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.

Carrot2 Cluster Search

I've been trying out the Carrot2 cluster search engine. It reminded me of the old Vivisimo, or Clusty as it is now known.
Carrot2 is an Open Source Search Results Clustering Engine (beta) which organizes or clusters search results (via a cluster tree) into thematic groups.
It features a number of movable tabs (select sources) and options, highlighted search terms and more. There is also a standalone GUI clustering tool, search plugin for Firefox 2 and IE7 and search box (added to my sidebar).

Cogdogroo in SouthOz

I'm looking forward to Alan Levine's visit to Adelaide tomorrow as part of his Cogdogroo tour DownUnder in October, 2007.
Alan has already caught up with Michael Coghlan and Graham Wegner, sampling some real SouthOz hospitality and conversations - with Twitter featuring prominently.
Check out the Twitter Life Cycle diagram to see where Michael and Graham sit on the adoption curve.

Online travel guide

Schmap provides access to world wide travel guides with a choice of free online, interactive or (downloadable) desktop options, incorporating photos (with Creative Commons licensing from global communities), slideshows and reviews. Schmap maps can be zoomed or printed and links can be shared by e-mail, sent to a mobile phone or embedded in a blog as schmapplets.

Current coverage is for Europe, North America and Australia/New Zealand with a focus on the main cities, including Adelaide, capital city of South Australia (SouthOz).

Spatial Information Day success

I attended the recent Spatial Information Day (SID) which was held at the Wine Centre in Adelaide, South Australia. (Aug. 2007). Spatial Information Day's (SID) provide opportunities to showcase innovative spatial technologies and projects.

The event was an outstanding success, highlighting the diversity of projects and geospatial technologies, high level of expertise, potential careers in the geospatial industry using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and valuable networking opportunities. The beautiful venue, brilliant weather (late winter) and excellent South Australian hospitality topped off a memorable day.

The presentations are now available on the website.
Examples include :
'Global initiatives on environmental assessment & early warning: outlook to contributions of remote sensing & related geospatial technologies';
'Post Tsunami Banda Aceh - illustrative & spatial overview';
'Practical support for local level change: how spatial information can assist Aboriginal management of heritage at the local level in South Australia';
'The (South Australian) State Land & Soil Information Framework - what is it and what can it do?'
'Managing the Small Plague Grasshopper Control Program using GIS';
'Integration of Spatial Tools for Prioritisation of the River Murray Floodplain' & many more.

SID is already in my calendar for 2008.

Mahara (open source) PLE

I discovered Mahara while doing some research on Personalised Learning Environments (PLEs) and e-Portfolios. Mahara emanates from New Zealand and means 'think' or 'thought' in Te Reo Māori. It is a "fully featured open source electronic portfolio, weblog, resume builder and social networking system, connecting users and creating online communities." It stands out from many others in its aim to be more student-centric.

Mahara has an impressive range of tools designed to allow users to "demonstrate their life-long learning, skills and development over time" and the ability for users to select and control who can see their Artefacts. Discussion around a Roadmap about self assessment grids is worth following. Check the lernenzwei 'GPS for Learning' project for more information.

Mahara features include a file repository, blogging tool (creation of Artefacts), all important social networking capabilities and a résumé builder. All Artefacts have built-in metadata to aid discovery. Check the website for more technical considerations.

Another area of interest is the JISC (UK) SPLASH project in higher education which aims to "provide a more personalised learning experience....and ... management of artefacts," developed by the creative efforts of learners using popular Web2.0 mashup technology.

David Delgado's posting "On E-learning 2.0 and the Personal Learning Environment (PLE)" provides an excellent visualization and definition of a PLE as "systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning, they are distributed, social and learner-centric." He uses another open source product, Elgg (which I have experimented with in recent years)and complements this with a range of Web2.0 tools and Moodle.

So much to explore! The PLE tag in Del.icio.us has been great!

Classroom2.0 on Ning

I've recently joined a Ning community, "Classroom2.0," as you can see by my new badge on this blog.
Classroom2.0 is a "social networking site for those interested in the practical application of computer technology (especially Web 2.0) in the classroom and in their own professional development."
I think Ning has great potential for teachers/educators setting up their own social networks and exploring the potential of Web2.0. I've recommended setting up a community in Ning for a couple of local groups of educators, getting started in social networkiing.