers completing their teaching studies at La Trobe University in relevant technology areas.
LTT have communicated with staff during regular visits to campuses including discipline meetings, staff meetings and at the Head Teachers Forum about the range of technologies, the support available and the current projects that the team have been working on during the year.
Additionally, in 2008, the LTT trialled and implemented a number of new technologies and projects including but certainly not limited to:
1. Learning Technology Mentors & Mobile Learning Technology Kits
The project up-skilled a key group of 10 staff across the Institute as Learning Technology Mentors (LTMs) in the use of the following technologies: wikis, blogs, and Adobe Connect and use of resource development kits (laptop, iPod, digital camera and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Learning Tables. The LTT supported these teachers with workshops, regular online meetings and site visits to enhance their skills in mentoring and the use of new technologies. The LTT worked closely with Professional Development and Learning who assisted with funding and coordination for the two main face to face workshops. The Learning Technology Mentors, supported by the Learning Technology Team worked with teachers and other staff either at their campus location/cluster or within their discipline area by providing mentoring as the teachers used the technology with students.
150 teachers were provided with professional development through mentoring during project and the outcomes of this project were shared with RI staff at an online showcase on 1 December 2008, Statewide ANT2 Showcase on 10 December 2008 and at the Delivery Managers Forum – “Changing the way we do business using technology” workshop as well as by presentations by the mentors at their discipline area conferences and staff meetings.
The project included:
- Use of Resource Development Kits (laptop, digital camera, iPods, RFID)
- Wikis, Blogging, videoblogging and moblogging for learning and assessment
- Podcasting and Vodcasting for distribution of educational material
- RSS subscriptions and distribution of new and existing (Toolbox) resources and learner generated material
- Personal Learning Environments for student learning
- RFID technology to develop underpinning knowledge and skills.
2. Web 2.0 technology tools platforms
The Learning Technology Team worked with Trevor Johnson from the IMS Development Team and an external consultant Jo Kay to provide secure, collaborative eLearning tools: Wikispaces, WordPress (blog and podcasting) for Riverina Institute. The RI Marketing Team provided valuable guidance and support to ensure that these sites are all Institute branded and have a great look and feel.
The RI Wikispace provides staff with access to current available resources, information regarding existing and new technologies, e-Learning strategies, RI success stories and existing examples of good teaching and learning practice. It provides a space for teachers to use with their students and provides new options for using new technologies in delivery including wikis, blogs and podcasting. Each faculty area has an individually branded and themed wikispace 150 wikispaces have been created by RI staff since the launch of riwikispaces.net.au in October 2008.
3. New Workshop and Seminar Series
Through the LTT workshop and seminar series 202 teachers participated (face to face at their campuses and sometimes online) in new training programs that assisted with the development of skills in developing flexible delivery resources including: Multimedia (audio and video for teaching & learning) Web2.0 tools such as Wikis, delicious, flickr and blogs as well as access and utilisation of Learning Resources. In addition, the LTT collaborated with PD&L to coordinate presentations to Institute staff by external presenters such as:
- Grant Casey from the TAFE NSW Centre for Learning Innovation in face to face workshops on CLI products and services
- George Siemens a prominent writer and researcher via videoconference on the topic of Extending the classroom: Open content and open teaching.
- guest speakers from Centre for Learning Innovation and the Curriculum Centre on Engageme, TALE, CLAS and Prepare for eLearning via Adobe Connect web-conferencing
- Fiona Migan for the Australian Flexible Learning Framework on Copyright and the Education Sector via Adobe Connect
- Alexander Hayes on the use of Web 2.0 technologies
- Leigh Blackall from Otago Polytechnic New Zealand on networked learning and Web 2.0 via Adobe Connect.
- Hosting a regional Adobe workshop series over 2 days – 27th – 28th of February. The sessions were conducted by a presenter from Adobe in Sydney and were attended by IT teachers from across the Institute as well as Learning Technologies and Marketing staff.
4. Learning Reference Repository (LRR) and Publishing System (CLIPS)
The LTT worked with Alex Davey and Trevor Johnson as well as staff from CLI to establish a LRR for Riverina Institute and access to the CLI Publishing System (CLIPS) which uses a word template for resource development.
