Joint ACL/WBL e-Learning Forum, 16th October 2009
From RSCWMWiki
Second Forum
 Generator |
 LSIS |
 Access Apps |
Generator - the Technology Improvement Leadership Tool for Further Education and Skills
Session led by: Lisa Tyler, BECTA Email:lisa.tyler@becta.org.uk
Lisa offered an overview of Generator, the new technology improvement leadership tool for further education and skills.
Generator offers a review of your current use of technology, demonstrating areas where technology is effectively used to achieve outputs and has a positive impact on learner outcomes. Generator is a powerful and flexible tool which can be used in a variety of scenarios, from singular use to inform planning, to collaboration across teams, department and sites. This means that you and your colleagues will be able to use Generator to help inform your strategic planning.
Lisa's Presentation: Presentation
Update on the eCPD Programme
Session led by: Dave Foord, (BDP Learning Ltd) eCPD Programme Lead Facilitator (Midlands), Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), Tel: 07922 115678 Email:Dave@A6training.co.uk
Dave joined us online via Skype and (after a few technical hiccups at our end!) gave gave us on overview of the eCPD programme as well an introduction to one of his favourite tools, a collaborative online tool called Etherpad.
Details relating to the eCPD programme can be found at: http://ecpd.bdplearning.com/ecpd/index.php and any enquiries about current or future programmes can be addressed to: ecpdprogramme@bdplearning.com
The etherpad that was set up and used to capture information about the eCPD programme is still available at: http://etherpad.com/RSCWM
Accessibility in Work Based Learning and Adult and Community Learning
Session led by: Alison Wootton, eLearning Advisor - Staff Development, Email:A.Wootton@wlv.ac.uk
Alison gave us an overview of Accessibility and outlined why it is important that learning providers think about this area. She also gave everyone present a copy of Access Apps on a USB stick. Access Apps is a suite of free software applications that can be used to support both teachers and learners. A recent wobble post has links to Access Apps and a video explaining it's usefulness: http://wblwestmids.blogspot.com/2009/09/accessapps-free-portable-software-on.html
Alison's Ning Community is a key source of information for anyone interested in Accessibility and Inclusion: http://rscwmaccess.ning.com/ and her Accessibility pages on the wiki have a number of case studies and useful information. http://wiki.rscwmsystems.org.uk/index.php/Accessibility
Alison's Presentation: Presentation
Useful links: RSC Scotland NE website for Edu Apps and Access Apps: http://www.rsc-ne-scotland.ac.uk/eduapps/index.php
Funding for E-Learning Projects
New £1 million E-learning Content Creation (ECC) Programme
On 2nd October, 2009 ALP announced the launch of a new £1m e-learning Content Creation (ECC) pilot programme for providers in the sector to test how high quality e-learning content could be pump-primed to improve the cost effectiveness of delivery. The full prospectus, application form and supporting documents are now published on the website http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=245355 The submission deadline for ECC bids is 17th November 2009
Up to four projects will be selected, meaning that capital funding available per bid will not be less than £250,000 and not more than £500,000. Consortia bids are encouraged and it is expected that the successful projects will involve several partners.
Lifelong Learning in the Midlands
Kevin Brace, HE Co-ordinator, Tel: 01902 518931, Email:k.brace@wlv.ac.uk
Kevin told us about some funding that is available through the regional Lifelong Learning Network. He notes "The network does still have some funds available for local collaborations (with a HE partner) to develop, NOT deliver, some “courses”. The emphasis is for the funded projects to be delivered in innovative and flexible ways, i.e. online, blended, short courses, CPD modules, etc. All contact details and bidding forms are available on their website if you require further information and advice: http://www.llnstaffordshireshropshire.org.
Kevin posted more details relating to this funding in a previous blog post at: http://kev-brace.blogspot.com/2009/09/lifelong-learning-in-midlands.html
Update on ALP Learner Innovation Grants
The last round of Learner Innovation Grants closed recently on Wednesday 7th October. Applicants are now waiting to hear whether or not their bids have been successful. After notification, LIG5 allocations will be published on the Association of Learning Providers website at: http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=238777
A full list of previous Learning Innovation Grant Funding Allocations can also be found at: http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=200337
Regional Projects and Initiatives
- Second Life Island
The RSC recently bought an island in the virtual world, Second Life ™ for learning providers in the region to use. Learning organisations can still register to experiment on this island in order to trial using a virtual space for teaching. For more information see http://info.rsc-wm.ac.uk/news/show_story.asp?nid=323 or contact Jane p.jane.edwards@wlv.ac.uk
- New Learning Technology Loan Inititative
RSC West Midlands has recently bought a number of sets of e-learning kit which are now available to loan to training providers in the region. Contents include an Asus netbook; a hand held video camera, a portable e-book reader, voice recorder, MP3 player, digital camera, and more.
