Rick's Café Canadien

CIDER session, Dec. 7, on project management for e-learning

Richard Schwier — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:05:08 +0000

We invite you to the next presentation in our fall series of free online CIDER sessions. This session features a presentation and discussion with Dr. Beverly Pasian from the University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht.

*Please note that this session will be at a special time: 9:00am MST.

Title: Project management process and practices for your e-learning efforts

Universities represent an organizational model on their own unique path toward project management maturity. Over the last decade, they have embraced project management practices in an attempt to apply a greater degree of planning and coordination to teaching and learning strategies. The management of e-Learning projects has been directly affected by such developments. This presentation will share findings and specifically identify project management processes and practices that will resonate with and enable participants to reconsider their own approach to managing e-Learning projects.

When: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 – 9am to 10am Mountain Time (Canada

*Local times for the CIDER sessions are provided on our website: http://cider.athabascau.ca/CIDERSessions/

Where: The CIDER sessions have moved to Adobe Connect! To join this session go to:https://connect.athabascau.ca/cider/

Pre-Configuration:
Please note that it is extremely important that you get your system set up prior to the start of the event. Make sure your Mac or PC is equipped with a microphone and speakers, so that you can use the audio functionality built into the web conferencing software. Also, the Adobe Connect platform may require an update to your Adobe Flash Player. Allow time for this update by joining the session 20 minutes prior to the scheduled presentation start time.

Edtech Posse invades #ds106 radio space

Richard Schwier — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 02:49:52 +0000

It was inevitable. Sooner or later the posse would be invited or would just ride intto #ds106 radio space (ds106– for life).

And I missed it.

But I won’t miss the recording and I hope you won’t either. Here are the show notes, and here is the recording of the session.

And by the way, if you don’t follow #ds106 radio, you really should. It’s all about inventing new ways to create communication energy. As Alan Levine (aka CogDog) once said, “It’s not about playing the radio; it’s about playing WITH the radio.”

Come and listen to the posse play with the radio. Next time, gang, I’m in.

Murmuration and transient, beautiful learning

Richard Schwier — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:30:53 +0000

My good friend Ron Marken told me to do a search on “murmuration” and “vimeo” this morning. When Ron says something is good, I jump to it, and I have never been disappointed. This little video by Sophie Windsor Clive is breathtaking. She was not only incredibly lucky to fall into this event with a camera rolling, but she does one of the best jobs of steady-cam in a canoe I’ve ever seen.

But more importantly, the content is exhilarating. A murmur of starlings is not just an environment where mathematicians can discuss chaos theory, it is a flat out gorgeous display of nature. And it is a wonderful metaphor for learning. It reminds me so much of what great learning can be — social, poetic, graceful, surprising. And fleeting–oh so fleeting. We often talk about the durability of learning, as if learning needs to endure for it to matter.

Maybe not. Maybe those brief encounters with new learning, those times when we sweep around together as we chase an idea, only to forget it in a day, week, or month, are important. Maybe that kind of learning matters too–maybe more. Maybe a lot of meaning and joy in learning happens while we are flying wing-to-wing, building fresh and temporary patterns. What’s so bad about that?

SALT Jobs Update

Richard Schwier — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:09:41 +0000

Listed below are the most recent Job Postings that have been added to the SALT^® Web Site (http://www.salt.org/).

1. Instructional Technologist

East Lansing, Michigan

Virtual University Design and Technology at Michigan State University has openings for two instructional technologist positions. Work with faculty, university clients and the vuDAT team to consult, develop and produce complete web-based courseware for online and blended offerings at MSU.

2. Life Support Simulation & Course Specialist

Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Manage pediatric simulators; coordinate simulation-based education, life support courses; manage inventory, simulators, medical equipment; plan, develop, evaluate live & electronic courses (seminars, Webcasts). Coordinate CME credit process; manage daily systems operations for Neonatal Resuscitation Program online exams. BS/BA degree in education, public health, nursing or allied health, & 3-5 yrs program coord or CME. Understand anatomy/physiology & medical/clinical practice reqrd. Previous exp w/ simulation methods & databases desirable.

3. LMS Analyst

Annapolis, Maryland

BOMI International seeking a Learning Management System (LMS) Analyst to join Education Dept. on part-time basis. Requirements are to set up and close out courses on semester basis; support courses, students, and instructors; document processes and manage reports; and perform other duties as assigned. Please send resume and salary requirements to jobs@bomi.org or FAX to 410-974-0544.

4. Evaluation and Accountability Coordinator

Greensboro, North Carolina

Coordinate and assist Extension faculty and SAES researchers in the development and implementation of evaluation strategies, assessment measures and instruments to determine the impact of educational programs and research projects. Develop impact and accountability reports for internal and external partners, stakeholders and, other constituencies. Develop and implement in-service training opportunities to enhance the proficiency of Extension faculty and SAES researchers in designing and implementing appropriate evaluation strategies and compiling accountability reports.

