Cath Whitwam :: Blog

http://foundationemployers.blogspot.com/2007/03/march-cath-w.html

I can't believe that this is our last Saturday school. The time has passed very quickly, especially assignment deadlines! I feel I have left my Comfort Zone on more than one occassion!!!! but I have really enjoyed the course.

I have handed in the ICT in Practice module which consisted of three assignments and the Digital Resource module which had two. Feedback should follow shortly.

Today we had a new tutor David Neve. He introduced us to our next module Learning Theories.After introducing ourselves we looked at the module specifications, breaking them down into different areas. We need to produce a seminar paper (2500 words) on two digital resources, post it on a Blackboard's Discussion board and comment on other students seminar papers by the 30th April.

To complete the module we then have to write a report (1500 words) on five different digital resources which needs to be completed by 11th May.
This module has quite a tight timescale of 7 weeks,which also includes the Easter holidays.

After a break we looked at different learning theories and E-learning.

Lunch was followed by how we might research for our paper, develop questionnaires (Qualitative & Quantitative), and analyse data.


Yet again another busy day.

http://foundationemployers.blogspot.com/2007/01/cath-w-test.html

just creating a new post to see if it feeds into elgg blog

http://foundationemployers.blogspot.com/2007/01/january-update-cath-w.html

I have completed assignment three, ICT in Practice, but as yet not received any feedback.
My next assignment is to create a digital resource. This involves creating the resource and a 2000 word report about how I created the resource and what learning theories I have used.
We can use either our blog or a standard report format for this assignment.

Todays Saturday school was delivered by Tom. He gave us a very interesting overview of the history of video recording which spanned 50 years. We looked at the different media which has been used over the year to record video on to.
We then went out and recorded several clips. Using Apple Mac computers and imovie software we looked at editing our video reordings. It was very easy to use and navigate. Perhaps we could look at using Apple Macs to improve our multimedia facilities at school.
After lunch we took a more indepth look at how to create our digital resource. We looked at planning the resource, learning theories and software available. I used Cam Studio which is a piece of free software which allows you to capture a recording of the screen of your computer and use it as a learning tool. We talked about 20-20 ( free image capture software) which is also a useful tool to use when creating handouts or digital resources.
We also looked a wikis which are webpages you can edit and add your own thoughts.
www.wikispaces.com allows you to create a wiki and limit who has access to that wiki.
Could be used to create a story, with each learner having some input as to where the story goes.

Another busy day.

http://foundationemployers.blogspot.com/2006/12/december-update-cath-w.html

I have completed and passed the second assignment which was to write a report and relate it to our workplace. The report title is 'The Effects and Implications of the DfES Harnessing Technology E-starters at Carr Green School' which is in school for anyone to read.

On the 16th December our workshop focused on different learning theories. We looked at a very interesting piece of software called Course Genie which allows you to make digital resources. It has many features which allow you to create quizzes with multiple choice answers, add pre made resources such as a PowerPoint presentation, images, video clips or links to websites. A very useful tool.

We also looses at a free Microsoft download called Photodraw 3. Not only does it allow you to view images, but you can also zoom in and out of each image and add a voice over. This allows you to focus on a different parts of an image.

We also completed an online Learning Style Survey. This indicated what our preferred learning style was. I am a Kinaesthetic learner, my secondary learning preference is Auditory.

Our third assignment involves writting a lesson plan and updating a new blog using Emeraldintouch. This blog will form part of the assessment for our next module.

http://foundationemployers.blogspot.com/2006/11/november-update-cath-w.html

I have now completed and passed the first assignment which was to create a mind map of the DfES Harnessing Technology, complete with annotations.

I missed the October Saturday School but I have managed to catch up by regularly attending the Thursday workshops.

Today at my second Saturday workshop we covered a variety of subjects including learning theories.

Kathryn, a second year student on the Foundation Degree Design & Development of e learning, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the use of Skype. She showed use how to download the software and navigate the program, focusing on the key features of Skype.

Cheryl guided us through our next task of how to write effective learning outcomes. Following an online activity we discussed using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time) rule and Bloom’s Taxonomy to make learning outcomes achievable and realistic for our learners.


