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JA Services Webinar

January 21st, 2011 by Shri Footring

Monthly update from JA Services. Services featured this month:

JISC RSC Wales
JISC Netskills

The Netskills presentation featured the e-portfolio amplifier and the CPD for BCE project.

A number of links were mentioned, so I have added them all to my personal delicious, using the tag JA-briefing-2011-01-21:

http://www.delicious.com/shrifootring/JA-Briefing-2011-01-21

http://www.delicious.com/shrifootring/JA-Briefing-2011-01-21+rsc-wales
http://www.delicious.com/shrifootring/JA-Briefing-2011-01-21+netskills

Posted in JISC Advance | No Comments »

A look at the AT Kit

November 3rd, 2010 by Shri Footring

RSC Eastern Assistive Technologies Toolkit:

The “The TechDis AT box” has been with RSC Eastern since 2005 (see TechDis: Assistive Technologies). Some of the contents, however, are brand new. I decided to take a look…

What’s inside?

Originally inspired by the TechDis Assistive Technology Scheme, our toolkit contains an updated selection of keyboards, pointing devices, assorted other devices, software, accessories and even some examples of  low technology, all carefully chosen to illustrate how assistive technologies can help you to improve inclusion and access for all learners and staff.

Links are included to websites which show pictures of the items, to help you to identify them as you unpack the box. [Please note that RSC Eastern cannot recommend one commercial retailer over another and does not endorse the contents of any external websites].

This is a list of the contents of ‘Kit A’ as of November 2010:

Keyboards and Pointing Devices:

Intellikeys Perspex UK Keyguard
Goldtouch Keyboard – Black USB & PS2 – UK Layout
Visikey Keyboard – Black letters on yellow
Duraflex Comfort Roll-up keyboard
Mini Sejin Keyboard

Trackerball
Joystick (includes 2 ends)
Cirque Glidepint Smart Cat USB
Contour Perfit Mouse Medium Right Handed Black
Evoluent Mouse – black / silver right handed
Micro Trac mouse
Wacom Graphics Pad and Stylus

Assorted Other Devices:

Q3 Handy Video Recorder
Aurora Calculator
Reading Pen
Dane-Elec Z-Pen

Software:

Read & Write Gold

Accessories and Low Technology aids:

Keyboard wrist pillow, mouse wrist pillow, ergonomic adjustable notebook rest, sheet magnifier, highlighter pens, drywipe marker pens, sticky notes, colour pens and record cards.

Summary, disability rationale and example uses for some of the items

Item Type
Item
Summary
Disability Rationale
Example Uses
Keyboard(Ability Net factsheet) Intellikeys Perspex UK Keyguard

(Intellikeys information on TechDis website)

(Keyguard information from TechDis)

 The Intellikeys keyguard is provided to add the features that keyguard provides to the Intellikeys interface. It helps users avoid accidental presses and provides clear tactile feature for the controls. The keyguard would be particularly useful for those with a mobility of manual dexterity problem. Louise has multiple disabilities; she has mobility and communication difficulties. She uses the Intellikeys keyboard with qwerty overlay and keyguard to help her type up coursework. She also uses the Intellikeys with a special overlay with commands for accessing the internet since she communicates regularly with her tutors via email.
Pointing Device Trackerball

(Trackerball information from TechDis)

 A Trackerball is a pointing device that is controlled by the movement of a large central ball. The Trackerball also has three brightly coloured buttons with an inbuilt keyguard to avoid accidental presses. The Trackerball maybe of use to those with a mobility problem or manual dexterity such as RSI. The use of a trackball may help reduce strain on the hands, arms or shoulders. It is especially useful for students have uncontrolled movements, they can anchor their hands onto the body of the trackball and manipulate the ball with their fingers. Emma has some manual dexterity difficulties and finds it nearly impossible to use a standard mouse. She uses a track ball so that she can control the movement of the ball with the palm of her hand rather than with her fingers.
Video Camera Q3 Handy Video Recorder The Q3 is perfect for recording anything where great audio and video are a must. From live musical performances and rehearsals, interviews, conferences to video podcasts, journalism, education, recitals, or sports, the Q3’s pristine audio quality takes your videos to another level. The Q3 provides the perfect tool for demonstrating and recording techniques. Sometimes audio quality can be lost when video recording, the built in condenser microphone on the Q3 produces high quality audio recording. It’s an incredibly easy device to use which enables the user to simply “point and shoot”. Michael wants to demonstrate how to play 3 chords on the guitar. He has no experience of how to use video cameras but the simplicity of the Q3 makes it easy for him to record a short video. Additionally the excellent sound quality shows the user what the chord should sound like when played.
Reading Pen Reading Pen Oxford Dictionary

(Reading Pen information from TechDis)

