Wikis in Education - article

Interesting article about the role of wikis in education and creating collaborative learning spaces.


http://apo.org.au/commentary/wikis-education?topic=education&tid=38

have a great break and a prosperous 2014.

MF

Virtual Education - article

Interesting discussion about the development of virtual education and its impact on face to face delivery.

http://apo.org.au/commentary/virtual-education?topic=education&tid=38

MF

Models of Vocational Provision - paper

Interesting paper about the changes that have influenced the vocational sector in the last few decades:


http://percapita.org.au/_dbase_upl/Training%20Days.pdf

MF

20 Places to Educate Yourself Online for Free - website

Dear reader

this is an amazing website and I strongly recommend it

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/20-places-educate-yourself-online-for-free.html

cheers

MF

Sydney Facilitators Network - October Meeting - Monday 14th

Please find information abou the October meeting of the Sydney Facilitators Network.

Exploring personal strategies for navigating diverse cultures with Karen Huchendorf
 
Sydney Facilitators Network in collaboration with the Sydney Development Circle.
 
This interactive session will explore strategies for navigating varying cultures, crucial to our work in the International aid and development sector as well as in our personal lives.
 
"Barnga" simulates cross-cultural interaction in an unfamiliar culture, where we expect that the norms and values governing interaction will be different, but don’t know how they are different.  Even when we discover how the cultural rules are different, we don’t always know what to do to bridge the differences. We also must manage ourselves in situations outside our comfort zones.
 
During the simulation, you will be asked to self-monitor feelings, thoughts and strategies, and our facilitator will conduct a debrief in terms of research on highly effective international managers and the intercultural effectiveness of their personal strategies for navigating diverse cultures.
 
Karen Huchendorf:
Karen Huchendorf has devoted her career to increasing the comfort, confidence and competence of people working in multicultural environments. Specialising since the early 1970’s in intercultural communication, she offers her expertise as a consultant, intercultural trainer, facilitator, and “culture coach”, supporting cross-cultural transitions and integration.
 
Sydney Development Circle
The Sydney Development Circle (SDC) is a mentoring and networking group open to anyone interested in international aid and community development at the local, regional and global levels. ENQUIRIES: Kiran Hutchinson 0414 905 290 Email: sydneydevtcircle@gmail.com
 
Venue:  [Our usual venue]
University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Level 5, Building 10, Jones Street, Ultimo (Cnr. Thomas Street).
Room 5.580
Take the lift to level 5 | cross the atrium footbridge | walk straight ahead to room 580.

Date:
Monday 14th October 2013

Time:
From 5:30pm to 7:30pm sharp | No RSVP - Just turn up

AFN Conference 5th - 6th December 2013

Announcing AFN Conference 2013
Making Connections | Building Bridges with Facilitation
 
5-6 December | Macquarie University, Sydney NSW
www.afnconference.org.au
 
Offers until September 16
- Workshops 90 mins
- Case studies 20 mins
- Wildcard 20 mins (register at the conference)
 
Scholarship applications until September 9
 
Registration | Early bird until October 14
- Affordability pricing
 
Join the organizing committee
 
Enquiries Greg Jenkins 0418 486 501 | greg@changeagent.com.au
 

A guide to open educational resources - Link

This guide explains open educational resources (OER) and the benefits that creating, sharing and using OER can provide.

Open educational resources (OER) are learning and teaching materials, freely available online for anyone to use. I have attached the link to this entry for your perusal.


http://www.jisc.ac.uk/publications/programmerelated/2013/Openeducationalresources.aspx

MF

Sydney Facilitators Network - September meeting - Monday 9

The next meeting of the Sydney Facilitators Network will be held on Monday 9 September:

“Speed Mentoring with Sharon McGann” | Monday September 9, 2013 | 5.30 pm

"A community of practice involves sharing what we know about what works and how we do what we do. This session is an opportunity for experienced and new facilitators to get together and share war stories and ask curious questions. The process will be a variation on the popular speed dating / speed networking processes, with a focus on sharing knowledge and wisdom.

 

If you are an experienced facilitator, come along and bring an example of a challenging facilitation – one that was new, exciting or difficult. Think about how you prepared for and facilitated the session and what the outcomes were for the client.

If you are a new facilitator, come along with two or three questions about facilitation, things you’re curious about but didn’t know who or how to ask.

Also bring at least 10 business cards or equivalent.

 

You will have an opportunity to meet and talk with a number of colleagues during the course of the high-energy evening and ideally you will walk away with new contacts to bounce ideas off.

