This week a blog post by Melissa Seideman caught my attention, as it shows how to take PowerPoint one step further to create exciting audio presentations that can be used as teaching aids.
There are several tools put there that can be used to produce some very engaging presentations, but there are also many people that still like the familiarity of using PowerPoint and for them the free tool HelloSlide could prove really useful.
On her blog Melissa notes:
“HelloSlide is a wonderful way to transform a lesson into an audio-rich lesson that seems like a live presentation…I can see HelloSlide being used multiple ways in the classroom. It could be used to teach a particular concept in class, previewing the night before, teaching a lesson using the “flipped” model, can be translated for ESL students, or even used in alternative assessment projects in which students teach the class a particular concept.”
How it works:
1. To get started using Hello Slide, register for a free account, upload a PDF of your slides.
2. Type the speech for your presentation and HelloSlide automatically generates the audio. (The text is automated but does sound reasonable).
Below is a presentation on iPads that was created by Kathy Schrock, also using HelloShare. Hopefully this will demonstrate the benefits of using audio in this way (by simply entering text which the pc will read aloud) and how that can transform an existing presentation into a useful standalone learning resource.
To read more of Wobble click here.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Friday, 24 February 2012
Mobile Technologies and the Law
To support a rapidly growing interest in mobile technologies, JISC Legal will be running a live webcast on Mobile Technologies and the Law on 14 March.
This webcast is aimed at staff in colleges and universities with responsibility for planning and managing the introduction and use of mobile technologies in their institution. It is also of relevance to lecturers, researchers and support staff using or supporting the use mobile technologies in the workplace. Legal issues will include the e-safety of vulnerable and young learners, as well as data security and protection, accessibility, liability and copyright.
This webcast will highlight good legal practice for institutions, allowing colleges and universities to go forward with an awareness of the legal risks, and being confident in compliance.
Visit the website to view the webcast programme or visit http://jiscleg.al/webcast to access the webcast. No registration required, simply follow the link.
Please send in any questions or email webcast@jisclegal.ac.uk
__________________
Related wobble posts:
JISC Legal advice for Learning Providers
Safeguarding Learners - Tips for E-Safety
To read more of Wobble click here.
This webcast is aimed at staff in colleges and universities with responsibility for planning and managing the introduction and use of mobile technologies in their institution. It is also of relevance to lecturers, researchers and support staff using or supporting the use mobile technologies in the workplace. Legal issues will include the e-safety of vulnerable and young learners, as well as data security and protection, accessibility, liability and copyright.
This webcast will highlight good legal practice for institutions, allowing colleges and universities to go forward with an awareness of the legal risks, and being confident in compliance.
Visit the website to view the webcast programme or visit http://jiscleg.al/webcast to access the webcast. No registration required, simply follow the link.Please send in any questions or email webcast@jisclegal.ac.uk
__________________
Related wobble posts:
JISC Legal advice for Learning Providers
Safeguarding Learners - Tips for E-Safety
To read more of Wobble click here.
Monday, 13 February 2012
New - JISC Advance Funding for the FE and Skills sector
On Friday 17 February 2012, JISC Advance will seek proposals to enhance or repurpose existing resources to be used in the FE and Skills sector across the UK. This £1.4 million project will both improve the learner experience and increase provider efficiencies, in line with sector policies throughout the UK.
This opportunity is two-fold and offers sector providers and agencies the chance to:
• apply existing resources (from JISC or elsewhere) to their work and adapt them for their needs
• identify gaps in these resources or current uses for technology leading to the development of additional resources for the sector.
An initial £450,000 will be available to adapt existing resources with a further £900,000 available for development projects to address any gaps.
The project will be supported by the Regional Support Centres (RSCs) who will provide advice and support for providers in developing and implementing their projects.
This opportunity is two-fold and offers sector providers and agencies the chance to:
• apply existing resources (from JISC or elsewhere) to their work and adapt them for their needs
• identify gaps in these resources or current uses for technology leading to the development of additional resources for the sector.
An initial £450,000 will be available to adapt existing resources with a further £900,000 available for development projects to address any gaps.
The project will be supported by the Regional Support Centres (RSCs) who will provide advice and support for providers in developing and implementing their projects.
Guy Lambert, Managing Director of JISC Advance said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the FE and Skills sector and JISC Advance is proud to be leading the project. Not only will it enhance the learner experience, but it will also improve the efficiency and effectiveness of providers, a challenge which everyone is currently facing.”
