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**Learner support and libraries keeping up with technology**

 * Manager:** Lisa Rushton – lisa.rushton [at] tafensw.edu.au
 * Facilitator:** Zoe Campbell – zoe.campbell [at] tafensw.edu.au


 * Sponsoring RTO:** Port Macquarie TAFE – Nth Coast Institute


 * Target client groups:** disability; youth

The project focuses on: 1 skills development of General Education teachers and librarians in e-learning technologies for publishing student work, communication between student groups, supporting distance learning and teacher-student engagement 2 development of a pedagogical approach for using social software (such as blogs and wikis) with youth at risk, students from diverse cultural and language backgrounds, students with disabilities and isolated students in rural areas. 3 application of audio technology using mp3 sound files and podcasting in learner support centers and libraries 4 trialing toolboxes relevant to literacy and learner support and developing skills to adapt materials 5 involvement of students in trialing and evaluating new technologies
 * Project summary:**


 * Online presence:** (blogs, wikis, EdNA Group, websites, flickr tag, del.icio.us tag etc)


 * Wiki** - http://learnscope2006.wikispaces.com/


 * Postcard from the Field due date:** week starting 28 August


 * Proposed LearnScope visit/s:** ¦ Sep.5 ¦


 * Team events**


 * FURTHER DETAILS:**

§ Teachers and students are currently requesting podcast downloads and capacity to record lectures, discussion groups and workshops in mp3 format for student access either in the learner support center or through an external medium. Learner support teachers and librarians need to develop knowledge and skills to support these e-learning options. § Skills in using social software will enrich teaching practices of those working with disadvantaged students. While the focus of this project is on using communicative tools such as blogs and wikis, the technical skills developed can be applied to a range of teaching and learning contexts and activities. § Computer and media related learning are particularly motivating to youth at risk groups, allowing for literacy/numeracy development through mediums that they have not failed in, in past learning experiences. Digital storytelling has been used successfully in communication and literacy programs for students with disabilities and teachers are looking at new ways to build on these skills.
 * Background to the project:**

Intended outcomes are: § knowledge and understanding of practical applications of social software in teaching and learning for language and literacy students that will provide both a new medium for expression for disadvantaged learners and a range of technical skills for work and further study. § shared learning and knowledge management of Learner Support teachers and librarians, who will act as reference point for teachers across Faculties launching into the brave new world of recording teaching and learning sessions for students in flexible learning programs or students unable to attend face to face sessions.
 * Proposed project outcomes:**

§ Familiarity with Toolboxes and their adaptability to support teaching and learning, with a focus on the Equity Toolboxes

§ Literacy and ESOL students will discover a medium to publish their writing and audiovisual productions, and to communicate with other student groups. Motivation will be raised through use of creative devises. Having a real audience will encourage review and improvement of draft work for publication on the web. Design and ownership of blogs and wikis will develop independence as writers and publishers. § Creating and sharing stories and communicating with students in other areas will develop interpersonal skills as well as oral, written and critical thinking skills. § Supporting teachers and learners to record workshops, discussions and presentations and access sound files and podcasts will provide enhanced flexible learning options and meet varied learning styles and needs. § Use of Toolkits will provide stimulation and variety in teaching and learning techniques. Independent learning skills are critical to development of the learner for further study and vocational outcomes. § All aspects of the project will be trailed with students and results and feedback brought back to the project group through forums, group wikis and face to face workshops with a “show and tell” format. Participants will be required to trial and evaluate use of the technologies in real contexts.
 * Benefits to client group:**

Impact on clients will be evaluated through: § Student interest and motivation in using social software, including development and continued use of student blogs, group wikis and publication or digital stories § Successful communication with other groups: trial connections with the Ballina campus LearnScope project and the North Coast ACE project (developing a website for publication of student work). Teams will compare engagement of students and advantages/problems of using different approaches and applications. § Survey of student needs relating to sound recording and inclusion of a student forum in project plan to evaluate use of recorded learning sessions and identify future needs.
 * Evaluation strategies:**

Individual learning plans – identifying goals, strategies and projected outcomes. Post project evaluation sessions including review of learning plans Reflection and pedagogical discussion as a component of each workshop – summaries published to group blog Facilitated group blog or wiki to collect reflections, experiences, ideas and useful discussion and problem solving Each participant presents an example of how technology applies to a teaching/learning context at final workshop: Show and Tell. Summaries, photos, audio files collected and shared via group blog Student surveys/forum to identify relevant learner support needs – participation of students in workshops or network meetings
 * We are capturing our learning via:**

· Development of resource material online for staff/student access, including guidelines for using Podcasts and mp3 recordings, copyright information, trouble-shooting
 * We hope to share our learning via :**

· Showcase at annual GE Faculty Conference and Library network meetings

· Workshop at Access & General Education Annual Conference in Sydney in December

· Participation in LearnScope information sharing and forums: EdNA discussion groups

· Participation in LearnScope showcase in September

· Connection to other LearnScope projects: Ballina Bits and Pieces and ACE North Coast project – collaboration between project managers/facilitators and attendance at key meetings

· Publication of project blog sharing experiences, outcomes and useful contacts and links

§ General Education Committee Meetings – each term – project update § Library Network Meetings – project updates and discussion § General Education Faculty Conference – August – workshop or display § AGC Curriculum Centre Annual Conference – Dec – workshop/display § Publication of Project blog and podcasts on Sharepoint § Networking with ACE North Coast project through project workshops § Collaboration with Hub and Tafe Online project
 * We’ll connect with others via:**

At this stage we plan to report project outcomes using: · Team Blog or wiki with links · Podcast – edited discussion forum
 * Proposed project products/outputs:**