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.

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.

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.

Benchmarking TEL - is it possible?

I am travelling to RSC Eastern to discuss with Catherine and Malcolm the resources available to survey CI in respect of awareness of TEL and the skill set of academic staff. Catherine has provided a lot of support already in terms of Survey Monkey questions previously used by colleges. This may give me the opportunity to benchmark as long as I only add to the questions (qualitative) rather than alter the meaning of the survey questions.

It is hard to stay focused on one thing at a time (so many opportunities available to move TEL forwards) - hopefully if I get a small team in the fullness of time I will be able to move TEL and help CI achieve Outstanding at the next Ofsted inspection.

Are Reflection Diaries/Journals the is key to moving forwards?

As this role becomes more focused I believe it has been helped by taking a couple of minutes a day to write up my current progress. Moving my thoughts (and feelings) to text ensure that I think reasonably deeply before pressing 'PUBLISH POST".

I wonder whether other CI staff would also find a reflective diary/journal good use of a couple of minutes aday. In addition, if an extra couple of minutes could be found to check out other colleagues reflective work based blogs and comment as necessary... what a network of reflective practice it would be.

Heres a question: Would video or audio be easier to record a persons thought (Big Brother style?) rather than just text?

I am starting to recognise just how big...

This is going to be a quick blog as while I have been settling down in my new role I have come to realise just how big my role is. Step one... I need to get my TLCs identified and obtain agreement for them to have some time support. Step two... need to produce my eCPD framework to identify how to take TEL forwards. Step three... Benchmarking where we are needs to be completed soon to identify where to focus the effort and identify any progress made.

I need to put all my other work at arms length (but not forgotten).