Friday 29 May 2009

Can a balanced determinism be obtained?

I have recently been reflecting on my dissertation which focused on 'barriers to using open source software in colleges'. It clearly highlighted the different perspectives the IT cohort and academic cohort held on the suitability of the supplied computing resources.

The main recommendations of the dissertation was to suggest that the current communication conduits used are analysed and revise as necessary to assist a greater cross college understanding of the learners needs so that the forces behind technological determinism and social determinism can obtain a reasonable balance. It is hoped that with a better cross college understanding of appropriate and achievable Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) the college's mission statement and strategies can continue to be met with an educational organisation that is showing to be improving efficency and effectiveness.

Tuesday 26 May 2009

Slight Oiling

The first part of greasing the wheels was to list down all the known barriers and try to uncover others. Contacting the software developers uncovered possible solutions to scalability. I have organised a meeting with the Information Systems Manager to talk through these possible enhancements.

Thursday 21 May 2009

Greasing the wheels :-|

It is interesting to me that: to bring a new software application into a organisation quite often requires the agreement between many departments. When the different departments do not fully understand the other's needs, blockages occur. This is especially true if the person driving the initative is at a lower level then the managers in the other departments.

There is a need to have someone who has a good understanding of the needs of the different departments to "grease the wheels" to ensure that dialog and supportive critical questions are asked and answered. This role appears to be falling on me as the organisation is education and I have experience of teaching, business support and IT at management level. However, it is not a role identified that I should do, but others are hoping I do? Also I am not at the management level of others that have to agree. I love challenges :-)! I will report in this blog how I get on.

Tuesday 19 May 2009

Continuing Professional Development booklet

Just read the booklet from Lsn "Rethinking continuing professional development in further education: Eight things you already know about CPD by Frank Villeneuve et al. Interesting bite-size booklet that strongly suggests the use of Reflect. This booklet is available online from https://www.lsneducation.org.uk/user/order.aspx?code=090071 I believe that the need for CPD to be updated and maintained for the Institute of Learning is one of the major hooks that I can use to promote the use of sharing technology Enhanced Learning.

Just updating my CPD list now :-)

Monday 18 May 2009

CPD and academic reflection

Sketching out the 'Digital Wisdom' programme. I would like the hook to be instant CPD recording. If I can combine a reflection period at the end of the short training session I hope to have CPD automatically recorded. Further investigation required... onto IfL website :-).

Thursday 14 May 2009

My first audio feedback

I have just had my first audio feedback!
It was on the action plan I submitted to Dave Foord for my eCPD. What a fantastic way of replying. I am sure Dave was commenting on the action plan as he scrolled down the page on his PC.

Not only was the feedback reflective and clearly put, but I had extra information via the tone of his voice. I am sure this feedback method must save time as the feedback just took a little longer than reading it. This is a great way for a student to know that the work was considered seriously as it is clear that the text was read.

My initial feeling is that this method is very good for formative work, but I will have to reflect further on how audio recording may be used for summative assessments.

Communication Conduit Model



It is extremely important that the communication model shown has full representation.

Reflecting on my earlier blog it It looks like I will have to find the reason behind why TLCs' are slow in coming forward. It could be that I am suffering from earlier roles not being sufficiently supported through time allowance. Hopefully more support will be found to help encourage recruitment for this very necessary role.


Thursday 7 May 2009

TLCs

Part two of my strategy to support Technology Enhanced Learning requires a Technology Learning Coach (TLC) to be identified from each curriculum area. The initial role of the TLC is to be the communication conduit between Colchester Institute per sa (through me) and the (for want of a better term) chalk face.

At this stage I can't offer any incentives for a staff member to take on this role. This should be seen as a positive as if an area can't identify a TLC then the reason behind it could help identify a particular barriers to TEL.

Tuesday 5 May 2009

Issues not being reported!?

Interesting meeting on Friday. It has become clear that issues with technology are not always reported as often as they should be as staff feel they are not looked at in a timely manner. Staff are finding strategies to work around the issues.

I have decided to focus on a few particular issues and take them forward on their behalf to try and see the whole picture.