 The reading pen provide a portable OCR system that allows the user to recognise and record text. It also provides British definitions, pronunciations and spellings. The reading pen provides a portable dictionary and thesaurus and as such might be useful to most students. However it would be of particular use for those with ESOL (English as a Second Language) and those with specific learning difficulties. Students with manual dexterity problems will have difficulty using the device. Sophie has a learning difficulty and is studying art at college. She has a limited reading vocabulary and finds that she needs to look up words when researching for her art history coursework. She uses the reading pen in the library to scan in unfamiliar words and look up definitions. She also uses the reading pen to memorise quotes for her essays.
Accessory Keyboard wrist pillow

(Keyboard wrist pillow information from TechDis)

 Keyboard rests provide a useful place to rest the wrist when pausing from keyboard use. The keyboard wrist rest maybe of use to most typist but might be of particular use to those with a manual dexterity problem such as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). Mark has slight arthritis in the arms and hands he finds it important to take regular break when operating a computer. Wrist rests provide a comfortable place on which to pause when typing / mousing becomes uncomfortable.
Accessory Mouse wrist pillow

(Mouse wrist pillow information from TechDis)

 Mouse rests provide a useful place to rest the wrist when pausing from mouse use. The mouse rest maybe of use to most typist but might be of particular use to those with a manual dexterity problem such as RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). Mark has slight arthritis in the arms and hands he finds it important to take regular break when operating a computer. Wrist rests provide a comfortable place on which to pause when typing / mousing becomes uncomfortable.
Software Read and Write Gold

(Read and Write Gold information from TechDis)

 TextHelp Read and Write software provides a suite of useful study support tools including: intelligent spell checking, text-to-speech, word prediction and OCR. TextHelp read and write maybe useful as a study support tool for those with specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia) as it provides the highest quality spoken output of text. Sue has dyslexia; she has difficulty reading and has an auditory learning style. She uses the TextHelp software to scan in her textbook notes and have them read back with text-to-speech. She also uses the study support tools to help her produces essays.
Low Technology Sheet Magnifier

(Sheet magnifier information from TechDis)

 Sheet magnifiers provide a simple light portable optical magnifier that can be used for magnifying large areas of a document. Sheet magnifiers provide easy portable access to text and diagrams for those needing magnification Ian has a very mild visual impairment due to myopia (shortsightness) and he wears reading glasses. When doing research in the library for his English literature course he is confronted with the need to read old fashion italic texts. He finds that using the highly portable sheet magnifier useful when reading these materials.
Low Technology Assorted Highlighters

(Infomation on use of highlighters from TechDis)

 Highlighters can be used for to identify keywords, quotes or phrases in student notes or on copies of course content. The highlighter pens maybe of use to most students, but particularly by those with particular study strategies such as students with specific learning difficulties or visual impairments. Mathew has dyslexia and is studying for a research based masters. He has to do a lot of reading and find that using a highlighter pen to mark out important quotes (together with other study strategies) he can keep track of what is important when coming to write up summary notes or make quotations.
Low Technology Drywipe Markers

(Information on use of drywipe markers from TechDis)

 Dry wipe markers can be used with the whiteboard and can also be use on laminated cards. The drywipe pens maybe of use to most students, but particularly by those with particular study strategies such as students with specific learning difficulties or visual impairments. Marcus studies chemistry and find that he often needs to repeat experiments time after time. As Marcus has a memory problem he finds it useful to laminate the experimental procedures and check them off one by one.
Low Technology Sticky Notes

(Information on use of sticky notes from TechDis)

 Post-IT notes can be used for to create simple reminders. They can be placed on fridge, in textbooks or the wall. They can be used as an physical organisational tool. Post-IT notes might be useful to most people. Students with learning difficulties, memory problems or organisational difficulties would find them particularly useful. Ian has a problem in writing due to a specific learning difficulty. He finds it really hard to plan out an essay and get started. He uses post-it notes to record key ideas or words that he wants to include. Then he spreads them all out on a wall and physically arranges them into sections to help him plan out the structure of the essay.
Low Technology Four Colour Pens

(Information on use of colour pens from TechDis)

 Multicolour pens are useful when producing creative colourful notes such as for use when mind mapping or for highlighting keywords or phrases in text. The multicolour pen maybe of use to most students, but particularly by those with particular study strategies such as students with specific learning difficulties or visual impairments. Karen has dyscalculia and finds that she has problems in simplifying equations. She uses a study strategy technique that uses a visual learning style. When making notes or solving an equation each power of coefficient has a different colour. She find the multicolour pen saves her carrying around a set of pens.
Low Technology Record cards

(Information on use of record cards from TechDis)

 Record or Index cards can be used for producing flash cards for revision and for creating short highly personalised learning material that can be organised using a personal knowledge management system. The record cards maybe of use to most students, but particularly by those with particular study strategies such as students with specific learning difficulties. Laura has a specific learning difficulty and is studying for her end of year biology exams. She uses record cards to produce notes for each main topic that she needs to revise. She uses colour coding and symbols to help her identify facts, quotes and important phrases to learn. Near her exam she uses the cards as flash cards for last minute revision.
Assorted Spare batteries, assorted connectors, elastic bands, device driver CDs, instruction leaflets

.