Sharon McGann

The session will be facilitated by our Sydney Facilitators’ Network co-convenor Sharon McGann. Sharon is an experienced facilitator who runs strategic and business facilitations for corporate, not for profit and government clients."

 

Venue: 

University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Level 5, Building 10, Jones Street, Ultimo (Cnr. Thomas Street).
Room 5.580
Take the lift to level 5 | cross the atrium footbridge | walk straight ahead to room 580.

Time:

From 5:30pm to 7:30pm sharp | No RSVP - Just turn up

Sydney Facilitators Network - August 12th meeting

Dear TDN Member: information about the next Sydney Facilitators Network meeting -

Next Meeting | Monday August 12, 2013 | 5.30pm “Facilitating 'The Living Group' with Rollo Browne”   All facilitators work with groups. The plans we make, the processes we use are 'relatively' straightforward but the group is not always like that. No matter the stated purpose or formal structure associated with a group, all groups have invisible links and preferences around which they are organised. This is the world of sociometry as conceived and developed by Dr JL Moreno. We may not know which sociometric preferences or rejections are important in the group until they interfere with or derail the work. At that point the question is, 'Is there enough mutuality to get the work done?'   In this session we will focus on the use of sociometry, the principles behind it and the building of mutuality in groups. Understanding this work is also critical in coaching because you will invariable need to investigate the client's sociometry in the workplace. Further, each of us, whether facilitator, coach or client, will benefit from developing an awareness of our own sociometric position in the living group.   Guest Facilitator Rollo Browne Rollo Browne uses action methods extensively in his work as coach, facilitator and in organisational development. He is running the "Action Methods in Coaching", a 3 day Experiential Program for Coaches looking to bring Vitality & Immediacy to their work - Sydney, 26-28 August, co-led with Jenny Postlethwaite, for details go to www.actionmethodsincoaching.com.    He loves supervising difficult group situations, and teaches groupwork and the use of Morenian action methods (sociometry, sociodrama, psychodrama and role training) at Psychodrama Australia, NSW Campus, www.anzpasydney.org. The key to his work is to assist people and groups to access their own vitality and apply it to situations they face. Rollo can be contacted on 0417682085.   Venue:  [Our usual venue] University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Level 5, Building 10, Jones Street, Ultimo (cnr Thomas Street). Room 5.580 Take the lift to level 5, cross the atrium footbridge, walk straight ahead to room 580. Time: From 5:30pm to 7:30pm sharp | No RSVP - Just turn up

Blog www.facilitatorsnetwork.blogspot.com

E-Learning articles

Dear TDN members
I posted two article about E-Learning in case you are interested in the topic.


http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/how-to-avoid-building-online-training-that-wastes-time/

http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/3-visual-design-tips-for-effective-e-learning/

MF

Sydney Facilitators Network - 8th July Meeting

“Facilitating Trust” with Greg Jenkins

Trust impacts every aspect of our practice as internal or external change agents. We work with trust on many levels - trust between the change agent and the sponsor, the participant and the sponsor, among participants, between the change agent and the participants.

Trust is a condition of collaboration and a key ingredient in all successful change.
In this session we will explore trust and share our experiences of building trust through conversations, games and stories. How do we get to trust? What are some of the structures, tools and techniques in building and maintaining trust?
This session will be useful to all change agents whatever our level of experience.
 
Facilitator: Greg Jenkins | Change Agent

Greg is coordinator of Sydney Facilitators Network. He is an innovator in collaborative change in business, community and 3^rd sector organisations. www.tincanlearning.com
 
Venue:  [Our usual venue]

University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Level 5, Building 10, Jones Street, Ultimo (cnr Thomas Street).
Room 5.580
Take the lift to level 5, cross the atrium footbridge, walk straight ahead to room 580.
Time:

From 5:30pm to 7:30pm sharp | No RSVP - Just turn up

A guide to open educational resources

This guide explains open educational resources (OER) and the benefits that creating, sharing and using OER can provide.

Open educational resources (OER) are learning and teaching materials, freely available online for anyone to use. Examples include full courses, course modules, lectures, games, teaching materials and assignments. They can take the form of text, images, audio, video and may even be interactive.

Click on the link for more information:

http://www.jisc.ac.uk/publications/programmerelated/2013/Openeducationalresources.aspx

MF

The World’s Largest Repository of Free Online Learning Tutorials - Link

Dear TDN members
I found these two interesting weblinks making easier accessing online materials and building online training:


http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/the-worlds-largest-repository-of-free-online-learning-tutorials/

http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/how-to-avoid-building-online-training-that-wastes-time/

MF

Enviromental Scan 2013 - Community Services and Health Industry

The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council has made available their latest Industry Environmental Scan 2013:


http://www.cshisc.com.au/media/160475/2013_Environmental_Scan.pdf

It is available from this weblink.

