E-Learning Handbook

The E-Learning Handbook, developed and regularly updated by the Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies, provides a well-organised and comprehensive resource for teachers and others interested in finding out more about e-learning trends, technologies and tools. Content is readily accessible via an index of six topics with a wide range of sub-topics.

Other features of this site include a weekly bulletin, conference calendar, link to Jane Hart's E-Learning Pick of the Day and a list of their Top 100 Tools for Learning (2007) as well as the beginning of a collaborative project inviting global e-Learning professionals to submit their Top 10 Tools for Learning 2008. The E-Learning Handbook should prove useful for teachers, ICT Coordinators, Teacher-Librarians and school Leaders as schools seek to capitalise on the promised Rudd (ALP) "Education Revolution" to transform teaching and learning in Australian schools.

Recent media stories highlighting "Teachers lag in IT skills" (Adelaide Now, Jan 03, 08) bemoan a perceived gap in teacher skills and understandings and call for more investment in teacher professional development to address this critical issue. It was good to see acknowledgement by Principal, ASMS (Jim Davies) that "some of our (South Australian) teachers are leading world's best practice." Edublogger, Graham Wegner, Teaching Generation Z, is just one example of these inspirational, well-respected teachers.

Some teachers do fit the headline. Some may remain to be convinced while others lack the necessary support and struggle with the increasing demands of the profession. From my experience, it's not an age-related thing, it's more of an attitude of mind. I recently revisited Dana Huff's blog post and comments (tied to posts by Terry Freedman and Karl Fisch) on "Technological Illiteracy" (of teachers). Is the tide turning?
Massive investment in an "Education Revolution" must include strategies for teacher professional development and leadership in the Digital Age.