This box, one of two, is freely available for loan to supported learning providers. It is designed to support you in providing CPD and raising awareness of the types of assistive technologies available. I’ll be taking it out to an ACL provider this Friday. If you would like to borrow it too, please get in touch.

Posted in ACL, Accessibility&Inclusion, Assistive_Technology, Hertfordshire HAFLS, JISC RSC Eastern | No Comments »

RSC Eastern Joint Forum Meeting – 8 October 2010

October 8th, 2010 by Shri Footring

Notes from the ACL / WBL Strand

News

RSC Eastern, new Information Officer: We are pleased to welcome Ryan Bradshaw to the RSC Eastern team.

Leadership of the forum:

Our thanks to Jamie Mortimer, Suffolk Community Learning & Skills Development, for taking on the Vice-Chairmanship of the RSC Eastern ACL / WBL forum.

LSIS Funding Opportunities

Single Equality Duty:

Quote from Alistair McNaught, JISC TechDis:

JISC TechDis is delighted to announce a new area of our website www.jisctechdis.ac.uk/sed which helps you make sense of the opportunities for technology to support the new obligations that come with the equality act.  In terms of expectation management, it is important to realise that the guidance does not attempt to cover every ‘ protected characteristic’ covered by the act. We focus on disability and the wide range of ways in which technology can reduce barriers for disabled people.  Clearly reducing barriers disabled people tends to have a positive impact for other inclusion needs as well but that is not the focus of the guidance.

The guidance points to a wide range of free resources and support that are available from JISC TechDis, Regional Support Centres and other JISC (and non JISC) services.

More than anything, the equality act gives us an opportunity to help the learning providers we work get a bit more an incentive to embrace e-learning and the enormous wealth of flexible personaliseable inclusion opportunties that go with it. It’s nice to have legislation as a lever and we would do well to capitalise on that opportunity. Downloadable leaflet plus links to a range of resources at www.jisctechdis.ac.uk/sed.

RSC e-skills for e-learning

Forthcoming events

  • 12th Nov: RSC Eastern VLE forum – A vibrant regional community, includes rich mix of ‘old hands’ as well as complete newcomers. Some great presentation lined up for the next one. All very welcome.
  • 23rd Nov: NIACE Conference – Our Digital Future
  • 24-26th Nov: JISC Online Conference. Of wide relevance to all (definitely not “HE only”!). The issues discussed are of direct relevance to the FE+Skills sector (which includes ACL and WBL). Watch the online presentations in Elluminate Live and take part in the online discussions. Second Life activities facilitated by JISC RSCs.

For full list of forthcoming events, please see our website events page.

Round the Region Discussion

Please note: We do not take notes during this part of forum meetings. We consider our forums to be private, supportive communities of practice (The Chatham house rule applies). However, we are happy to give an overview and share pointers to useful resources. You are most welcome to add your own comments to this post.

Topics discussed included:

E-Guides resources:

The resources that have been converted into online format are being tested with the Advanced e-Guides. They should be made public on the LSIS CPD pages/Moodle later next month.

The resources used up until 2008 are already available freely to all:
http://tlp.excellencegateway.org.uk/tlp/eguides

E-Safety for adults:

The group are looking for good e-safety resources for use with adult learners (who may be put off by material obviously aimed at young people). Please send us your suggestions, perhaps we can collate ideas on the RSC e-safety blog.

Here are some links to some e-safety courses (Thank for compiling this list, Kate Gregory! :-)

  1. This  one is for tutors and managers http://moodle-rsc.ukc.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=72 (you will to click need guest login) You can download it to go straight onto your moodle course
  2. This is the on our VLE http://moodle.rsc-eastern.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=105 we have this zipped ready to also go onto a moodle- more student orientated.
  3. http://www.swgfl.org.uk/Staying-Safe South west grid for learning has some good stuff – do not be put off by schools stuff.
  4. http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=243&id=1281 Webcast from JISC Legal Safeguarding – Meeting your e-Safety Duties for managers
  5. http://www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk/safeguarding Becta’s safeguarding website
  6. http://www.onlinebasics.co.uk/get-started This site has been recommended by advisor up North – it has an internet safety section.
  7. http://www.bedford.ac.uk/pdf/policy_childprotect.pdf policy also attached is WSC E safety policy- you need to have one of these in your student handbook and displayed near IT kit with the main points in bullet points

E-Portfolio use in the region:
Delegates exchanged experiences and discussed benefits of different e-portfolio systems.

