Tablet Project

The new Tablet project has now been launched. This is a follow on from the recent success of the Mobile Technologies Project which partly explored the use of Mobile Technologies in Work based learning. For this project we have engaged other Learning Providers who will work with the a variety of tablets. The Learning providers will provide the opportunity to evaluate a number of sizes, specifications, and models. Learning providers will be able to loan a set of five different devices for a period of six weeks.All the applications have been suspended due to the number of applicants however you can view the Wiki if you wish to keep up to date with the results and the pros and cons of each of the devices this can be found at http://bit.ly/nfjw3U

RSC Assisit

JISC Regional Support Centre West Midlands is giving learning providers the opportunity to apply for free, extended support in an area of their choice, through the RSC Assist project. What are the benefits?RSC Assist enables you to work with a member of the RSC team for up to a day in planning your project and benefiting from advice and expertise, as well as a limited amount of training, if applicable. You retain control of the task in hand, but will be able to call on the support of your nominated advisor throughout.
On completion, you will work with your RSC e-learning advisor to produce a brief case study or best practice guide, which outlines the outcomes and any lessons learned, for the benefit of other learning providers.
Choosing your projectThe project should be a priority for your organisation and be achievable within a 3 month period, with a measurable, tangible outcome. Applications will be assessed against their relevance to the RSC remit, wider interest in the topic and available RSC staff expertise.
The priority support areas for 2011/12 are:
- E-safety- Learner Voice- Technology for Learning- Business Processes- Network Management- Shared Services- Staff Development - Strategic Development- Digital Literacy- Procurement
How to applyIf you’d like to take part in the RSC Assist project, please complete the application form, which is available online at: http://bit.ly/o0LKytYou can also discuss your project idea with a member of the RSC team, prior to applying – please get in touch.
Once your application has been submitted, we will contact you with a decision, based on current workload and the suitability of the topic for the project.

Try Before You Buy

The JISC Regional Support Center has for the past twelve months trailed a scheme called" Try Before You Buy".This is a selection of technology that can be used with learners with learning difficulties. The kit bags are essentially loaned to the learning providers for up to six weeks. Each learning provider at the end of the loan completes a survey evaluating the equipment and it's suitability for learners with learning difficulties.
The results from the survey have been surprising and make interesting reading. The results can be found at the RSC Wiki the survey highlights that the equipment in the most has been used in the classroom environment. The tutors identify the pedagogical uses of the equipment and the types of challenges that the learners face before using the equipment.

If you would like to take part in the Ty Before You Buy Scheme then please contact me on a.wootton@rsc-wm.ac.uk.

Take Away Moodle for Teacher Training

Take Away Moodle, this is new concept from the RSC. We are looking to support Teacher Trainers across all sectors with the use of Moodle.

We have a Take Away Moodle course which you can upload into your own Moodle site and deliver as if it it were your own course. You don't have to have any prior knowledge just the enthusiasm to become familiar with the tools. The course is divided into six sections, the content is varied and includes web links,videos, quizzes. It will also engage you in activities such as forums, chat and setting up a glossary. All of the content is intended to be flexible for you to add your own and adaptable as you are welcome to customise this to suit you as a Learning Provider.

You are welcome to email me for further details and how you can Take Away Moodle. a.wootton@rsc-wm.ac.uk

Teachers TV

There seems to be a sliver lining for Teachers TV which has over 3500 videos for teaching professionals. The Company closed in April this year however not to be put off by the governments cuts the company reformed under the name of Teachers Media. There are subject specific videos and behavioural videos. The majority are intended for schools however you could adapt the content for further education. In the times that we live in managing behaviour can be difficult teachersmaedia has a set of Behavioural Videos which offer excellent strategies to coping with the difficult lessons .

Take a look at http://www.teachers.media.co.uk/

RSC West Midlands - Events: Learner Centred Process Review

JISC Info Net will be delivering another of their successful workshops on Learner Centered Process Review on the 15 Th June at Science Park in Wolverhampton. If you are introducing change or re structuring then this may guide you through the potential pit falls. : "This workshop will be an interactive day aiming to give participants an introduction to, or raised levels of knowledge of, a variety of process review considerations, techniques and tools. At the end of the workshop delegates will be able to use a variety of simple and rapid approaches to improve processes for the benefit of their learners."

If you would like to take part in the day please register through our website on the link below

RSC West Midlands - Events: Learner Centred Process Review