To get involved, take part in our online launch on Friday 17 February at 11am. https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=2009077&password=M.61BD281911F0450B6066CE16DE977D
Although you don’t need to register, it would be helpful if you told us you are attending by e-mailing support@rsc-scotland.ac.uk.
Alternatively, contact your local RSC [www.jiscrsc.ac.uk] or Nigel Ecclesfield, Programme Manager at JISC Advance nigel.ecclesfield@jiscadvance.ac.uk tel: 07508 531431.
We look forward to seeing you online!
Note:
On the day, the broadcast will be enabled 15 minutes before the scheduled time to allow you to check in and get settled before the presentation starts. You will need headphones to listen to the session without disturbing others around you.
Please note that we will be recording the session so that it can be viewed at a later date, this includes all chat comments, audio and presentation slides.
Blackboard Collborate is the platform we are using for this session. If you are new to using Collaborate we recommend that you read the Guidance Notes for further information on setting up and getting the most out of the presentation. You can also access a Quick Guide to Collaborate here.
To test your workstation and see if there are any problems, such as network configuration issues or browser compatibility, run the Collaborate Test Facility.
__________________
Related Wobble links:
To read more of Wobble click here.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Cutting Costs with Green Computing
Since I noted the available support for Green Computing back in October 2009, much has changed regarding the amount of help that now is available to learning providers. In such hard times many have been looking at sustainable or green computing as a way of reducing their costs and increasing their efficiency.
‘Green computing’ includes both the reduction of the environmental impact of the computing within an organisation (IT as a polluter) and looks at using ICT to reduce the environmental impact of other activities, such as use of on-line meetings instead of face to face meetings (IT as an enabler).
Why is Green Computing Important?
Put simply, saving energy and resources saves money.
For example - consider technologies like cloud computing. Basically, cloud computing eliminates the need for hardware like servers. Essentially, this allows learning providers to reduce their need for big, energy-consuming servers by relocating them on the Internet. Cloud computing may also be used in areas like networking, data storage, software applications, and operating systems, again, potentially reducing the need for hardware. As a result, providers stand to save a lot of time, money, and resources on maintenance and support by switching to cloud computing set-ups.
There are other techniques at the personal computer level. For instance, power management can be an easy and effective means of saving green while conserving energy.
Finally, technologies that save paper, like email, can have a huge impact on costs as well as the environment. Additionally, policies like webinars or videoconferencing offer additional benefits by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide produced by travel.
Our regional adviser Jane Edwards had done a lot of work in this area with our supported learning providers. As part of a free review service she can help you with:
• Reviewing where you are
• Finding good practice in other organisations
• Developing the management structure to respond positively to the agenda
• Creating a strategy. Writing an action plan. Knowing where you are. Setting targets.
• Raising awareness across the organization
• Practical tips and advice.
To make it easier for regional providers to know where to start, Jane has also set up a page on our website which brings together a number of key resources. If you are keen to learn more about ways that your organisation can become greener in the ways it uses technology contact Jane by email or phone.
(Green Computing benefits summarised from Fortunela Weblog)
To read more of Wobble click here.
‘Green computing’ includes both the reduction of the environmental impact of the computing within an organisation (IT as a polluter) and looks at using ICT to reduce the environmental impact of other activities, such as use of on-line meetings instead of face to face meetings (IT as an enabler).Why is Green Computing Important?
Put simply, saving energy and resources saves money.
For example - consider technologies like cloud computing. Basically, cloud computing eliminates the need for hardware like servers. Essentially, this allows learning providers to reduce their need for big, energy-consuming servers by relocating them on the Internet. Cloud computing may also be used in areas like networking, data storage, software applications, and operating systems, again, potentially reducing the need for hardware. As a result, providers stand to save a lot of time, money, and resources on maintenance and support by switching to cloud computing set-ups.
There are other techniques at the personal computer level. For instance, power management can be an easy and effective means of saving green while conserving energy.
Finally, technologies that save paper, like email, can have a huge impact on costs as well as the environment. Additionally, policies like webinars or videoconferencing offer additional benefits by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide produced by travel.
Our regional adviser Jane Edwards had done a lot of work in this area with our supported learning providers. As part of a free review service she can help you with:
• Reviewing where you are
• Finding good practice in other organisations
• Developing the management structure to respond positively to the agenda
• Creating a strategy. Writing an action plan. Knowing where you are. Setting targets.
• Raising awareness across the organization
• Practical tips and advice.
To make it easier for regional providers to know where to start, Jane has also set up a page on our website which brings together a number of key resources. If you are keen to learn more about ways that your organisation can become greener in the ways it uses technology contact Jane by email or phone.
