Here's a link to a thought provoking article on ROI:
[Click to view link]
It quotes Robert Brinkerhoff who has written extensively on the impact of training from the HRD perspective....
You may recall the impact of the training event figures? Only 7% of impact / transfer of learning occurs as a result of the training (classroom) session!

Here's a link to another useful piece of work on planning & evaluation from Brinkerhoff:
[Click to view link]

I will be attending a conference at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense 20 - 23 September, 2006.
If you want to follow my exploits - follow my main blog: [Click to view link]
or my Flickr photos
[Click to view link]

ABB

For those who attended the LTUG webinar on e-Learning Pathways for Professionals presented by Jean Clendinning - can find the documents referred to in the webinar in my Files section - in the e-Learning Professionals folder!

Here's an article from Chief Learning Officer - New Communication Strategies Offer Old World Results
It may be of interest as we work through our plans for integrating e-Learning into the business!
Here's an excerpt:
"Communication for the modern business is like air for the human body, and learning organizations inside today’s modern businesses have to contend with a variety of challenges. These include communicating across global business lines, evaluating the best delivery methods and creating influential learning activities that meet identified business strategies as well as personal and professional career development objectives for key talent in the workforce. No matter which task CLOs set for themselves and their direct reports, there will be some element of communication required, and the more effective the communication, the higher the potential for learning success.

Dianna Booher, president and CEO, Booher Consultants Inc., has done research on the ins and outs of business communication and has established 10 Cs of communication or strategies to communicate more effectively and purposefully. If you’re having problems, ask yourself if communication in your learning organization is: correct? complete? current? clear? purposefully un-clear? credible? concerned? competent? circular? If not, your work might be harder than it needs to be, and a communication overhaul might be in order."

Not really rocket science - and not really anything new...but there's a couple of clear messages about how you article your plans.
To read the entire article, click on the hyperlink above!

I'm currently attending a 2 day Education Faculty research conference....
There's been some interesting debate drifting around the corridors - what makes good educational research?
hmmmm - research that adds value to the practice of education?
Research that expands the body of knowledge about how people learn?

The afternoon workshop on "Supervision - from both sides" - facilitated by Clive Chappell and Dave Boud - was very thought provoking about the role of the supervisor in research contexts - and the responsbility of the students/candidates...more on that later!

"It's what we think we know that keeps us from learning"
Claude Bernard

The Orientation sessions for the start of the Diploma of e-Learning kicked off today - watch out for a new bunch of e-Portfolios emerging over the next week or so!

Next week is the return of semester and start of the new academic year - that means lots of activities and exciting things happening!

See you online! :-)

All the 1st year students should now have completed the set-up of their e-Portfolios. It might be the end of a subject and end of a semester, but it's just the start of the e-Portfolio development.

Over the semester break this ELGG installation will be upgraded - so if you notice the layout/look alters slightly - we've just done an upgrade - that means more goodies!

In the meantime - enjoy working in this space - see you next semester!

Within my "Personal Reflections" folder its got a whole bunch of different mediums i own on different formats of some of my interests / hobbies.

Here are direct links to some samples:


MUSIC - Guitar riff i did
VIDEO - Green Day gig recording

TEMPLATE COLOUR-

1. Go to 'Templates'.

2. Go to 'Create template'.

3. Select original template to base yours on, and name it.

4. Select 'edit' on your new template.

5. Go to the second window 'stylesheet'. all the six digit numbers in a row are the colour codes. just chnage them to your own colours, which you can find the coding for in search engines. For example:
Black = #000000
Silver = #COCOCO

6. Click 'Save' at base of screen'

..hope it works!

HYPERLINKING-

1. Add
a href="insert website URL"
at the end of your post.

2. Insert the website address in between the two commas.

3. Add < and > symbols around that whole code.

4. Leave one space at the end of the code (> ), then tyoe the name of the hyperlink.

5. Post

..good luck!

it's in my uniwork folder/e-portfolio/
click here!!
e-portfolio Information Architecture

E-portfolio has been such a contrast to any subject I have taken up before. I didn’t pick up a pen the whole time! I would of never thought you could run a whole class on just computers alone, and at first I didn’t think it had any chance of working, or more importantly, personally feeling comfortable with the learning approach.

The hardest challenge of the subject hit on day one when I was faced with Mac computers. I’ve always disliked them and have been quite inferior to them. The teachers kept telling me to be patient and as time went on my issues with its operating system elevated somewhat.

It became clear by the third week that the subject had one main goal: the creation of our own personal e-portfolio. I soon learnt that e-portfolios were more or less digital diaries of one’s interests and experiences. I didn’t quite understand what I was meant to include in this, but the point was exactly the fact that it was personal, and it was mine, and that was completely my decision.

