Social Software Research

Are you interested in Social Software/Web 2 Technologies and their use in teaching and learning environments and for capability development across organisations? If so, visit the Australian Flexible Learning Framework's Social Software Research Wiki to find out more. Contributions, insights and general musings related to this very contemporary subject are welcomed.

In broad terms, the research aims to investigate how social software/Web 2 technologies can best support -
1. teaching and learning in Vocational and Technical Education (VTE), and
2. capability development of VTE practitioners.

We are particularly keen to track down ‘success stories’ of the use of social software for capability development within organisations, and in teaching and learning in the VTE sector.

This research project is being funded by the Australian Flexible Learning Framework's Knowledge Sharing Services and Research and Policy Advice Projects.

My Learnscope Journey

It is hard to believe that more than two months have passed since we started this Learnscope Project. After we met in Sydney, I had a number of ideas about what I would like to achieve through the project - some unrealistic considering the limited time that I have. However, what I did learn in such a short period of time was fantastic and invaluable - and I think - will change the way I work, and where I lead our organisation in a substantial way.

As an Artist, I have one-thousand-and-one potential other uses for blogs, fliker & photostory - in both practical and creative ways.

I created a blogspots for Coffs Coast Community College and one Mid North Coast Community Colleges Cluster - and learnt how to create these hyperlinks.

I created two "photostories" and intend to use that new-found skill to acquit an arts grant that Coffs Coast Community College has just finished.

I was mentored by other members of my organisation who have been part of learnscope for some time, and learnt how to use Flicker, upload photos, and create sidebar links to other websites on the blog.

Through Shane, I learnt a lot more about Toolboxes - and will definitely put what we learnt in that session into practice in our VET Program.

Since starting this project, I have used "DiscoverE" with another College for instruction in how to Tender in the DET Training Market.

Through Val and the Learnscope project, I have extended networks and knowledge in a very positive way.

Thanks very much to Val for your patience, leading us through blogs, compued, wikkis and eluminate - and for giving us the opportunity take part in such important and creative professional development. I hope to take part in more, in the years to come.

It has been great to meet and work with Beryl, Ronnie, Tanya, Simon, Elke and Val.

Georgie Faircloth
Coffs Coast Community College

Check out the e-dayz website

I have not been standoffish - just disconnected from the web. On wed sep 20 the server my isp was using in queensland just shut down and closed the doors. It was late wed 27 before I was connected again. Since all my email was tied to the website I could not even access webmail.

I was sorry to miss the last session but had no way of accessing or even letting you know, Val. (didn't think of the old phone, sorry). Trying to keep a business/RTO running with end of month reports due (electronically of course) and student needs on the learning site has been some experience - with no internet.

Then on the 28&29 I was immersed in E-Dayz in Adelaide - two days of more information, technology and networking face to face with people I only normally communicate with electronically because of distance. Most of the presentations will be up on the conference website in the near future - some of the new resources and new ways of using slightly older ones would be worth checking out. http://www.edayz.org/ The program is there to give you some idea of the topics covered - all elearning stuff. I will be recording the highlights for me in my blog (if anyone is interested), over the next few days.

Goodluck with your projects and putting what you have learned into practice over the coming months.

I did learn one thing - I am addicted/dependent on the internet to an extent never thought possible. It was a good reminder.