(Green Computing benefits summarised from Fortunela Weblog)
To read more of Wobble click here.
Procurement for Work Based Learning
JISC Advance has recently been awarded project funding to help set up improved procurement arrangements for the Work Based Learning Sector.
The project aims to secure cost savings by providing access to purchasing services not previously available to WBL, but which are widely used by both Further Education Colleges and Universities. The project will draw upon expertise of staff throughout the RSC Network and JISC Procureweb which is based at the University of Cardiff.
The project will have three key strands:
• To establish consortium-based procurement practice amongst providers of work based learning.
• The Generic e-Marketplace (GeM) will be made available to WBL providers to provide an Amazon type service to buy goods and services.
• To secure specific contracts for areas of high spend, for example Awarding Organisations.
In summary we want to help you get better value for money for your purchases of goods and services. The Project Manager is Steve Durham who is based in the RSC Northern Office.
If you are interested in finding more about the project please email Steve Durham directly.
To read more of Wobble click here.
The project aims to secure cost savings by providing access to purchasing services not previously available to WBL, but which are widely used by both Further Education Colleges and Universities. The project will draw upon expertise of staff throughout the RSC Network and JISC Procureweb which is based at the University of Cardiff.
The project will have three key strands:
• To establish consortium-based procurement practice amongst providers of work based learning.
• The Generic e-Marketplace (GeM) will be made available to WBL providers to provide an Amazon type service to buy goods and services.
• To secure specific contracts for areas of high spend, for example Awarding Organisations.
In summary we want to help you get better value for money for your purchases of goods and services. The Project Manager is Steve Durham who is based in the RSC Northern Office.If you are interested in finding more about the project please email Steve Durham directly.
To read more of Wobble click here.
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
New Excellence Gateway
Back in October I noted how the Excellence Gateway was undergoing significant development which would further improve access to its e-learning content and services. This work has now been completed and on February 1 2012 you’ll see the Excellence Gateway transform.
As a result of conversations with a whole range of people working across the FE and skills sector, the new Excellence Gateway will be faster, simpler, more effective with redesigned navigation and improved search technology. These innovations, together with a sleeker look and feel, have enabled the team at LSIS to develop a site that is truly fit for the future.
As a result of conversations with a whole range of people working across the FE and skills sector, the new Excellence Gateway will be faster, simpler, more effective with redesigned navigation and improved search technology. These innovations, together with a sleeker look and feel, have enabled the team at LSIS to develop a site that is truly fit for the future.
If you are already registered, your membership to the new Excellence Gateway will be automatically transferred, although you may wish to take note of any bookmarks you have made. Membership of the new Excellence Gateway will mean that you can join in the conversations on the new forums and set up your own workrooms to support projects and discussions that you’re involved with. The forums and workrooms will continue on the existing Excellence Gateway for a while before you are asked to transfer your conversations.
The team at LSIS are really excited by the new Excellence Gateway and they are very much looking forward to hearing what you think too.
The new Excellence Gateway – discover what’s in it for you.
To read more of Wobble click here.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Creating Learning Resources with Xerte Online Toolkits
Xerte is an international award winning, free, teaching and learning tool and it's Online Toolkits (which are also free) offer a convenient set of tools for easily creating e-learning content. The toolkits are also browser-based so you don't need to know any html or other coding language in order to quickly create learning objects that can contain a mixture of text, images, audio, video, quizzes and other interactive learning content.
As part of our support for the development of e-learning content we periodically offer training in Xerte as it has proved a popular tool for getting to grips with writing e-learning materials with little fuss. As a highly accessible and free tool, I also think it’s worth knowing about, even if it’s something that you don’t currently use yourself. So, if you haven’t seen Xerte before you can:
• ….browse this learning object that was created by Ron Mitchell of Mitchellmedia as a way of demonstrating some of the features of the tool and, furthermore, explaining just why he believes “…Xerte is the best thing since Lobster!...” Hmm, curious!
• …or directly proceed to this embedded youtube video in which some of those involved in its development, talk about its potential and current use.
Next steps:
If you’re familiar with Xerte and would like to know more about how it can support your organisation please note that we will be offering training in this popular tool at Wolverhampton Science Park, on 26th January 2012 at a cost of £75.00. This one day beginner’s workshop will allow attendees to become familiar with the Xerte Online Toolkit and is available to anybody who wishes to create e-Learning Objects. To book your place, visit: RSC-WM Events
We hope you can join us!
To read more of Wobble click here.