The LRR is now established. It will provide a web based platform that can be used for effective referencing, storage and sharing of teacher developed learning resources. The LRR is envisaged to minimise effort in terms of learning resource creation and to facilitate cross Campus and cross Institute collaboration in resource development, evaluation and maintenance.
Additionally, access to CLIPS and the Style 3000 template will provide Riverina Institute with the capacity to create quality resources that meet the necessary standards and guidelines for design and accessibility. This will greatly enhance the value and number of resources available and suitable for placing into the Riverina LRR and also for access via TALE.
These systems were established and then trialled by LTT in collaboration with CLI and two RI teams to develop resources for the 2008 SPC (Special Project Committee) – Diploma in Horticulture and the Diploma in Local Government.
5. Courseware Development
In 2008 the LTT provided individual customised support to more than 25 staff working on the development of course content including projects such as:
- Diploma in Horticulture and Diploma in Local Government (in conjunction with CLI)
- Online CD based resources for OH&S Induction for Senior Staff (in collaboration with PD&L)
- Harness Racing (Richard Said – PIC)
- Tourism (Melanie Bowman – Wagga Wagga)
- Community Recreation Cert IV (Melissa Ryan – West Wyalong)
- Sustainable Energy Course (Jamie Carey – Albury)
The Learning Technology Team provided support to staff on 2 Riverina Institute/Australian Flexible Learning Framework projects including:
- Support & training in using technologies such as Wikis and Multimedia to staff working on the Organic Farming and Permaculture project at National Environment Centre.
- Support & training using technologies such as Wikis and Adobe Connect to the Pathways to Business project team.
5. Learning Management System - Moodle
The Riverina Institute Profile Committee meeting of 23 September 2008 endorsed the adoption of Moodle as the Institute’s Learning Management System (LMS). This will replace Janison Toolbox.
Moodle will be implemented from 2009 and Janison Toolbox will be maintained until the end of 2009 to assist with the smooth migration of courses from the old LMS to the new one, so that our online delivery capability is not diminished. It is advisable that new courses (ie those not already offered online through Janison Toolbox) be developed in Moodle – it will be available from November 2008 to enable content to be developed and tested in preparation for the commencement of the 2009 academic year.
The Moodle Implementation Working Party which includes members of the Teaching & Learning Horizon Committee will oversee the implementation of Moodle and the migration from Janison to Moodle during 2009.
Sydney Institute Report February 2009
Its business as usual for the team at SI with some changes
- Sunrise at SI which will be conducted weekly every Thursday morning for half an hour commencing at 8am. This online session is open to all staff and other Institutes wishing to learn ‘How to’ skills in a range of learning technologies, for example the first session is called wikibasics. One of the new strategies we are using with Sunrise at SI is communicating by SMS to prompt potential participants should they wish to submit their mobile number about the programs each week.This will be a timely way of advertising and for reminding attendees wishing to join the session.
- We will also be using SMS for the our very popular Hot Topic Conversations,a series of one hour professional conversation held in Adobe Connect on Wednesdays from 1pm-2pm.
- There is now a connected classroom site at each campus in the Institute. We are waiting for the installation to be finalised at some sites but we have already conducted a 2 day workshop on how to utilise the sites, with a representative form each campus attending. For more detail go to myLearning
- Sydney Institute is now fully wireless enabled with 650 points. Staff and students can now enjoy the freedom of logging on without those pesky cables and can use their own devices. Workforce Development will be supporting the implementation by conducting professional development activities and exploring ways in which wireless can be used to enrich the learning experience. More information and resources developed by Steph on myLearning.
- There will be another Learning Technology Mentoring Program conducted this semester
- We are involved in a Moodle/Learning Resource Repository Trial with CLI. We are waiting for the interface to be completed and hoping the project will be started in late February
- We have migrated all LMS delivery to our new Moodle site and preparing to move Janison content to Moodle
- Updated our myLearning, blog and Moodle skins and incorporated the use of some cool new widgets
- Finally got the TAFE mediaWiki and FLN blog up and live on the Internet!