The use of online Modules throughout the course was of undisputed aid. Whenever I seemed to have an issue with something I could usually get back on track with the accompanied outlines. This allowed for direction and organisation, something i can’t do without.

The teachers introduced us to new technology mediums, such as the pod cast, something I’ve never heard of before. We were also referred to websites that allowed u to manage website bookmarks (del.icio.us), and photos (Flickr). At first I didn’t see these as effective tools but now I use my Flickr account regularly.

We were finally introduced to the ELGG program, in which we were to create our e-portfolios. Anne did a great job at maintaining a system that was above all user-friendly. The set out of the site, and the accompanying tutorials really helped me out and allowed me to apply myself better than I thought I would in terms of the final product.

Generally, the teaching style was different too. On many occasions it felt like I was getting thrown in the “deep end”, and getting thrown too much information at once. It was frustrating in the first few weeks, but toward the end I really adapted my learning approach in a way that catered for much more self-responsibility and an open minded focus.

I think this is a really brave subject to teach because it deals with so many new concepts, and in many ways takes you out of your comfort zone in terms of education; for example, I was used to writing down blackboard notes for starters. I’ve not only learnt more technical applications of information, such as using new computer hardware / software, but more importantly broadened my understanding of myself. E-Portfolio dealt with much of my own reflection, especially my learning experiences and future career goals. I therefore truly believe I know a bit more about myself, and my potential to learn new things.

…A sometimes difficult, but enjoyable and memorable experience.

E-Portfolio work samples:
My Information Architecture
My Mock-up E-portfolio design

E-portfolio is the most interesting subject in this semester. Because it relate to the Internet, and support by computer, which not boring like just read the textbook. And also for myself I have never own an e-portfolio or web log space on the Internet before, through this subject I knew I can share all my stuff with my friends and other people on Internet.
I still remember in the first class of this subject, I can’t understand what is e-portfolio and what’s it exist for. And I think all the classmates are same as me, and really confuse of what this subject for in our course. But now I not just know it, and even I have two e-portfolios on the Internet.
There are many different types of portfolios. Such as student e-portfolios, teaching e-portfolios, and institutional e-portfolios. What I learn is before an e-portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that exhibits the student’s efforts, progress and achievements in one or more areas. The collection must include: student participation in selecting contents the criteria for selection the criteria for judging merit evidence of student self-reflection. And now for a student e-portfolio u also can put some personal things, such as habits, interesting, favorites, such as links, stories, article and quotations from other website and also can put the self photos on it.
For mention we can put photos in our e-portfolio, we also learned some information about websites. First is a website called “Flickr”, it’s a photo e-portfolio; people can share their photos with others. (eg. Traveling photos, photos with friends, family, etc.)
And another website called “delicious”, people can put all his/her favorite links or personal links in their portfolios.
Now this e-portfolio is including:
1. My previous work: high school work, and assignment and any other work in the uni.
2. My personal detail: self background, education, part-time job experience, habits and interests.
3. My photos include: self photos, and photo in high school graduate party
4. My favorites: such as music, book, movie, stars
5. The link of the other website which has some information or interesting things I want to share.
6. Reflection: The journal article and my stories and some message for my friends and feedback of other people who read my e-portfolio

I have another e-portfolio on MSN, It’s Chinese one, because I come from China, and most of my beautiful memory was in my hometown with my family, my primary school, middle school and high school classmates, so I use the knowledge what I learn from this subject to built a Chinese e-portfolio to share my reflection and photos and other things with them to keep in touch with them.


e-portfolio exeprience

ANALSYING ORGANSTIONAL LEARNING NEEDS
This subject concerned the knowledge and skills needed to analsye the learning needs of individuals, groups and organsations. There was a high use of case studies and class discussion. I think this was a good learning experience because it gave you a good opportunity to learn amongst the ideas of classmates. We completed a group presentation (High Distinction!!), where we had to solve the assess solutions for a companies learning needs, and I took a number of learning tools out of this group work.

AOLN work samples:
AGRIT Group powerpoint
Training Needs Analysis speech


E-PORTFOLIO
(See separate post)

LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
This subject discussed the notions of identity, culture and communication. It practiced these terms casually and formally, whether we would adopt it too the workplace or just at home. To be honest, I didn’t overly enjoy this subject because it felt somewhat unrelated to the career path of the degree I am currently intending. The early morning classes weren’t anything to smile about either.