PD opportunities for graduate students at the U of S

Richard Schwier — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:31:54 +0000

If you’re a graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan, read on. Sorry, but these opportunities are restricted to students in programs at the U of S.

The following opportunities are currently open to graduate students interested in developing professional skills, or acquiring instructional skills:

GSR984: Thinking Critically: Professional Skills for Global Citizens

Disciplinary excellence is necessary for future success, but is it sufficient? Many granting agencies and professional societies now recognize that graduate students will fail to achieve their potential if they do not recognize the role of broader professional skills in their careers.

To address this concern the CGSR offers a free multidisciplinary discussion-based course that is a unique opportunity to explore different aspects of professional skills. In each weekly 21Ž2 hour session, a different facilitator will lead discussions on ideas and issues that involve such topics as critical thinking; teamwork and leadership; the effect of personality, language, culture and mindsets on our actions and thinking; intellectual property issues, etc.

To assist you in understanding how this course could be useful for you, we invite you to view a 6-min video in which previous students who completed the course talk about their experiences and the transformative nature of the experience. This video, a timetable of topics, and complete course details can be found at http://www.usask.ca/gmcte/courses/gsr-984-thinking-critically-professional-skills-global-citizens

The course runs on Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30 p.m., starting Jan. 11, 2012. Registration is limited so if you are interested you should register ASAP through PAWS, under Graduate Studies (GSR) courses, CRN 27290.

If you have any questions please contact us by e-mail

Richard Cassidy richardmcassidy@gmail.com

John Thompson jontom@sasktel.net

Instructional Skills for Graduate Students

The Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching Effectiveness is offering this non-credit course free to graduate students with no prior teaching experience. It will introduce them to basic pedagogical concepts and practices, and help them develop practical skills related to lesson planning, assessment, etc. Participants will also have the opportunity to put what they learn into practice by teaching 5-minute micro-lessons.

Classes run every Wednesday, from Jan. 25 to April 4, from 2-4:30 p.m. (2-5 p.m. on micro-lesson days). Participants must commit to attending and participating in each class.

Space is limited so register early if you are interested. To apply for a space, fill out the Application Form, http://www.usask.ca/gmcte/courses/instructionalskills under the Application Process tab, and submit it to: The Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching Effectiveness, Attn. Tereigh Ewert-Bauer, 50 Murray Building, 3 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A4.

Inquiries may be directed to Tereigh Ewert-Bauer by email (tereigh.ewert-bauer@usask.ca) or phone (306) 966-6321.

Clayton R. Wright’s update to “Educational Technology and Education Conferences – 2012″

Richard Schwier — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:54:17 +0000

It is always a happy day in my inbox when Dr. Clayton R. Wright sends his “Educational Technology and Education Conferences” update. This list covers January to June, 2012. I recommend you do as I do: download it and put the information in a handy place.

Thanks once again to Clayton for this amazing service to the field! One of these days, Clayton, we’re going to have to meet up again at one of these conferences. I think I owe you a meal!

Educational Technology position, University of Calgary

Richard Schwier — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:14:15 +0000

Here’s a terrific opportunity for the right person. Excellent program and terrific people to work with.

Position Description

The Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary, invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor with research expertise and innovative teaching experience in the area of Educational Technology. This appointment will commence July 1, 2012, or at a mutually agreeable date.

The Faculty of Education seeks an Educational Technology leader in research and design of innovative technology enabled engaged learning environments for diverse contexts. We seek candidates with the qualifications and experience to contribute to our research and professional graduate programs in Educational Technology, as well as teach and lead through innovative, technology enabled practices in our B.Ed. program. The candidate will have expertise in theories, technologies, and design practices associated with Educational Technology and/or Instructional Design, or another discipline related to learning technologies.

Applicants must have a doctorate in Educational Technology, a strong beginning or established research and publication record, and teaching capabilities in theoretical and practical areas relating to eLearning and participatory cultures. Innovative teaching in K-12 and/or post-secondary contexts, experience with mobile, blended and online learning environments using a variety of technologies, and a demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively is expected. Preference will be given to candidates with successful experience designing and studying effective learning experiences and environments for a variety of settings and contexts. Diverse experience in the design, development and integration of effective technology enabled, knowledge building and learning environments is strongly desired. Experience studying and using a range of technologies to facilitate teaching, learning and leadership is essential.

Applicants are invited to submit a curriculum vitae, a statement outlining your program of research and post-secondary teaching experience, a brief description of contributions to the field of educational technology, reprints of two (2) representative academic publications, and the names of and contact information for three referees.

Information about programs and research in the Faculty of Education in general can be found at our website http://educ.ucalgary.ca, and information specific to Educational Technology programs can be found at http://ucalgary.ca/gpe/edtechemploymentposting.

Applications should be sent via email in a pdf format and addressed to:

Dr. Dennis Sumara, Dean
Faculty of Education
University of Calgary
13th Floor, Education Tower
2500 University Drive N.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T2N 1N4
Email: ksieben@ucalgary.ca

Consideration of applications will begin February 1, 2012 and will continue until the positions are filled.