- The team has been working hard at mapping our activities to units in Training Packages and to eLearning skillsets
Lots to do in 2009 and we are off to a great start!
The WFD Team at SI
Steph, Paula, Julie and Paulis
Visit: Hot Topics and Sunrise at SI for the list of topics scheduled for this term.
Illawarra Institute – 2009 Capability Development Focus, Tell Everyone
2009 has begun with a flurry of activity…
Virtual Learning Environment is up and operational. We have courses up for 2009 in Moodle and Mediawiki as well as lots of wikis. Check out our Clicks Newsletter Article …
The wordpress Blog is also popular, with the following Blogs initiated:
. Institute Student Envoy Project
. Institute Library Newsletter
. Faculty Blogs
. Flexible Learning @ Illawarra Program website, using wordpress
The integration of Moodle and LRR project is progressing and the business requirements have now been finalised after discussions with CLI.
We are also adapting NCIs Moodle course framework template and using the minted course module to ensure consistency and provision in each unit framework of resources for student induction, etc .
Our big focus for 2009 will be Capability Development and our activities include:
. Facilitate eLearning Programs Term 1 and 2 (collaborating with Hunter Institute in Term 1)
. Technology Camps for the breaks – successful January camp saw 33 staff attend
. Teach with Technology resources in mediawiki (How To…), with pedagogy focus in Learnspace wiki
. Integration of ‘Walk the Talk’ resources (SPC Project) into Moodle to support capability development in eLearning skillsets – eLearning Resources, Facilitation, Technologies, Innovation…
. Capability development for implementation of VLE (Moodle, Mediawiki, LRR)
. Leadership, VETrepreneur Project, Faculty Delivery Teams Projects
Strategic Projects:
Flexible Learning @ Illawarra Program (FLI@P Project)- Institute-wide Course Delivery Teams to support flexible learning – four pilot courses in 2009. Teams developing resources using VLE in various ways, eg content in mediawiki with Moodle unit frameworks and meta-course or meta-group for personalisation.
Infrastructure Projects – wireless standards and trials to align with DER and accessibility for personal wireless devices in collaboration with SWSI. Mobile wireless LANs for workplace delivery. (Commonwealth infrastructure funding submission)
Wound Online – update of online resources (collaboration with NCI and NSI)
Innovation Projects – AFLF submission process underway; Submission Writing Workshop
Report for FLN Feb 2009 Western Sydney Institute
Western Sydney Institute Report 2 Feb 2009
Lunch Bytes: series conducted in term 4 using Adobe Connect – one per week for 8 weeks. Well attended – currently seeking feedback for next series.
CLIPs VS EXe: evaluated a number of resource creation tools including Lectora and Exe. Planning to promote Exe within WSI/OTEN for teacher use and still use CLIPs for high end products.
Content Management: Participating in current TELS Equella trial to assess value visavi management of learning resource creation and also potential integration with OLS.
LMS: trialling Moodle in Automative area. Scoping volume of l’ware to be removed from Janison pending availability of a statewide CMS.
Capability development: range of activites; eLearning Facilitation running with two groups. Plan to develop short training program for managers to raise awareness of technologies to support teaching and learning and also with Industry Officers.
SAM and OLS for TAFE: progressing well. Sandpit environment to be available in April. Planning for Institute visits in March. Recruitment for support/ Helpdesk staff in progress.
Technologies to support delivery: Teaching and Learning Site (Sharepoint) for WSI – implementation strategies underway; some technical issues still to be resolved. WIKIspaces proving popular with 171 created to date. OLS running well – some enhancements in progress. Online submission of assignments via OLS increasingly popular.
Institute Reports February 2009
Please post Institute reports under this category before our meeting on the 5 February 2009.
WSI Report for FLN Meeting – 4/11/08
Western Sydney Institute/OTEN Flexible Learning Coordinator Report
November 4 2008
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Media Resource Kits |
These kits have now been placed in college libraries. The larger colleges received two kits. Technology Trainers in place at each College – this was part of the ANT2 project for WSI. Media Resource Kit resources – a protected wiki http://mrk.westernsydneyinstitute.wikispaces.net/ Technology trainers community – a private wiki http://ttcommunity.westernsydneyinstitute.wikispaces.net/ Common training sessions being held at each location include: Librarians session, demonstration to college executive and hands on training sessions for teachers. The trainers will become part of the just in time trainers network into 2009. The kits have been very popular at a number of the colleges especially where management including Head Teachers are promoting their use.
