Dr Evan Arthur...on the new age of enlightenment and productivity
(Branch Manager, Innovation Branch of DEST)
We are in the E-Learning Hype Cycle's phase of "enlightenment and productivity" (a lower but slightly rising curve, following the peaks of hype in recent years).
Flexible learning is of key importance in creating innovative people, and therefore an innovative economy. Flexible learning and use of ICTs have a double edged impact: it not only uses innovative approaches for learning, but also creates innovative learners/workers in the same process.
In broader terms, education is both "an industry and an enabler of industry"...its a "smart investment". But the bad news is that Australia "has not yet reached the highest levels of understanding" compared to some overseas levels.
George Lewin...on innovation and success
(Inventor of the Triton workbench and Founder/Director of The Triton Foundation)
His phenomenal success owes entirely to passion, obsession, talent, perseverance, communication skills (natural and learnt), and often luck ("someone up there...").
Encountered many months/years of "glacial decision making" and responses like "nice idea but...", before the breakthrough appearance on the ABC's "The Inventors" in November 1976.
His mantra: Who is your customer? Knock their socks off!
Marty Cielens, "Keeping an open mind on open source" eg for affordable Learning Management Systems
(Design Planet, Adelaide SA)
"open source" means its
- free, but under certain conditions eg you can't sell it (or derived products)
- its part of a sharing environment eg the expectation is that you share any modifications you make
- has a visible programming code
- in modifying the code you have to identify with other developers (not the end user).
Examples of open source tools: Open Office, Cmaps, Moodle, Arachnophilia ("care ware"), GIMP (for graphics), Hot Potatoes (quizzes), Audacity (sound, video files), Fantastico.
Student tracking is also possible eg Hot Potatoes, Moodle.
You can create an entire course eg Marty created a learning site in 1 hour at a cost of $70 (for the web hosting service). No programming skills necessary.
A real alternative LMS for small RTOs.
Issues for organisations: Who owns the tools/products? Platform dependability.
http://cielens.designplanet.com.au/
Janina Gawler...on skills for a networked world
(CEO ANTA)
The traditional models of teaching and learning no longer apply - the world has moved towards the need for constant change, design, innovation, integrative competencies and lifelong learning.
The great bulk of industry does not know about the innovations (eg as in EdNA) - we need to develop effective language and "sell the excitement".
Put industry in the driver's seat and us in the engine room. [highly disputed by Kaye Schofield)
The image problem of VET / TAFE - why only the 2nd or 3rd choice? - the community must see the value in it - a case for better branding eg What can VET do for you?
The philosophy is flexible learning, the tools are the technologies, through innovation and networking.
New resources / practices
Just-In-Time Learning Assistant (YOLA)
Joan Salmon & Theo Kavadias, Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
Based on the Building and Construction Toolbox, YOLA provides numeracy support to learners. It is an interactive wizard/help type tool appearing on the screen alongside the main learning components. It is transportable between Toolboxes and other online resources after some configuration.
Integrated music, theatre, interactive multimedia and web based learning
Dorothy Lucardi, CARDHS, NT
A short but very effective animated music clip, as one of a range of strategies to engage learners in remote areas. The project is applicable to Aboriginal communities and other groups that have language and literacy barriers to learning.
A games based approach to PD
Janet Simpson, TAFE SA
A new methodology for PD in compliance issues in the AQTF standards. Used for the induction of new staff, it incorporates a self-assessment tool for each game and a Community of Practice. Free template is available, but must remain on the Framework website.
Quotable quotes
Stakeholders should include the end-users. (Barbara Pitman)
Easy to put a page online, but needs creativity and innovation to bring it to life. (Marie Hunt)
Think big, start small.
Central control may mean centralised failure.
(Tom Bentley on the networked organisation and the need to involve all staff, learners, employers and the wider community.)
Innovation lies in the spectrum somewhere between improvement and invention. (Jock Grady)
Innovation is a bias for action and a can-do attitude. It involves new forms of business relationships (or how I came to love the finance people!). (Felicity Mildon)
Recurring themes/views at the conference
Let's focus on the learner
The importance of communication in working and learning
Language - connect with business, industry and the community
The importance of talking and networking (ie f2f as at this conference)
Lifelong learning / personalised learning
Communities of learning
Continue innovating, integrating and initiating...and promote and market.
For more info on all of the above and conference archive:
http://flexiblelearning.net.au/nw2003/
