064


 * Audio-dynamism: engaging audio for learning**
 * Manager:** Carmen Vallis – Carmen.vallis [at] tafensw.edu.au
 * Facilitator:** Dilys Norrish/Anna Cunningham


 * Sponsoring RTO:** OTEN – Western Sydney Institute


 * Target client groups:** youth; disengaged

WSI-OTEN is Australia’s largest distance education provider. As such, teachers & learners require a variety of innovative technologies to meet the diverse needs of learners. Oral/aural skills are integral to curriculum and assessment in courses such as Outreach, Foundation and Vocational Education, CGVE and ESOL. Team members will improve technical skills and understanding of the features, functions and pedagogical uses of audio technologies to integrate audio technology in their everyday practice. Students will have opportunities to retrieve and submit materials in audio, enriching current service delivery.
 * Project summary:**


 * Online presence:** http://www.audiodynamism.blogspot.com/
 * Postcard from the Field due date:** week starting 14 August


 * Proposed LearnScope visit/s:** ¦ 29 August ¦


 * Team events** (focus, date, time, availability to other teams)


 * Team Discussion** **http://nswlearnscope.wikispaces.com/message/list/064**


 * FURTHER DETAILS:**

Project team will conduct a review of existing communities of practice and research on audio-technologies to build on prior knowledge and skills gained in AFLF and Learnscope projects. This project addresses emerging opportunities for WSI-OTEN in audio-technologies to engage young and disengaged learners.
 * Background to the project:**

· Enhance teaching and learning support using audio technology by creating sound files as alternative/supplementary resources for students and, where appropriate, training in the use of audio in social software · Improve learning outcomes for young learners who find it difficult to engage with traditional teaching methods, by using audio technology. · Foster further professional development in and beyond WSI-OTEN via knowledge sharing from the project through development of exemplars to be shared across WSI and in the wider community.
 * Proposed project outcomes:**

Teaching and learning will be enriched through the use of audio. This will provide opportunities for learners who find print-based materials difficult and unengaging. Learners will be able to collaborate in social software catering to different learning needs, styles and interest.
 * Benefits to client group:**

Team members will give feedback on their learning experiences and comment on impact on clients- whether there has been improved retention, motivation, involvement or other outcomes.
 * Evaluation strategies:**

§ Initial individual learning plan placed on an online survey tool § Input to network groups § Email and online meeting discussion logs/recordings § Participation in blog http://www.audiodynamism.blogspot.com/ to reflect and assess on professional progress § End evaluation forms
 * We are capturing our learning via:**

· Active participation in NSW LearnScope EdNA Group. · Active participation national Framework events. · Active participation in related NSW LearnScope network groups. · Active participation in Audiodynamism group http://www.audiodynamism.blogspot.com/. · Staff learning experiences will be made available on WSI’s intranet and on TaLE
 * We hope to share our learning via :**

The project will report in many media – including showcasing of learning in-house via showcases & Intranet. Learning will be built into staff development via an audio-mentoring system. LearnScope team will present findings at LearnScope conferences or workshop presentations and have ongoing involvement in AFLF network groups & EdNA groups.
 * We’ll connect with others via:**

· Team blog · Team EdNA Group · Podcasts · Development of new resources as exemplars for others
 * Proposed project products/outputs:**