LCC work samples:
Identity essay
Text / Event analysis ("The Simpsons")


MANAGEMNT KNOWLEDGE
Once again the business subject was my thing. This subject determined the notions of knowledge focused business strategies, where there is high emphasis on how people resources adapt knowledge and information to each other. I found it relatable and extensive. The final group presentations which ran for 30minutes each involved a lot of effort and time. We had to explain technology focused and people focused company strategies to the class in a way which wasn’t so boring, which proved challenging but well worth the experience.

KM work samples:
KM case study interview
Boeing final Report

ADULT LEARNING AND WORK
This subject analyzed alternative learning theories of adult learning in the workplace. It was interesting to learn about all the differing approaches, and I too found out that I had a very Cognitive style of learning. I realised it was important to first understand why and how we learn before we actually take on information.

ALW work samples:
Diversity in the Workplace task
Behaviorist VS Cognitive (learning theories)


HRD IN ORGANSATIONS
This subject introduced us into human resource development. I learnt information about what HRD practitioners do in their fields of work, and I listened carefully because that might be me one day. One assessment involved us preparing a class tutorial which was quite enjoyable because you became the teacher, and you’re approach was completely up to you.

HRD work samples:
Training topic info (for My Tutorial)
HRD Practitioners essay


MANAGING PEOPLE AND ORGANSATIONS
The one business subject of the semester proved typically different to the others. It focuses on the fundamental principles of management and organsational behaviour. There was a much bigger emphasis on textbooks and lectures. Concepts seemed a bit harder to grasp as there was more content but I must say I’ve come to enjoy the business subjects above the Education ones, simply because I have a very business driven mind.

MPO work samples:
MPO Revision lecture powerpoint
Communication essay


WORK AND PEOPLE
Defiantly my favourite subject of the semester! It covered labour force and employment information in Australia. Not so much for the subject itself, but the way it was taught. Our teacher was really wise on the subject area, and he had a lot to offer. We would complete weekly online quizzes on what was delivered in class, and this was such a good idea because it forced you to keep up to date and orgainsed in the subject.

W&P work samples:
Occupation essay (Accounting)
Quiz 5 Results
Quiz 7 Results

I was accepted into BA in Orgainstaional Learning at the start of the year. This degree entails the concepts of human resources, learning approaches, and generally the physiology of the business world (the people side of business!). At first I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into, but I would soon find out. I must say I was probably using this as a “back-door” entry into B Business which was just so hard to get into marks wise.

The UTS environment has its pros and cons. It is much more academically focused, in terms of balancing it with its social side, when comparing it with other universities. I actually think this is a really good thing, because I am a strong believer that uni’s need to be academically focused in order for students to get the most out of their career paths. The place could do with more beer taps, but I like the fact that it doesn’t try to be “cool” like USYD and UNSW.

Most of the classrooms are really mundane, which might take a bit away from productive learning but oh well. The building set outs r real good though when you’re lazy like me; a lot more elevators and a lot less footy fields to run past when your running late!

So far I have found teachers of a high standard of professionalism. Many are genuinely willing to teach you all that they know in their expertise areas, and you can’t ask for much more. The assessment procedures are really comforting too. I like that my degree is assignment focused, rather than examinations. It has come to the point where I am liking the degree and am quite willing to stay and see what it has to offer now because all is well so far…

More information on my degree content can be found at:

BA in ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING (UTS Handbook)

Not so long ago web logs, or blogs, seemed to belong to the kind of people who were imaging them to be self- obsessed, over- enthusiastic people who had found a new way to inflict their perception from trivia to the matters that concerned of the world. Or weirdos who would do anything, such as document the life of their pet, or lover. Still I was felt amazed about the rise of blogging. The blogosphere has grown out of its adolescence and put on a fabulous pair of heels, developed a political conscience and online learning environment.

I began to write my personal blog half years ago in the MSN space. Actually I am forced by my friends to start to write the personal blog, because I always disappeared or busy on the web, friends cannot find me easily. Despite the action of writing msn space was unwilling at the beginning; I started to enjoy blogging recently. The blog was no longer merely ‘online journal’ for me, and can take almost any form. It really opened my mind and my world by viewing different people’s blog on the web. Now writing blog already became one of my habits. However, publishing blogs and editing E-portfolio was a little bit different from writing the blog on the MSN space.

From learning how to use Flickr, Del.icio.us different types of online portfolio tools I was experiencing the unique functions that these free web server for developing my e-portfolio. I noticed the processed of writing the e-portfolio was not merely relied on one site. There were some other sites and tools assisted this process as well. While I was using these tools, I could always easily access to other people’s link to view their selection of sites. For example, the sites that I added in the Del. icio. us account as shown commonly with other people’s. And when I clicked on these peoples’ del.icio.us favourite I would have more relative information regarding to the same topic. This tools certainly easier the process for learners to reach learning resources and information.

