I’ve been working with the Department of Education Innovation at Pretoria University to design a “Field Guide to Blended Learning, intended to complement the Blended Learning Self-Evaluation app. The app uses eight dimensions (assessment, teaching and learning strategies, learning activities, content, communication, administration, design and support) as a structure for self evaluation. Academics open the …
Author archives: Derek
Course rollover*
Another semester. A new cohort of students. And for many, a re-run through the once “wired”, but now “tired” online course. The overturning of a course is usually seen as a quick copy and paste exercise, a brief interruption (hopefully) and then a return to normal service. A course rollover does not have to herald …
Social Publishers
Mliteracy – Activity Instructions for participants There are several anomalies with children’s published books. These become very clear when English is not the language that is spoken at home. These 10 positions are intended to articulate some of these incongruities. Each position has a statement at different ends of a continuum. You will select statements …
Scanning Gallery
Mlitercy – Activities For the participants In this activity, you will need to download a QR code reader, wander around a gallery of “scan-able” codes that have been posted around the venue, and answer questions in the code scanning worksheet. These questions are based on what you have found on the codes. After watching a …
Reading routes
Mliteracy – Activities Instructions for participants Children’s classics can often be found on the shelves in our libraries. Some are beautifully bound, hardcover books, available on shelves. For many, these classic books are associated with the smell of paper or the rustle of a page being turned. Digital offers opportunities to access certain timeless titles …
Hopes & Fears
Mliteracy – Activities Instructions for participants You are going to articulate your expectations (both positive and negative) about the introduction of mobile phones into the library. Please select two pictures from a bank of “Hopes & Fears Cards” and explain how these images symbolize your hopes and fears with respect to the use of mobile …
Share a Shelfie
Instructions for participants Sharing photographs is a big part of the mobile experience. But transferring photos (or other files) between smartphones can be tricky as it depends on what models and types of smartphones you are using. In this activity, you are going to share your shelfie pictures. The catch is that these shelfies may …
Digital Biography
Instructions for the participant What do you think Google would find about your online self? Does your digital footprint represent you accurately? What does the web say you do? Is the information there beneficial or a potential drawback for your professional status? If you are found online, is your online presence accurate and up to …
Course production workflow
The escalator workflow I’m comfortable using the escalator metaphor to picture the e-learning course production journey. From planning to evaluation, this moving stairway moves a course development team from start to finish between floors using a gentle set of hydraulic steps. I’m the handrail, keeping the team riding safely riding along their vertical journey. Descent …
Participants Pledge
Instructions for participants We, who are running the event, pledge to provide a meaningful experience for all participants. We will Identify and address barriers that might affect meaningful use of mobile devices Co-create a curriculum that will equip participants with skills and meet their expectations Freely share and distribute the toolkit as creative commons resources …