Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico provides a view of all planets in our solar system from a single location.
Now, we know that SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) is the true acronym, funded to scan the galaxy for any proof that ‘we are not alone’. However, we realised during the week that our constant environmental scanning for new projects, initiatives and ideas in the educational technology space fills a similar niche for staff at the Futures Institute.
From now on, Fridays will feature content captured from the Australian Digital Futures Institute Diigo library. For those not acquainted with Diigo, it is a free bookmarking tool, similar to del.icio.us which allows users to build a library of tagged online content. All staff contribute items of interest to our Missions, and now we offer the weekly ‘Diigo Highlights’, gathering current information around a range of educational technology subjects.
This week features content on iTunes U from the student’s perspective, the role of trust on the internet and reports from JISC.
Trust is tremendously valuable, but unfortunately supplies are running a bit short on the Internet right now. In other words, we’re running into a breach of trust not just for Web sites, but for the organizations set up to to tell us whether we can trust Web sites
A short article aimed at both potential students and self-directed learners about the benefits of using iTunes U – and the possibility of using it to select a university for your education.
The term ”learning styles” refers to the concept that individuals differ in regard to what mode of instruction or study is most effective for them. Proponents of learning-style assessment contend that optimal instruction requires diagnosing individuals’ learning style and tailoring instruction accordingly. Assessments of learning style typically ask people to evaluate what sort of information presentation they prefer (e.g., words versus pictures versus speech) and/or what kind of mental activity they find most engaging or congenial (e.g., analysis versus listening), although assessment instruments are extremely diverse. The most common-but not the only-hypothesis about the instructional relevance of learning styles is the meshing hypothesis, according to which instruction is best provided in a format that matches the preferences of the learner (e.g., for a ”visual learner,” emphasizing visual presentation of information).
This study investigated the impact of Open Educational Resources (OER) use on teaching and learning. To achieve this, the project team reviewed current research in the area; surveyed, interviewed and ran workshops with suitable participants to collect data; and produced an accessible report on the study findings. The report considered the use of OER from both an individual and institutional perspective looking at the benefits OER can offer each and identifying the pedagogic, attitudinal, logistical and strategic factors conducive to uptake and sustained use of OER, as well as the associated issues and challenges.
“Earlier this year we heard from a number of projects as part of an Elluminate session on Using video within the Curriculum Design programme: from personal reflection to evaluation evidence . During the session, Rebecca Galley and her colleague Andrew Charlton-Perez talked about whole project use of video within the Open University Learning Design Initiative project (OULDI) .”
Adrian Stagg – Learning Technologist (Co-Pilot)
Image credit: Schweiker, H. , Arecibo Observatory Aerial View.jpg , (Public Domain image).