My E-portfolio has kept on track for the subjects that I have been studied recently and previously. Importantly it allowed me to express my opinions (likes and dislikes) of learning process of particular subjects. It reminded me the vision and goals of my study when I felt lost sometime during the learning process. It was an excellent tool to continue my learning habit in anywhere, anytime.

I knew I wanted to go back to uni in 2005, but In the meantime I had a semester to kill. I saw 2004 as a year of trying things out and talking time out to think about what I wanted for my education. Knowing that I’d go back to uni (hopefully in a more successful way) soon, I wanted to try something different. I thought I’d try out the TAFE learning experience, because there seemed to be so many courses offered their, that were of great interest to me. Music Industry Business stuck out like a sore thumb, as music played a big part of my life (going to gigs, playing bass etc..), and business was of course my thing if you haven’t realised that by now.

So I enrolled into Certificate III Music Industry (Business) at Ultimo College, and what a change it was! Everything was so relaxed and casual, and the people; teachers and students alike were really easy to get along with and identify with. The learning approach was so incredibly different to anything I had experienced prior. Every class had no more than about 20 students, and the teachers took a “hands on approach”, and catered for everyone needs and wants individually. Much more class discussion / interaction was the call of the day, as apposed to read, write, disseminate, extravagate ala university.

To give you a feel of what content matter was involved; here are the subjects I completed in Cert III: (Distinction average)

- Goal Setting
- Artistic Development
- Music Industry Studies
- Promoting an Act
- Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S)
- Working in the Music Industry
- Negotiation Skills
- Booking Procedures & Admin
- Copyright and Royalties
- Business Relationships
- Assessing an Act for Promotion
- Image Development

I don’t want to negatively balance uni up against TAFE approaches, but I must say it was a much more interesting and relatable education facility. I really enjoyed my time there, but I didn’t see myself completing the Diploma because it was still my goal to attain a degree. Even the teacher’s said “if you want to be part of the music industry you should get out there now and get contacts going, instead of just taking these classes”. I’ll always remember that blunt honestly of Michael Galeazzi! My favourite teacher there, Karen Reid , actually said to me that she feels I’m suited to university studies, and that I should defiantly go back. This was very warming as I knew it was what I wanted deep down.

Here are samples of TAFE works i put together:

Assessing an Act for Promotion task
Planning, Budgeting and Production task
My Band press kit flyer
My Performance Contract

I ended up receiving a Universities Admissions Index (UAI) of 85.30. WHHHOA! I not only shocked family, friends, teachers but most importantly myself. Everyone thought I’d fall somewhere in the 60’s range, which I agreed with, but I guess my efforts, subject choices, and approach all worked in the end. It was always my intention to attend university, there was never a doubt about that, but this just opened further windows of opportunities.

When I applied for uni, I always knew I wanted something Business related. It was always the subject matter I enjoyed and did well at. Although, the field of business I wanted to be associated with was still unknown to me at this point in time. I didn’t have the marks to attend a city campus but I managed to get into B Accounting @ UWS, Parramatta. Accounting ran in the family and it was a part of the reason, along with my general desire of business practice, to choose this degree. How wrong was I!

My four subjects in semester 1, year 1 were introductory law, statistics, economics and accounting. Stats and law were surprisingly fine, but I could not handle the two I thought were second nature to me. I had prior knowledge of law in legal studies and stats was great because it was basically a “do it at your own pace course”, an idea I really appreciated. I think economics was unmanageable simply because of the lack of effective teaching; you’re already at a distinct disadvantage when your lecturer and tutor don’t speak very good English. But the most important subject I wanted to get my head around was accounting, due to the fact that it was the core of the degree and the career path I might have been eventually taking. I absolutely hated it. Not so much that I was struggling with the workload and content, but mainly due to the fact that it bored me to tears. On day one they said “sure it might seem very bland at times, but you might very well be on a 6 figure salary at the end of this and a two year accounting program”. That seemed nice at the time, but I came to realise that feeling comfortable in your career surroundings is every bit more important than what you pocket.

So I soon dropped out a couple months into the first semester, and anxiety was high because I felt I had no direction with my career direction at this time. Despite this, it was probably the most important learning experience of all because it taught me there was no rush to do anything (such as attaining a degree), or knowing what you want to be when you grow up. Time and experience would take care of me.

