I’ve been in too many LMS workshops, where the trainer has made too many assumptions . Where they have worked hard on a slideshow, filled it with annotated screen shots, and thought that this will explain the interface. That a sequence of numbered instructions laid out with specific actions will be sufficient to enable use.
I’m worried about the standard of training. About the unintended disrespect. I prefer to begin my focus on understanding the people and the environment wherein the technology will be used. To let them see the a wider picture, the obvious and latent possibilities and for hem to work out how they might apply these resources available to them within their circumstances.
#Tips4Sakai is set around four vignettes that off contrasting perspectives on the Sakai platform and the people who use it. These scenarios offer a launching spot to explore the many different ways that people might respond to and use Sakai.
- The course participant
- The subject matter expert / content developer,
- The Sakai administrator
- The instructional designer
The workshop is intended to help participants see opportunities for action and practically see how Sakai could add value to each of these participants by presenting them small real world scenarios. The workshop is then structured around these characters and the activities that might want to accomplish as they perform their roles. The workshop offer participants a a hands-on experience of Sakai and participants learn to see the utility of features within the learning management system (LMS) and their potential use motivates them to learn how to use the features to either compliment their course or perhaps and enhance certain practices.
I’m hoping that the end result will be a set of participants who:
- Can see how certain tools and technologies available on Sakai might be used more effectively.
- Can notice other user’s perceive about Sakai, and see how it may be used for course administration, communication, collaboration and assessment purposes.
- Can list the specific benefits and challenges facing a particular user group who make use of Sakai, and address these issues
- Can share their own practices/pedagogies with others in the workshop and contribute towards a community committed towards improving the online learning experience.
- Can feel more confident when approaching Sakai with an all round perspective.
Participants will leave the workshop equipped with a range of #Tips4Sakai
The #Tips4Sakai booklet is licensed under a Creative Commons By Attribution License.