Workshop introductions

Working with my colleague Rob Stillwell (Senior Learning Technologist), we have produced a series of introductory videos for ASTI (Academic Support Technology and Innovation) workshops that have been developed by the team.  These are very short around ~1 minute just to give a taster of what can be expected. These now appear, embedded within the workshop pages, as an example please feel free to visit the More with Moodle workshop page.  This workshop provides advance pedagogic benefits of using Moodle. The video also appears on internal Moodle course pages related to those workshops.

These were filmed using DSLRs, external sound recorder and LED lighting.

Introduction to DSLR: a workshop to train the Learning Technologist

I have been working hard putting together a selection of photographic/video equipment for the learning technologists to help demonstrate effective use of technologies to staff. The idea was to empower them to create their own videos for workshops and demonstrations of other learning technologies.  This has culminated in the creation of a workshop to train my colleagues in the art of the possible. Thought I would share the plan of a very fun session :)
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Timings and learning outcomes for DSLR show and train for LTs

10:00 Technical introduction to the equipment.

10:15 Demonstration of the following (This includes using the Zoom MP3 recorder):

1. Face to camera interview.
2. Interviewer and interviewee scenario.
3. Still photograph (head and shoulders).

10:45 Breakout groups of ~6:

1. One group remains in classroom.
2. The other group goes elsewhere.

11:15 Breakout group return to classroom and discusses experiences with others.

11:30 Pack away equipment and ready for staff Christmas meal.

Learning outcomes

• Understand how to handle both camera and MP3 recorder for basic operation.
• Photograph a subject (person).
• Use the camera for an interview.
• Use the MP3 for an interview.

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Much thanks to Ed Bremner (Learning Technologist) who helped co-run and develop this session, with his excellent knowledge and experience of video and stills photography.

Become a Digital Guru (promotional poster)

A poster I created using InDesign 5.5 for ASTI. Aimed at Plymouth University staff, the poster is being used to promote/advertise a few of the new workshops available to train staff. All available workshops can be found here: http://technologyenhancedlearning.net/workshops/

Publication: Video for Teaching and Learning

Just completed, published and printed an ASTI (Academic Support, Technology and Innovation) guide I have been working on to help Plymouth University staff get started in the use of video for teaching and learning.  I've been using video since my early teens and was very pleased to be able to share some of this knowledge while writing this guide.

This 4 pager takes the reader through the stages of video production, pitfalls and includes tips on how to get the best out of their videos. The photos in this publication were taken by me and include an image of Prof Iain Stewart (Geology) with his students on field location, the laboratory photographs are of some equipment used by Dr Roy Lowry (Chemistry) in his own productions for a range of video podcasts that he uses for pre-laboratory work with his students. I was very pleased to have been a supporting member of staff for Roy as part of his Teaching Fellowship. Thank you to Flea Palmer for letting me also use a picture of her on the front cover!

This guide is also used to complement a hands on video workshop run by the learning technologist.

Are Learning Technologists also project managers?

I attended a really quite excellent project management workshop today on the Plymouth campus courtesy of JISC RSC South West. Hosted by John Burke (JISC InfoNET Senior Adviser) and Clive Alderson (Management Consultant for JISC InfoNET). For those that are interested, further details of the InfoKits that JISC provide are available here, the website lists all the core elements of project management, and includes some handy software - free to download.

As many learning technologists will agree, a great deal of our time is taken up in managing multiple projects, sometimes across different faculties, schools and many clients (internal and external), so I was eager to glean any hints and tips to refine this process. This was just a one day workshop, however it did take us through Risk Management, Change Management and Time Management to some degree, with all the pitfall that come with those.
I also found the presenters very willing to share their own experiences of project management, making if far easier for us to relate to our own. As the day progressed, it was particularly encouraging to see just how important project management skills are for learning technologists (LTs) and how often we utilise these skills in our day to day work, probably without realising it! "Ah yes! I know what you mean" popped into my head on many an occasion plus the odd "I think Ill use that method from now on...".

What stood out for me the most was that a good project manager needs to be flexible/adaptable in both communication style and dealing with people. In fact, it was suggested that a person starting the project needed to take on a more dynamic role in the planning, managing and controlling stage as these stages need a different approach - keep the momentum going, so to speak. I think something that most LTs need to achieve on a day to day basis. Poor communication with all parties and not dealing with the potential 'Saboteurs' the chances are the project will fail... ...try to keep as many people informed and on board as possible an you may find the ride less choppy.