The main difference between Eportfolio and the remainder of my other subjects this semester, was its technology based interaction. It was described as a “paperless subject”. Eportfolio is a self-directed and self-paced subject which was more about individually developing work and concepts and publishing them ethically in a digital format. As a subject, however it has managed to help build upon my IT skills e.g. basic html, and allows me a place to store, transfer and back-up my files.

One of the biggest problems with this subject however, was the frustration that incurred as a result of using Macs- a computer which I wasn’t overly familiar with. However, through constant use of them, by the conclusion of the course I was more able to navigate my way through the modules. Another problem that was faced throughout the duration of this subject was a clear outline of the benefits of keeping and updating an Eportfolio as opposed to simply a blog, or a place to host ones files.

The most interesting part of this subject was how my growth within this subject was documented. My original opinions of Eportfolios, and internet use in general, is significantly different to my perspective today. For example, the ethics involved in posting various documents was something I was not overly familiar with. However through this subject the concept of issues and ethics became more clear to me through necessary research.

Furthermore, Module 1 proved to be effective as it provided necessary direction for the construction of my final Eportfolio. It provided a changeable format for the posting of my documents, specifically where they can be found and whom they can be found by.

In general, Eportfolio has been, for me, another way to express myself, and my aims and opinions throughout this semester at university. Furthermore, it successfully developed my computer skills.

In year 5 I was enrolled in St. Patrick’s College, Strathfield, which was just down the road from my primary school. It was nervous times because the learning environment which I had become so accustomed too, had been taken away from me. In junior school stepped up, knowing that I wanted to do my very best academically. This was aided by some really great teachers too. My year 6 teacher, Mr. Flannery was one to remember, the way he taught was so effective. He worked heavily on reward systems. He was big on teaching general knowledge, and I just about learnt every capital city in the world in order to win his prizes such as mini dictionaries, books and what not.

Year 7 brought forth subject timetables for the first time. I really like the idea of this, because it gave structure to your day and allowed for personal organisation. I would sit there all day coloring in my subject boxes; English blue, Science green, maths RED (evil) etc. This learning system I really took too because it prompted different learning styles, through the range of teachers and subjects you would encounter each day.

When it came to year 9 we started picking our own subject electives. Business studies, business studies, business studies please! My older brother always did all the business type subjects and he taught me a bit here and there and I thought this is sort of content I want to know about cause it relates to career choices and employment, fundamentals of adult living. I remember choosing Business Studies, Economics, Legal Studies and Italian (which I dropped shortly after). I remember so many classmates being baffled by my choices, as they saw them as the most boring subjects ever, but I didn’t hesitate.

From about year 10 or so, I took my foot off the pedal a bit, and probably got a bit too relaxed with my learning environment. I put much less effort in than previous years, which was probably a bad idea but I argue that to be untrue. When it came to the commencement of HSC studies I knuckled down and got to it. I saw myself a “re-fuelling” brain power before this, which I truly believe allowed me to apply myself the way I did in my all important studies. So many students around me burnt out at some point during year 12, simply I feel because they gave too much in year 10 and 11 (which I strongly feel aren’t as important as what most say). I relaised at this time too, that my learning styles were heavily reliant on a lot of reading as apposed to my own writing. Practice essays and questions as such didn’t work much for me; I much prefer reading a study guide or textbook front to back. In my final exams I did majority of my studies “last minute”, which I had become accustomed too, it was my style and it worked for me. I thrive on the pressure!

Top 10 Favourite Movies:
1. Breakfast at Tiffany
2. Gone with the Wind
3. Love Collage (Japanese Movie)
4. The Notebook
5. Frida
6. Chicago
7. Forrest Gump
8. Save the Last Dance
9. One Night in Mongkok (HK movie)
10.Laputa (Japanese Animation)

Collections:
To-fu Oyako
Anna Sui, Lacoste, Kenneth Cole Perfume

My all time favour singer and group are Faye Wang, Jay Chao,Yanzi, Mika Nakashima, Sarah McLachlan,Dido, Coldplay...

Accidently in love (recently favours)
: Jamie Cullum
: Jem
: Daniel Powter
: Lene Marlin

Favourite Song:
I would be good
Sometimes Love just ain't enough
Moon River (Classic)

Books:
Chocolat- Joanne Harris
Almost French- Sarah Turnbull
3rd Degree- James Paterson
The Da Vinci Code- Dan Brown

hi,guys
i have uploaded my works in my files. this shows my learning experience in this semester. and it also include the digital story about me. you can also find my architecture and learning reflection for eport.
Architecture:it is located in the eportfolios folder in my files site
-Reflection: it is also located in the eportfolios folder in my files site
-digital story:it is located in the "introduction about me" subfolder in my personal folder in the eportfolios folder in my files site