MF

Review of the Community Services qualifications in the CHC08 Health Training Package.

Public review and consultation now open

As part of the Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council (CS&HISC) Continuous Improvement Work Plan for 2011-2014, CS&HISC is undertaking a review of the Community Services qualifications in the CHC08 Health Training Package.

 

Draft one of the following revised qualifications are now available for review:

-          Certificate IV in Community Development (link: http://www.cshisc.com.au/3998.aspx)

-          Diploma of Community Development (link: http://www.cshisc.com.au/3998.aspx)

The drafts will be available online from Monday 20 May to 14 June 2013. Feedback can be provided directly online, or via email, to Emma.Richards@cshisc.com.au

 

Please ensure your feedback is submitted by Friday 14 June 2013 to inform the next stages of the review process. Your feedback is important and will contribute to the development of the final qualifications.

 

Minutes of the TDN meeting held on 8 April 2013

Training Directions Network (TDN)

Minutes of the TDN meeting held on 8 April 2013

Present:  Patrick Baffoun (STARTTS), Anne-Marie Kerr  (TRI),  Miguel Ferrero (WSCF),  

Apologies:  Jaye Toole (MD Services),  Margaret Tipper (CRN), Justine Lee (CCWT),  Anna-Maria Reyes (ICE) Justine Lee (CCWT), Emily Jones (YAPA),

Facilitator:      Miguel Ferrero                                                 Minutes Taker: Miguel Ferrero

1.                  Welcome/Introductions

TDN attendees were asked to introduce themselves   

2.                  Apologies:  See list

 

3.                  Brainstorm and discussion

 

• The best value of the Network is the quality of guest speakers, the value of networking and having contact with other colleagues within the sector.
• Other valuable elements of the network are the frequency of meetings; having casual speakers; collaboration so people are able to meet outside of regular meetings; finding out what other NGOs are doing in the training area; developing partnerships.
• Getting expertise from outside of our organisation, on how to develop training material.
• Two meetings per year is the preferred option, with shorter meetings
• Challenges of the Network: is the inconsistency in the number of people who attend the network.
• Members of the network can present at the TDN meeting by sharing things such as – presenting games, facilitation activities and techniques, practical things to address issues affecting the sector.
• Some topic ideas for future meetings: how to run sessions targeting larger audiences, how to run cross cultural planning days, how to improve efficiency by using technology to make our work easier.
• Explored the option of opening the network to private consultants. To be further discussed.
• Next meeting: Monday 12 August from 9.30 am to 12 pm – Topic: “Training with soul” presenter Vaughan Bowie.

 

Sydney Facilitators Network Meeting - Monday 13 May

“Wildcard” – Processes and Ideas for Facilitating Effective Meetings | Monday April 13,
5.30pm

"Wildcards are engaging and fun. They are a great way to get a range of ideas and tools from a variety of different experiences. Wildcard is also a good opportunity for facilitators to try out a new idea or share a process that works.   May 2013 Wildcard theme ‘Processes and Ideas for facilitating effective meetings’. What types of meetings are there? What tools are available? What works and what doesn’t? Tips and tricks to get the best out of different types of meetings. How to make meetings more effective and interesting.   Wildcard sessions of 5 to 20 minutes are organized on the night including a short debriefing.   Turn up either with something to share or just to learn and have fun"   Venue:  [Our usual venue] University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Jones Street, Ultimo corner Thomas Street. Room 5.580 Level 5, Building 10, Take the lift to level 5, cross the atrium footbridge, walk straight ahead to room 580.   Time: From 5:30pm to 7:30pm sharp | No RSVP - Just turn up

Mobile Devices enhaning learning - Article

Interesting article about the role of mobile devices to enhance teaching and learning.


http://acce.edu.au/sites/acce.edu.au/files/pj/journal/27_2Pedagogy_iPadology_Netbookology_p29.pdf


Enjoy the reading.

