Thursday, March 26

About

The Tassie Toolbox has been set up as part of the Australian Flexible Learning Network Toolbox initiative. The aim is to encourage all of us to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of training and flexible learning. It is based on the Learning 2.0 program designed by Helene Blowers, the Technology Director at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County.

The Tassie Toolbox contains direct links and offers suggestions for ways to incorporate web tools into your classroom and workplace training collaborations. You'll find ideas to "jump start" your thinking and I hope you will share your ideas as you learn how to use these web 2.0 tools. These are powerful tools. In fact, the design and implementation of this whole program was built using Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. These include: Blogger, Flickr, Odeo, TeacherTube, Wikispaces & Bloglines.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How does this online learning program work? This is a self-discovery program which encourages participants to take control of their own learning and to utilise their lifelong learning skills through exploration and play. Participants are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques, and "how tos" both in person and through their blogs. This course is web-based and not tied to any particular computer. You can work on it at work, at home, at an internet cafe or a public library (or just about anywhere if you have a mobile connection).

2. Is this program open to everyone or just some? If you work for at a training organisation in Tasmania you can register for the opportunity to win prizes for participation, but his program is open to all who want to learn and grow. Participate as a group or join in as an indivdual and form a network with other learners.

3. How long do I have to complete the program? This is a 10-week program. The idea is that you work on a few new “things” or activities each week. However, you may work ahead (if I ever get around to writing up activities ahead of time :-) or take a week off here and there. It is up to you how fast you decide to work!

4. How do I track my progress for the 23 Things? You will be asked to make a blog of your own to track your progress. You'll use your blog to write your reactions to the lessons and add any ideas you may have on how to use web 2.0 tools for yourself and your training. You'll also be receiving feedback via comments on your blog from other Tassie Toolboxeers (and leaving feedback on other blogs in turn).

5. Will there be any training classes offered to show participants how to do this? This is a self-directed learning program. I'll be providing helpful hints, encouraging words, and posting comments from time to time. If you work here in Tasmania you'll also have the opportunity to attend workshops and seminars, which will provide opportunities for further training. Finally, you're encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker, peer or another staff member to work with. Be sure to share your knowledge and expertise!

6. Is there any tech support? Your normal in-house support services will have to serve for any hardware problems you encounter. If you run into other difficulties, and have done some serious problem solving, and still have a question, you can leave a comment here on the relevant blog entry. I can assist you with the course, but not your computer or Internet connection.

7. What's with the TassieToolbox tag? tassietoolbox is a tag I made up to associate with this program - it just seemed easier to type and we'll be using it throughout the program to identify the web treasures we unearth as we progress.

8. Why Do This? Web 2.0 is a phrase that was coined in 2004. It refers to the fact that the Internet is now an interactive medium rather than a ‘place’ to go to get information. Since it is the young who are flocking to these Web 2.0 sites, and they are our customers, it is important that those of us who work in VET should be up-to-date with the latest trends in education and technology and learn how they can be utilised in or with our classrooms and industry training.

But you aren't just 'keeping up' here - you may also find that the tools we explore expand your life - putting you in contact with people and concepts you would not otherwise discover; and techniques and software that will make your training easier and more entertaining that it's ever been before. So, dive in, the water's fine :)


13 comments:

Anonymous said...
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LINC Service Support said...

Hello Peter,
thank you for designing this wonderful for us to learn more about social networking and ummm other stuff. It looks good!

Judy said...

Hi Peter/Botheredbybees,
Yes. I agree with Spudhunter. Many thanks. It's just what I need.

Susanne said...

Hi Peter, Looking forward to experimenting.

Susanne :)

beforto said...

I guess that you have to start somewhere!!! This will be a new experience.

oniea said...

It is so good to have the opportunity to do this - thank you

stfdifino said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
stfdifino said...

Not sure what I am letting myself in for here but I am willing to give it a good go! Thanks for setting it up for us.

Lets drum! said...

Ho BBB, I am ready to jump in!

Rachelann said...

HI Peter,
I have changed my blog to Blogger as I was having difficulty with Edublogger getting my avatar up.
Can you replace my previous blog site with this new one?
Rachel

Rachelann said...

HI Peter,

This may come through twice - I still really am not sure what I am doing! I changed from Edublogger to Blogger as I was having trouble uploading my picture. Could you please change my blog site within your 23 things to this one now?
Thank you - Rachel

liz said...

Hi Peter

Tried to send a blog - not sure where it's gone but sending a thank you for getting me started

Judy said...

Dear Botheredbybees,
I know the tassietoolbox is long gone but can I ask you a question? I am being asked to write a couple of paragraphs about how or why teachers can/would use facebook. Can you give me a few clues (in a nutshell)?

Many thanks.
Julie