As part of our support for the development of e-learning content we periodically offer training in Xerte as it has proved a popular tool for getting to grips with writing e-learning materials with little fuss. As a highly accessible and free tool, I also think it’s worth knowing about, even if it’s something that you don’t currently use yourself. So, if you haven’t seen Xerte before you can:
• ….browse this learning object that was created by Ron Mitchell of Mitchellmedia as a way of demonstrating some of the features of the tool and, furthermore, explaining just why he believes “…Xerte is the best thing since Lobster!...” Hmm, curious!
• …or directly proceed to this embedded youtube video in which some of those involved in its development, talk about its potential and current use.
Next steps:
If you’re familiar with Xerte and would like to know more about how it can support your organisation please note that we will be offering training in this popular tool at Wolverhampton Science Park, on 26th January 2012 at a cost of £75.00. This one day beginner’s workshop will allow attendees to become familiar with the Xerte Online Toolkit and is available to anybody who wishes to create e-Learning Objects. To book your place, visit: RSC-WM Events
We hope you can join us!
To read more of Wobble click here.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Little Guides for Digital Media Topics
JISC Digital Media have created a series of 'Little Guides' to address some of the queries and questions that they are often asked. See below for the list of current titles (all in pdf format):
The Little Guide to Finding Digital Media Resources
The Little Guide to Copyright
The Little Guide to Cloud Computing
The Little Guide to Podcasting
The Little Guide to Screencasting
If you would like to suggest a 'Little Guide' subject area yourself you can do so, just comment using their helpdesk form.
I look forward to seeing more of these little guides emerge as they are useful for signposting and nicely summarising some of todays popular topics.
To read more of Wobble click here.
The Little Guide to Finding Digital Media Resources
The Little Guide to Copyright
The Little Guide to Cloud Computing
The Little Guide to Podcasting
The Little Guide to Screencasting
If you would like to suggest a 'Little Guide' subject area yourself you can do so, just comment using their helpdesk form.
I look forward to seeing more of these little guides emerge as they are useful for signposting and nicely summarising some of todays popular topics.
To read more of Wobble click here.
Discovering Mentoring and using it to Enhance Student Experience
Wherever you work in the FE and skills sectors, the forthcoming changes in our education system increases the pressure to stay competitive. This makes it important to meet or exceed student expectations and find new ways of enhancing the student experience.
Providing mentoring opportunities, from peers and partners, offers opportunities to fulfil this need effectively, helping to improve retention and student success. What's more, mentors and mentees can gain confidence and skills that will be of substantial benefit to them personally.
A free webinar will take place online next Wednesday (14th Dec) between 12:30 and 13:45 and will offer an overview of Mentoring – outlining what it is & how it may be useful, followed by actual examples of schemes that are running for current students in the region. It will also talk about encouraging new learners and bringing employers and students together. The session will define the concept of mentoring and its benefits examine processes and technology for putting mentoring schemes in to place and illustrate these with practical working examples aimed at first or final year students.
The event is suitable for all staff concerned with employability and learner experience including senior managers, e-learning and quality managers, course leaders, particularly those involved in HE teaching provision, and support staff concerned with student welfare, careers, retention and employability. HR staff may also be interested with regard to staff CPD.
Find out more or register for your free place on our Event booking page.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Same great service – one new website
JISC Regional Support Centres (RSCs) are pleased to announce the launch of their new website - www.jiscrsc.ac.uk.
The 12 RSCs - operating as a UK wide support network - have a proven track record across the sector for providing expert advice and guidance in the effective use of technology. The website provides a common route to news, events and resources, increasing user access to a richer seam of information from all RSCs, whilst maintaining regional connections.
Key features of the new website include:
***The West Midlands Regional Support Centre's website can now be found at www.jiscrsc.ac.uk/westmidlands Please note that although our old website address has a redirect in place (which will take users straight to the new website), you may need to update any existing bookmarks***
The 12 RSCs - operating as a UK wide support network - have a proven track record across the sector for providing expert advice and guidance in the effective use of technology. The website provides a common route to news, events and resources, increasing user access to a richer seam of information from all RSCs, whilst maintaining regional connections.
Key features of the new website include:
- Seamless access to information from both a UK and regional perspective
- Up-to-date news and event listings
- Advice and guidance on how RSCs support you and your organisation - from maximising efficiencies to enhancing the student experience.
***The West Midlands Regional Support Centre's website can now be found at www.jiscrsc.ac.uk/westmidlands Please note that although our old website address has a redirect in place (which will take users straight to the new website), you may need to update any existing bookmarks***
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