Category: Uncategorized

Collaborate and create documents together – with google drive, desktop edition.

Michael Chalk2 CommentsUncategorized

3 Questions: Are you using google docs? (aka google drive) Have you noticed that you can now access your google drive files and folders via your desktop? Have you noticed that you can share any kind of file via this cloud system now, not just google documents? Google drive is now a lot like dropbox – a place to share files and folders with people in different locations. You get 5gb of storage space, and you can access and manage the filing system via your local file manager*.  [*eg: Windows Read More …

Dropbox, an introduction

Michael Chalk2 CommentsUncategorized

Michael Chalk and Ian Hall present an intro to Dropbox: How to get it, what it’s for and what can you do with it.  Thursday 07 March, 12:30 AEDT. Location TBA (online – you’ll need a headset).  Especially for the folk of the Loddon Mallee and North-West regions, however everyone is welcome. Please indicate here in the comments, or on the ACE network Ning events page (login req’d), whether we’ll see you. Come and share your knowledge if you already have some experience. Still booking an online room, but we’ll let Read More …

What’s happening around the region?

Michael ChalkLeave a commentUncategorized

Here in the North-West, we’ve met with some inspiring educators from 8 different organisations. It always intrigues me when i meet people who say, “We’re real beginners with e-learning, we don’t really know what we’re doing,” and then you find out they’re already experimenting with all kinds of engaging practices in their classrooms. So often, people in adult education don’t recognise what’s already happening in their teachers’ practice. Here’s a very brief overview of what people are working towards on these e-learning mentor projects. So far, people are looking to: Read More …

Workshops coming up very soon (face-to-face)

Michael ChalkLeave a commentUncategorized

In November, we have 2 half-day workshops for anybody in the region. The sessions are face-to-face, held at the CAE (Flinders Lane, Melbourne) and free to attend. Both sessions will have opportunities for networking activities & discussion, as well as Q&A problem-solving. Bookings are needed however. (Please use the form below.) Day One:Thursday 15 November 1:00 – 4:00pmWorking with images and photos – examples: flickr, instagram ideas for using photos in class books & zines with Publisher optimising images Day Two: Tuesday 27 November 9:30am – 12:30pmExploring powerpoint and other slide-based presentation tools, for Read More …

First meetings underway

Michael ChalkLeave a commentUncategorized

What a great turnout we had last week for our “induction sessions” in at the CAE. Educators from nearly all organisations came along, and we talked about many things: what e-learning is,  what the issues are,  what you would like to learn about,  what you are doing already, and  various ways to stay in touch during the project.  Here’s the presentation from the day, including input from everyone in the room as we went along. You should be able to make this full-screen, and move through the slides. If you’d Read More …

Sign in, Sign up. The challenges of email in an ESL class

Michael Chalk1 CommentUncategorized

Last week, i spent one session working with Chris at Reservoir Neighbourhood House, in her “very beginner” English as a second language (ESL) class. One of the English students was having a terrible time trying to sign up for a gmail account. They had tried to connect week after week, and kept getting some kind of “verification code” message. Fortunately we managed to resolve that issue, and she could sign in for the first time. First task was to send Chris a message. After that, send a message to one Read More …

Which model of e-learning suits you?

Michael ChalkLeave a commentUncategorized

Clint Smith is one amazing e-learning strategist. You may have seen him at the recent Victorian LearnLocal e-learning showcase. According to Clint, these 8 models are the most commonly understood representations of how people engage with e-learning in business and education. We asked our participants which of the models were most likely to interest them. Blended Learning and Live Online Learning (aka web conferencing) were the most interesting. We held a live poll in person at the North-West induction sessions, via sms and also the web. People could vote here Read More …

Session on voice tools with Coach Carole (Friday 07 Sept, midday)

Michael Chalk1 CommentUncategorized

Carole McCulloch is terrific. She used to work at the very amazing TAFE Frontiers, which was a kind of professional development peak body for e-learning in Victoria. They were hugely supportive of Adult Community Education (ACE) organisations at the time. Coach Carole has been involved in the LearnLocal / ACE e-learning mentor project since the beginning, and when Carole runs a session .. you want to be there. So today, at midday Friday 07 September, make sure you catch her session on “Inspiring and engaging learners with voice tools .. Read More …

Let’s start at the very beginning – new projects!

Michael Chalk1 CommentUncategorized

Great news everyone. There’s a new round of e-learning projects about to be underway in the North-West LearnLocal region. Some organisations are returning, while others have been participating at the edges, and a few are complete newcomers to our network. Welcome one and all. Here’s the list of starters: Australian Multicultural Community Services Community West Inc Glenroy Neighbourhood Learning Centre Jesuit Social Services trading as Jesuit Community College Lalor Living and Learning Centre Laverton Community Integrated Services Inc. Richmond Community Learning Centre South Kingsville Community Center Yarraville Community Centre It’s Read More …