Author: Michael Chalk

What apps do you use for image work?

Michael ChalkLeave a commentace, technology

Good discussion on the ACE Network Ning, started by Lynne Gibb the e-mentor for Eastern Metro Region. Like Lynne, I used to be a big PaintShop Pro fan, as i had a free licensed version from one of the computer magazines. Now I use XNview for browsing through my image collection, and also for those times you have to quickly re-size, adjust colours or optimise an image for the web. [Here’s my video screencast about it.] Screenshot captor is my choice for screengrabs (similar to Carole’s Snipping Tool.) I’ve loaded 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 learning brings you joy?

Michael Chalk1 Commentace

Found a lovely conversation on the Adult Learning Australia (ALA) Linkedin page, started by Sally Thompson. It was great to see so many joyful responses 😉 [You’ll need to join the conversation group to follow those links.] I must say Junita amazes me with her constant sense of bubbling joy in her work. She’s a real inspiration in the way she’ll organise a network of educators and draw them into connecting. Above and beyond! Junita spoke of a small group of collaborative educators who would get together

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 …

Live web conferencing – the skills you need to facilitate a session

Michael ChalkLeave a commentace, professional development, technology

Last year, a few of the Victorian LearnLocal e-learning mentors put our heads together to think about the skills that people need when they want to run a live web conferencing session. I think it’s really crucial, if you’re thinking of running a live web conferencing session, to get as much help as you possibly can. We came up with the ideas in this document below.

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 …