MF

Smart and Skilled - Vocactional Education Review in NSW

The NSW Government is currently review the vocational education system and the discussion paper is available for your perusal.

https://www.training.nsw.gov.au/forms_documents/vet/discussion_paper.pdf

MF

Sydney Facilitators Network - April Meeting

Next Meeting | Monday April 8, 2013 | 5.30pm Getting together with success: The Collaborative Governance approach to complex dilemmas with Stuart Waters   There is a difference between the merely complicated situation, and the truly complex dilemma. How are we as facilitators to help our clients confront their most tricky challenges, from policy development to climate change adaption, from culture change to planning service delivery in times of tight budgets. Such genuinely complex dilemmas defy typical decision making processes. Complexity theory tells us that enduring solutions to complex dilemmas arise through collaboration. But what does good collaboration look like and what is the implication for us as facilitators?   This session will identify the root causes of excellent collaboration and explore Twyfords' own Collaborative Governance Framework. The 'CG' framework provides a roadmap for facilitators and project sponsors alike, presenting a low-risk pathway from 'dilemma' to 'enduring solution'.   About Stuart Waters Stuart Waters is Managing Director of Twyfords, an organisation long recognised for its leadership in the field of community and stakeholder engagement. Over the past 18 months the Twyfords team has focussed on strategic advice for clients facing complex dilemmas, developing a range of unique concepts and tools.   Their Collaborative Governance framework is explored in depth in their latest book "The Power of Co: A Smart Leaders' Guide to Collaborative Governance". Latest case studies and tools are presented in their new two-day workshop Collaborating in Complex Times, new dates for which have recently been announced.   Venue:  [Our usual venue] University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Jones Street, Ultimo corner Thomas Street. Room 5.580 Level 5, Building 10, Take the lift to level 5, cross the atrium footbridge, walk straight ahead to room 580.   Time: From 5:30pm to 7:30pm sharp | No RSVP - Just turn up

Sydney Facilitators Network - March Meeting

The next Sydney Facilitators Network will be held next monday 11 March with an interesting topic:

Blending Facilitation and Instruction with Thiagi | Monday March 11 | 5.30pm

 

A facilitator helps a group of participants analyze and diagnose their situation, identify problems and opportunities, generate ideas and solutions, and plan to implement them. The facilitator is substantively neutral and does not have any personal goals other than to help the group achieve its goal. An instructor helps a group of participants achieve a set of pre-specified training objectives.

 

The instructor has a mandate to ensure that the participants achieve these objectives. For more than a decade, Thiagi has been blending the tools and techniques of facilitators and instructors to increase the effectiveness of both approaches. In this session, Thiagi will help you modify your mindset and enhance your competencies to become an instructional facilitator. So if you want to enhance your skills at facilitating a thoughtful discussion or creating a learning environment come along on Monday 11th March.

About Sivasailam Thiagarajan [Thiagi]

Thiagi is truly, a world class facilitator. He has been described as the "world's leading training games and simulations designer". His specialization is in using participatory strategies to improve human performance. One of Thiagi’s outstanding strengths is that he is a master at making boring things interesting. Thiagi’s website, www.thiagi.com is a treasure trove of resources for facilitators, trainers and instructional design practitioners.

 

Venue:  University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Jones Street, Ultimo corner Thomas Street. Room 5.580 Level 5, Building 10, Take the lift to level 5, cross the atrium footbridge, walk straight ahead to room 580. Time: From 5:30pm to 7:30pm sharp | No RSVP - Just turn up

Articulation between VET and Higher Education - Discussion Paper

The Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council has released a discussion paper which offers a review of research, opinions and shares existing international models of tertiary education system integration. The paper is available from this link:

https://www.cshisc.com.au/docs/research-reports/discussion_paper_-_articulation_april_2012.pdf

MF

Sydney Facilitators Network - February meeting

The next Sydney Facilitators Network will be held next monday 11 February with an interesting topic:

"Next Meeting | Monday February 11, 2013 | 5.30pm   ‘Planning for a Facilitation’ with Paul Worth   We don’t often discuss or share the nuts and bolts of how we plan and get organised for a facilitation, so for our kick off session for the year, Paul Worth our guest facilitator will draw out from us the essential items of planning a session, but more importantly, encourage us to share our own planning processes and templates.  Please bring along anything you are prepared to share and allow others to use.    We don’t often offer outputs at the end of the Facilitators sessions (you’ve got to show up to get the value), but we may be tempted to publish the “mother of all checklists”.   Facilitator:   Paul Worth is a multi talented facilitator, e-Organising trainer and coach working with a variety of clients and RTOs for over 15 years. During this time he has delivered a variety of training and development programs to a broad selection of clients, working with groups from 6 – 300 people. With over 30 years business experience at senior management levels in industries including training & development, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, automotive and financial services, Paul is an expert in people development and is highly skilled in the design, delivery and customisation of effective learning programs.  His outstanding communication skills allow him to work effectively across all organisational levels.   Venue:  University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Jones Street, Ultimo corner Thomas Street. Change of Room February 2013 only – Building 10 [our usual building], Level 3, Room 330 (CB10.03.330)   Time: From 5:30pm to 7:30pm sharp | No RSVP - Just turn up"