This loan inititiave is to support accessibility and help providers to consider the implications of accessibility while trying out these technologies in the classroom. Find out more on wobble at: http://wblwestmids.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-learning-technology-loan.html
Strategic Development
Becta’s Generator tool
Generator is a free, online, self assessment tool designed to enable learning providers to improve their strategic deployment of technology. The tool is now being used by a number of providers nationally, and in particular has been useful in support of funding applications.
The RSC West Midlands is now rolling out training in the use of the Generator tool. The aim of the workshop is to develop your confidence in using Generator and promote a thorough understanding of its functionality and application. Our events page has more details of the training (http://info.rsc-wm.ac.uk/events/event_details.asp?eid=468)
Generator is available online at: http://www.generatorfeandskills.com/
Technology Exemplar Network
There are 16 learning organisations who have earned the title of 'exemplar' learning providers. You can apply to become one of the learning providers that can be supported through this peer network, to implement the use of technology in your organisation. The deadline to apply is 30 October 2009. For further information and an application form, please go to http://feandskills.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?page=2019
Upcoming RSC events
Further details for all RSC events are posted on our website at: http://www.jiscrsc.ac.uk/westmidlands/
- Microsoft Day - 3 Nov 2009 (Full day event) - Austin Court, Birmingham, West Midlands
Presentations from Microsoft technical experts on developments in their software offerings for education. Sessions will cover: updates on new and updated software; hosted services; document management; ePortfolios; and unified communications.
- Online Senior Managers Accessibility Event: self-evaluation, 4 Nov 2009 (Afternoon event) Online
This event provides an opportunity to take part in an online accessibility self-evaluation developed by JISC TechDis. The aim of the event is to show how to use a range of accessibility tools.
- Generator Workshop - 17 Nov 2009 (Morning event) Wolverhampton Science Park
The aim of the workshop is to develop your confidence in using Generator and promote a thorough understanding of its functionality and application. As well as plenty of hands-on exploration of Generator, there will be opportunity for discussion with representatives from other learning providers.
- Hardware tools for e-learning Wednesday, 25 Nov 2009 Wolverhampton Science Park
Face to face one day event highlighting tools available to support e-learning in the work based learning sector. Full description available on RSC Website
- E-Learning Winter School – Tuesday 8th Dec and Wed 9th Dec (Full day event) Wolverhampton Science Park
One day event (repeated on a second day) with a number of sessions that offer a broad overview of e-learning, examples of e-learning and highlight case studies showing effective practice.
- Blogs, Wikis and Social Networking - 10 Dec 2009 (Full day event) Netskills Wolverhampton Science Park
This workshop is aimed at anyone using or publishing web-based information, who want to get beyond the hype and learn about blogging and social networking, and what it can do for you. Open to RSC-WM supported FE learning providers based in the West Midlands region.
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Other Upcoming events (External)
- E-Guides Sign up now for the next round of training in the West Midlands region:
- Three day training programme dates: 24 Oct 2009, 7 Nov 2009, 21 Nov 2009 in Birmingham. Book now: http://www.niace.org.uk/campaigns-events/events/e-guides-training-programme
- Advanced E-Guides
- Sign up for this if you are an e-guide and you would like to be trained up to deliver the three day E-Guide training within your organisations or to a cluster of organisations. http://www.niace.org.uk/campaigns-events/events/advanced-e-guides
- Innovating e-Learning Online Conference 09: Thriving, not just surviving!
- Online over 4 days: 24 - 27 November 2009. Cost: £50
- http://www.jisc.ac.uk/elpconference09
- LSIS WBL eXplorer - Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) - Thursday, 3 Dec 2009 in Birmingham
- To allow WBL leaders to engage and work with others to implement an e-change initiative that sits within and supports their organisation’s ILT strategy. For further information, telephone 0870 060 3278 or email enquiries@centreforexcellence.org.uk
Date of Next Joint Forum
To be advised. See RSC website for details: http://www.jiscrsc.ac.uk/westmidlands
