The finale - and where to now?

So what has been achieved in the last ten weeks?

The group have explored and shared a wide range of websites and Web 2.0 tools, and they have produced ideas and are using some of the newly discovered tools:

• A Google Group has been used by Freelance Journalism students
  
• •A Google Site is being used as a resource for Grammar students
  
• •Photoshop Extension program will be offered in term 1
• •A Flexible Learning Framework toolbox learning object has been trialled and evaluated
  
• •Pilot program planned – Gardening
• •Pilot program planned – Fashion
• Pilot program planned - 20 Great Ways to Market Your Business Online
  
• •2 course proposals are under consideration:
  - Course Name: Unlocking your Creative Potential
  
  
  - Creative Freedom at Work

So I think we can be proud of our achievements!

It's important, though, to look at what the journey was like for participants. Looking back over the weeks and thinking about our reflections in our final meeting, there is much contradictory feedback. This is not really surprising as it reflects each individual learning experience. Some of the comments were:

"exciting", "frustrating", "overwhelming", "rewarding"

"needs more structure - prefer to have been asked to explore a specific tool"

"good to have the freedom to play and find out what's possible and relevant to me"

"provided opportunities to experience e-learning and to try things out"

"time is an issue"

"connecting with other tutors is good"

"lack of confidence is a problem - more information on ettiquette - a need to cater for the lowest common denominator [technically] became evident"

"now I know it's possible to run a course online"

"an opportunity to extend my knowledge".

In terms of where to now? the clear winner on the feedback front was the need for foundation skills (referred to in week 8 post). So I am leaning towards a two-tier system where skills-based workshops in Web2 tools will be available for those who want them. The skills-based learning will not be a pre-requisite for attendance in an exploratory program - but is there for those who want it. The delivery method for these workshops is likely to be via a virtual conference room and will include the 'how to' as well as real-life examples of how the tools are being used right now.

Another great suggestion was to provide some coaching alongside the exploratory approach to learning so there is another layer of support.

So, in a nutshell add another layer of learning opportunities and provide a more robust level of individual support.

2009 looks busy!

Week 9 - Marina and Eve

Marina and Eve chose to facilitate a great session on "SMARTing" your goals. This was content they have co-delivered many times in a classroom so the challenge was to transfer the content into a virtual conference room. It was really interesting watching how they worked together to present the information - one person presenting, and the other keeping track of text and managing the whiteboard. I thought it was a great demonstration of how helpful it is if you are lucky enough to have a co-presenter. One delivering the content and the other watching the text - then they swapped.

They sent an email before the session asking us to think about our goals - so we knew what was coming and were ready to participate in the session. The first slide was a couple of questions to establish what they group knew about goal-setting. The was a good starting point because it engaged everyone in the group immediately. Other activities involved us thinking quietly about our response - in a classroom it might be a short paired discussion before feeding back to the large group. This felt strange to me in an online environment, sitting silently thinking. It may be an idea to ask the questions first of those who have more knowledge. Others can then consider their response while this is happening and this would eliminate the silence.

Marina asked for a volunteer to offer a goal and then as group we SMART the goal. This seemed to be successful. I was concerned about whether other participants would stay focused on the activity as it revolved around one person. Generally the feedback was that that people did stay focused and people were contributing to the discussion through text and voice unasked.

Marina and Eve have both said that as a result of Denis' presentation and their own facilitation they can see opportunities to use this technology in their practice - which is great!

The forum this week has been hopping! Liz and Ken were facilitating. Liz came up with idea of having a Twitter in our forum just to see what it's all about - and twitter we did! The result was that 75% of the group contributed and there were the most posts in any discussion. So the lesson for me? Encourage short and sweet contributions and people will give it a go! Thanks Liz.