Digital Dialogues

MentorNet continues to grow!

MentorNet, the mentoring program for young women entrepreneurs, is rapidly expanding... The 3rd program launches tomorrow with another cohort of entrepreneurs preparing to build their businesses!

We're also starting to attract some attention in the media - which is great! Here's a link from Atlassian's blog...

Even though I would still say we're in the early implementation stages of the overall program - the underpinning pedagogical philosophies and strategies supported by our mash-up methods are demonstrating tangible business results and positive learner feedback...

"...with the help of my Mentor and my pod members, I have found a new level of passion for my business and developed clear goals and systems, which give me the direction and tools required to establish growth and success. The on going support and advice is invaluable and the process is fun and rewarding.."

The quality of peer learning and support has also proved to be an invaluable dimension to the program - which has brought such a diverse range of views and practices together into the main body of knowledge.

The technology has not been the main focus for the participants - it has seamlessly enabled them to manage both simple and complex tasks. As the program designer, the technology has certainly been my main focus as I continually monitor the various spaces ensuring the mentorees are cruising along through their tasks without any hiccups...
And... I have to tell you... NO hiccups!!
Now - that has to be a first (for me!) - and probably attributed to some brilliant design and programming (and perhaps a little magic from Headshift) from the tech team!!!
Certainly has reinforced the value to be gained from a single location, yet multi-functional platform - and NO, I'm absolutely NOT talking about the LMS-style platform... or for that matter a PLE. This program is about the collective network - and not just learners either - mentors, expert presenters and webmoderators are all intregal contributors to the collective body of knowledge.

Perhaps more on this later - program 4 kicks off ina few weeks - and as the programs grow and gather momentum, I expect further interesting dynamics to evolve!

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CeBit - Blogger Zone

CeBit arrives in Sydney next week (1 - 3 May, 2007) - it's always a huge event and almost overwhelming as you meander through the exhibition.
I've just received an invite from Hugo Ortega to a new intiative - the Blogger Zone...

"...a more Blogger friendly environment. Knowing that B/Vloggers love to be surrounded by technology and comfort this year CeBIT has organized a dedicated Zone for bloggers to post from. There will be beanbags, the latest notebooks and large format LCDs; all designed to make even the most discerning blogger feel right at home."

I'm not available to join the breakfast launch of Blogger Zone... but I'll drop by at some stage and check it out...

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Virtual Worlds and 3D in Online Education: Webinar

LTUG  webinar: 3 May, 2007

There is currently an explosion in the number of online 3D virtual worlds. This development could even be heralding the next evolution of the Internet - the 3D web. In this webinar we will explore the following:

• What are online 3D virtual worlds?
• How are educators using these 3D environments for online education?
• Why do educators need to pay attention to online 3D virtual worlds?
• We will focus on Second Life, one of the more popular and flexible online 3D virtual worlds.

Your presenter:
Sean FitzGerald is an independent researcher, consultant, trainer and presenter with a passion for emerging technologies and their impact upon society. He has been involved in projects exploring the use of Web 2.0 tools - such as blogs, wikis and podcasting - in education and supporting educators experimenting with these tools and accompanying learning models. His current research focuses on online 3D virtual worlds.

Details:
Date: 3 May,2007
Time: 4pm - 5pm AEST (Sydney time)
Where: Your computer via web conference
Cost: FREE for LTUG Full Members*, A$25pp Associate Members, A$35pp Non-members
Register here!!

Ditch PowerPoint!

Here's another report on the value (or not) of PowerPoint (Sydney Morning Herald, 4April2007).

This report (although I haven't been able to find the original document  being referred to) is based on research from Professor John Sweller - Faculty of Education, UNSW and his work on Cognitive Load Theory (CLT).

"The use of the PowerPoint presentation has been a disaster," Professor Sweller said. "It should be ditched."

"It is effective to speak to a diagram, because it presents information in a different form. But it is not effective to speak the same words that are written, because it is putting too much load on the mind and decreases your ability to understand what is being presented."

CLT claims that the brain will process and retain more information "...if it is digested in either its verbal or written form, but not both at the same time."

The SMH article also raises the issue of teaching methods and working memory.... you can read more about that at the CLT site... the main point of this article has to be... death to PowerPoint!

(I have a presentation due for a conference shortly - and there is a requirement for PowerPoint slides to be provided 60 days in advance - and a guideline for how to create engaging PowerPoint presentations... I'm tempted to just send through a blank template... and tell them I'll fill them in later... or not!) ;-)

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April Survey - What are you reading?

The April survey is focusing on reading from a professional development perspective - and no, it doesn't have to just be books...!
The survey ends 30 April - and it only has 2 questions - so let's find out what everyone's reading and perhaps expand our own reading list further when we get the results in May!

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Web Conferencing Survey results

The LTUG March 2007 survey has closed - the full results are available at the LearnTel survey blog.
In the meantime, here are some highlights:
76% of respondents have tried web conferencing - that's quite a dramatic shift I believe from just 12 months ago, where I was constantly coming across people who had not participated or even heard of web conferencing.

65.5% of respondents use web conferencing in the education or training programs with 33% of these using it once a week.- which is great - think of all the extra people who are can now have access to learning opportunities (provided they have internet access, of course).

Macromedia Breeze was the most commonly used tool by 38.9% of respondents. Followed by Elluminate, Webex, Microsoft Live Meeting and Skype.

Here's a snippet from the comments:
What people liked MOST about web conferencing...

• the visual component adds to an otherwise bland phone conference
• multiple participation
• interactivity, communication and web cams
• sharing desktops, applications, performing demonstrations, using presentations
• covers distance easily and can be recorded

Tips for teaching with web conferencing...

• prepare activties so that the attendees are not just passively listening
• encourage social interaction
• test the equipment prior to the event
• preparation
• avoid death by Powerpoint
  [ABB: all wise tips that apply to any type learning event!]

Why don't you use web conferencing...

• still breaking down traditional thinking
• no access to the tools
• our programs are asynchronous - timing is tricky
• video conferencing has greater potential and better imaging/audio capabilities
• web conferencing is another form of traditional practice as opposed to student centred learning

Quite a range of responses there... if you want the full results click here.

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The Net Generation in Innovate

The current issue of Innovate (April/May 2007) is now available online - you need to register (for free) to access the articles.
The entire issue focuses on the Net Generation and examines how educators and educational systems can respond to the challenge and leverage the opportunity.
Looks like a great selection of articles to read over the Easter break with topics ranging from the learning styles and preferences; social networking and children's responsible use of technology; differences and similarities between traditional and non-traditional students in regards to attitudes about learning; Web2.0 discussions that address the learner as both a producer and consumer of information; and Stephen Downes reflects on the Net Generation and uses of Google as a changing approach to traditional forms of media.

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