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eLearning Facilitator’s Course |
This semester we have 2 groups working through the eLF program with 12 in one group and 15 in the other. The second group is about 2 weeks behind the first group. We had about 40 teachers apply to undertake the program and are planning on running more groups next year. Delivery is via2 wikis and Adobe Connect. The content wiki (protected) and discussion pages are on: http://elf.westernsydneyinstitute.wikispaces.net The eLF network collaboration wiki – private http://elf4us.westernsydneyinstitute.wikispaces.net Enrolment & assessment for the TAADEL501A unit will be undertaken by those who choose to submit evidence to be assessed for this unit. We are holding our first assessment workshop on Friday 7 November. This is when participants will be enrolled in the unit using the TWG code.
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WIKIspaces Private Label |
The WSI wikispaces private label has been popular with teachers especially in General Education and Child Studies. Since it has been available (from about April 08) we have had approx 140 spaces created. We currently have just on 400 users registered in the private wikispace. There have been a number of communication strategies used to inform staff about the wikispace including; Lunch Bytes session, LTU Newsletter, Presentations at College Executive meetings, consultation and training sessions with teaching sections. Currently we are working on the integration of TALS portal and wikispaces so that content resources are stored on the TALS portal and accessed through the wiki interface. See a presentation given at the recent Lunch Bytes session by a child studies teacher from Nepean. Karen Daniels Presentation
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Teaching and Learning Services Website (Sharepoint 2007)
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The new TALS site for WSI teachers has been launched as of two weeks ago. Mentors have attended a training session. The site provides a tool for teachers to collaborate with their colleagues and also to create a website for their students. College based websites can also be created.
Focus is on transferring sites from the old TALS to the new. Site designed to facilitate exposing and sharing of resource across faculty lines within WSI.
Investigating how we might use LRR to tag and reference resources on the site. Next priority is getting the online assignment submission area working.
Link to a captivate presentation about the site: http://webconf.det.nsw.edu.au/talsvideo
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Online Learning Support site (OLS) |
The new OLS went live on 27 October and is running smoothly. The site was originally launched in 2002 and was redeveloped this year based on feedback from OTEN students and teachers. Authentification is now via the DET user ID.
The site will be showcased at the TAFE Quality Awards if you would like to see it and is up for assessment.
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Janison Replacement
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Currently still using Janison but also conducting small scale Sakai and Moodle trials. We plan to conduct some teacher focus groups at the end of this term to inform thinking about if we still need an LMS.
Have prepared a list of learningware that needs to exported from Janison once we make the decision.
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Lunch Bytes
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2 held so far – using Adobe Connect. 1 hour session from 12-1pm on Wednesdays. @2 People participated in the WIKI one and 28 in the TALS one. CLI to run two on Finding Resources in November. So far very well received.
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2008 Teaching and Learning Innovation Showcases |
· 2 conducted at OTEN related to distance education · 2 conducted at WSI · WIKI now being used to support these events. · Adobe used to also broadcast the events – 35 people connected via Adobe to the WSI Showcase on 30 October and about 50 attended in person.
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SAM and OLS for TAFE Project |
Project progressing well. Newsletter and update to go to Institute Directors this week. One rep from every Institute coming to OTEN on 4 Nov. to be trained in the ‘sandpit’ version of SAM – this will be critical in gaining feedback from users on implementation considerations.
Plan to run some trials in Semester 1 2009.
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Learning Technologies Newsletters
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3 issues produced in 2008 |
What’s coming
· Mahara – ePortfolio: currently have three teachers assessing this tool
· Podcasting: we want to find a podcasting solution for the Institute
· Content management – investigate using the LRR to catalogue all resources.
· Learning Resource creation tools: CLIPS, EXE and Lectora: finding alternatives to CLIPS. Currently investigating EXE and Lectora
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