Mid morning we had a guided tour of the library. The guide showed us how to borrow and return books both online and in person. It covers 5 floors and is an invaluable resource of books, journals, and videos, DVDs and has computer access on all floors.

After lunch we created a PowerPoint using images from www.gettyimages.com , a website I hadn’t used before.

We then imported the images from our previously made PowerPoint into Microsoft Movie Makerand added sounds.

Glenn Hardaker introduced us to Emerald Intouch where we could post our new blogs. We looked at adding tags, creating a profile, restricting who could view our blog by inviting friends and setting up groups. It is hoped that this blog will form part of our ICT in Practice assignment.

Another busy but enjoyable day.

I am now working on the second assignment which is to write a report on the Harnessing Technology document and relate it to school.

http://foundationemployers.blogspot.com/2006/10/update.html

The activities for this week have included contributing to an online discussion about e-learning. The students have also been working towards their first assignment which is to map out the key elements of the Governments national strategy, "Harnessing Technology" The aim is to compare what happens in your institution with what the government wants from us and for this comparison to help identify action points.

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http://foundationemployers.blogspot.com/2006/09/teaching-learning-support.html

Today is the first Saturday school, a chance to meet the tutor and the other students. We are a small group from very different backgrounds, Primary school, learning support, teaching support, IT support, and have reacted well towards each other. We have discussed our reasons for attending, our hopes and fears, and it would appear that we will continue to interact online as well as at the monthly sessions. Our tutor is very focussed but allows us to progress at our own pace, some of us grasp concepts more quickly then others and she is patient and helps us either collectively or individually.

I already feel part of the group and am looking forward to learning a great deal over the coming weeks!
SueC

http://foundationemployers.blogspot.com/2006/09/first-impression.html

The first session was very informative and mapped out what I will be doing within the first year of my Foundation Degree in E-Learning. The first year is split into 4 modules these are as follows:
1.Introduction to E-Learning: In this module I have to read the Dfes E-Learning Strategy Harnessing Technology and create a MindMap to show the key points of the stragety that are relevant to Adult Learning. I then also have to write a report showing what aspects of the strategy we are doing or intend to do. This module needs submitting on the 21.10.06 and 25.11.06.

2. ICT in Practice: In this module I have to use E-Learning within a teaching session, I can use any aspect of technology for this module. I will then record the session as it is taking place by either digital video recorder or digital camera. I will then write an evaluation of the session and discuss how the session was prepared and how it went.This module needs submitting on the 21.1.07, 4.3.07 and 31.3.07.

3. Creating Digital Resources: I have to create a digital resource that will be used in the classroom or within the team/service. I will then have to write a report on why I created the resource and how it was created and whatr impact it had within a teaching session. This module needs submitting on the 3.2.07 and 24.2.07.

4. Learning Theories: In this module I have to write a seminar paper on Learning theories and then produce a report. This module needs submitting on the 28.4.07 and 11.5.07

Thank you for your support and co-operation
Karen

http://foundationemployers.blogspot.com/2006/09/first-day-at-uni.html

After a nervous drive from home this morning to attend my first day at Huddersfield University, thoughts run through my head. Why am I doing this at this time of a morning??...I should still be in bed watching TV and haveing my frosties and coffee!!....I can't believe they chose today....Town are playing at home!! ;-)

Within a short time of arriving however, Cheryl, the course tutor, had run through this years course content, opened up discussions as to where peeps could go from once they had graduated, and I remembered why I was here!

Through a mist of 'HTML' 'BLOGS' 'mindmapping' and other phrases seemingly sounding like fluent swhahili, I realised that I am one of only a few being at the start of something new and exciting, with many uses in and out of my work life, and hopefully giving me a unique edge in my career development.

Meeting new peeps with different backgrounds and skills gives me a first impression of diversity of use, but with common goals for the future.

one last thought....I cant believe after over 30 years of not having any.....we've all been given homework on the first day :-( ....welcome to the reality of being a student!!

Steve Horsfall