ConnectEd Canada 2012

Richard Schwier — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:56:35 +0000

ConnectEd Canada 2012 Conference

How is it I didn’t see this earlier? I really do try to stay connected in a lot of ways, but seem to fail in the most curious ways. Anyway, this conference looks great, not just given the topic, but for its potential to bring together a lot of people who really should talk with each other. And the format is built to make that happen. I love that you submit conversations, not papers. Hope to see you there. Here is some text from the conference homepage.

_______________________

Welcome to the ConnectEd Canada Conference official site! We are looking forward to hosting our first National conference to invite innovative teachers, students, and parents to share innovative practices that are happening all around Canada. At this conference, there will be more than just presentations, but conversations on how we can continue to move forward as educators. As we want to focus on keeping conference costs extremely low, it is imperative that YOU are ready to bring your best ideas and share them. The conference is totally participant driven and submissions for conversations will be open on October 15.

Here are some key dates for the upcoming conference:

October 28, 2011 – Call for proposals open.

December 8, 2011 – Proposal deadline closes.

December 22, 2011 – Participants will be notified if proposals are accepted.

December 22, 2011 – Opening for registration.

May 25-27, 2012 – ConnectEd Canada Conference 2012 held at Calgary Science School, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

As more details become available, we will share them on this website, and through the #ConnectedCA hashtag.

Looking forward to seeing you May 2012 in Calgary, Alberta!

ID position at SIAST Kelsey Campus (Saskatoon)

Richard Schwier — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:59:15 +0000

Thanks to Heather Ross for passing this along.

Instructional Designer – Online/Multimedia SIAST Kelsey Campus – Saskatoon Full-time

Full posting at http://www.siast.sk.ca/careers/opportunities/pdfs/KC-1112-198%20Instructional%20Designer%20Online%20Multimedia.pdf

The primary responsibility for the position is to apply principles of instructional design in the creation of online course materials. The position will analyze content and identify appropriate instructional media, design learning activities, develop interactive components, create and construct content in an online environment. The successful applicant will support all phases of integrating instructional technology into the teaching and learning process.

Your role as a full-time instructor at SIAST will be supported through instructional materials, on-going employer provided training, and our requisite faculty certificate program. This initiative will develop our instructors professionally while ensuring a high quality learning experience for all SIAST students.

DUTIES

1. Develop online learning student and instructor resource materials; design effective instructional strategies and technology-based resources.

2. Create effective learning designs for online delivery of synchronous and asynchronous courses. 3. Facilitate the adaptation of course materials to asynchronous Web-based environment and assist in setting priorities for projects and

activities. 4. Design and create pedagogically sound course materials that require the integration of technology with instruction in online environments

including multimedia authoring tools, FlashTM, PhotoshopTM, streaming media, audio/video technologies and other related software. 5. Assist in the analysis of learning goals, learners, and learning context for course design and evaluation. 6. Participate in the production of course materials that require the integration of technology with instruction including Web development, multimedia authoring tools, streaming media audio/video technologies and ensuring appropriate evaluation methods are included. 7. Participate in establishing course development schedules. 8. Employ effective time management strategies while working on multiple course development projects simultaneously. 9. Integrate all course elements and provide attention to detail and quality assurance in the development of electronic course materials. 10. Assist and advise faculty in defining appropriate instructional strategies & philosophies in the preparation of courses and course redesign. 11. Provide knowledge and skills in instructional design, assessment, adult learning theories, instructional principles and practice. 12. Analyze existing instructional materials to identify potential areas for design modification using new technologies. 13. Conduct education/training analyses; develop assessment and evaluation strategies and tools. 14. Contribute to the evaluation of emerging Web technologies and tools. 15. Work collaboratively with Learning Technologies staff and distributed teams to develop/promote a variety of support services. 16. Lead development teams in the design of effective WBT instructional strategies in collaboration with content specialists and technical support. 17. Other duties as assigned.

Connections and Contexts – Elearn 2011 slides

Richard Schwier — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 23:45:15 +0000

Connections and Contexts: The Birth, Growth and Death of Online Learning Communities

Here are my slides from a keynote presentation to E-Learn 2011 yesterday. Sorry the presentation wasn’t streamed, and I hit the wrong button on my recorder in the darkness at the front of the hall, so I don’t even have a recording. Wish you could have been with us in person. Honolulu is absolutely gorgeous, and we’re off to a luau tonight.

Connections and Contexts: The Birth, Growth and Death of Online Learning Communities

View more presentations from Richard Schwier

Much of what we understand about the notion of online learning communities and how they develop, grow, and die away is based on examinations of formal online learning environments— primarily post-secondary courses managed by institutions of higher learning. As effective as formal environments may be, paying exclusive attention to them limits our understanding of the nature of social learning. Informal learning environments, by contrast, can tell us a great deal about how people learn together in natural settings, and can teach us a great deal about what happens when the authority for learning is entrusted to learners. This presentation considers what we have learned about learning communities in formal and informal online environments and speculates about what is at the heart of how learners make use of social interaction for the purpose of learning.