Topic 5: eTools

Competencies: trial and check eLearning resources, facilitate elearning using etools and authentic learning, address technical issues.

Awareness and skills in using eLearning resources, tools and technologies are essential for an eLearning facilitator. At least some basic technology skills are required and comfort with using a range of other technologies, including web2.0, communication and media technology tools and resources is important.

Think about the learning needs and pedagogy and identify tools, resources and facilitation strategies that support student-centred adult learning. Select tools and resources for their ability to support and enhance the learning process.

In order to identify and use tools, you need to be comfortable and competent with them. Let's explore some of the technologies and tools ...

Activity 5.1 - Check your Skills

Access the CLAS for TAFE tool that has been developed to help teachers reflect on and enahance their use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in their teaching practice.
CLAS for TAFE information flier for CLAS for TAFE. Access to the tool is through the Det Portal

Complete a self assessment check using the CLAS for TAFE tool and paste of copy of your summary results on your own wiki page on the eLF4US wiki.
Note: This activity should have been completed prior to and at the F2F workshop.

Activity 5.2 - eTools Technologies: Create a Quick Guide

Using the learning strategy/activity you have planned in Topic 3, or select another learning strategy that you would use with your learners, investigate at least one web 2.0 tool, technology or elearning resource that you and your learners could use to complete the learning activity.

Develop a one page Quick Guide on using the technology or resource and include a brief description of the specific learning activity that you would facilitate using that tool. Include information on where to find the tool/resource, how to set it up and how to use the tool/resource and a brief description of the learning activity. Dot points and weblinks are fine and you might find the Social eLearning resource from Topic 3 helpful here.

You can use the eLF eTool Quick Guide template as the basis for your eTool Quick Guide.

Refer to the eLF4Us Wiki page for eLearning Activities to select a learning strategy and for ideas on some of the tools that you could use ... or you could add a new tool or learning activity to the list. Share your Quick Guide with the group by uploading it to the eLearning Activities wiki page.

Remember: don't forget to check out the links and resources that have been included in the eLF Readings and Links page for this topic.

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TIME OUT - Reflection for your Learning Journal (Use the Discussion Tab on your own page)

eLearning2.0 - A Thought Piece

Download and read the eLearning 2 paper - eLearning technologies afford the development of learning and teaching strategies that sit within the theories of constructivism, social learning and connectedness. The current day internet is no longer a static collection of pages of information, but an interactive, personal publishing, social networking and collaboration environment. We can use these features to create a learning environment that is learner-centred and enables the learner and teacher to work in ways previously unknown.

Does the concept of eLearning2.0 give you ideas about how you could change your teaching and learning strategies to cater for the varied needs and interests of your learners? Tell us about it ...

Try out one of the tools you have now been exploring to record your thoughts and publish them to your wiki page on the eLF4US wiki.

 Topic 5 eTools.doc - Print Version