Staff engagement with IT, Use of RSC e-skills package:
What are the most effective ways of improving staff engagement? Several ideas were discussed. Users of the RSC e-skills package / delivery model shared experiences. Many are using the NOCN accreditation, as developed by West Suffolk College. (Case study on excellence gateway). There was interest in exploring possibilities of seeking NOCN accreditation for the new e-skills resources, which include e-safety.

Moodle use
A number of forum members are now using Moodle. Experiences and ideas for future support were discussed.

Vital CPD
ICT CPD courses and a range of free resources are on offer from Vital.

Presentations, photographs and other useful links…

… are available from our website.

<!–[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]–><!–[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]–> <!–[endif]–>

Here are some links to some Esafety courses

<!–[if !supportLists]–>1. <!–[endif]–>This  one is for tutors and managers http://moodle-rsc.ukc.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=72 (you will to click need guest login)

You can download it to go straight onto your moodle course

<!–[if !supportLists]–>2. <!–[endif]–>This is the on our VLE http://moodle.rsc-eastern.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=105 we have this zipped ready to also go onto a moodle- more student orientated.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>3. <!–[endif]–>http://www.swgfl.org.uk/Staying-Safe South west grid for learning has some good stuff – do not be put off by schools stuff.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>4. <!–[endif]–>http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/Default.aspx?tabid=243&id=1281 Webcast from JISC Legal Safeguarding – Meeting your e-Safety Duties for managers

<!–[if !supportLists]–>5. <!–[endif]–>http://www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk/safeguarding Becta’s safeguarding website

<!–[if !supportLists]–>6. <!–[endif]–>http://www.onlinebasics.co.uk/get-started This site has been recommended by advisor up North – it has an internet safety section.

<!–[if !supportLists]–>7. <!–[endif]–>http://www.bedford.ac.uk/pdf/policy_childprotect.pdf policy also attached is WSC E safety policy- you need to have one of these in your student handbook and displayed near IT kit with the main points in bullet points


originally uploaded by Shri Footring, at work….

Posted in ACL, JISC RSC Eastern, WBL | No Comments »

ACL Advisors meeting, Plymouth 27-28th May 2010

May 31st, 2010 by Shri Footring

Some new products available from JANET:

Some news from NIACE
Learning with technology materials have been highly acclaimed (link already distributed in Eastern Region http://www.ialsupport.org.uk/ )

Digital Participation

The independent Inquiry into the Future for Lifelong Learning has recommended a ‘citizens curriculum’ which includes digital capabilities to enable people to make sense of change, to adapt to change and to shape change. NIACE supports this aspiration and is pleased that the Digital Life skills entitlement – recommended by the Estelle Morris’ review of Adult ICT skills – will provide a foundation in working towards this vision.

http://www.niace.org.uk/current-work/area/ict-skills

This is a major new area of work
http://digitalparticipation.com/project/get-digital

Posted in ACL | No Comments »

Launch of Luton Virtual Museum

March 29th, 2010 by Shri Footring

Students and staff from Barnfield College have been working with the Luton Discovery Centre to create a virtual museum in Second Life Virtual World™, called “I-Live” (Informal Learning in a Virtual Environment). This is accessible from the physical-world museum through a number of dedicated kiosks, running Apple Macs, as well as openly, from anywhere in the world, through Second Life Virtual World. This innovative project involving Barnfield College, Museums Luton and Luton Cultural Services Trust was funded through the Learning Revolution Transformation Fund.

The ILive Island in Second Life contains replicas of a few buildings of local significance as well as various well-known artefacts from the museum such as the Wenlock Jug. However, the second life build is not limited to re-creations alone. There are also creative areas for members of the community to interact, such as a café, as well as a Stone Age village with roundhouses which give the visitor an insight into the the area’s history and archaeology. There are plans to involve local businesses and the wider community in future developments.

I was impressed by the way in which the different organisations were working together and the potential that this offers for cross sector working and learning, facilitated through the use of technology. There are possibilities for hosting events and courses at the venue, exploiting the use of Second Life to promote wider engagement beyond traditional institutional boundaries.

Posted in ACL, Event, Luton, MUVE | No Comments »

Hertfordshire e-learning day

March 23rd, 2010 by Shri Footring

A great day organised by Hertfordshire adult and family Learning Service (HAFLS) for tutors developing the use of technology to support learning.

I started with a presentation on making the most of a virtual learning environment such as Moodle as an interactive, engaging learnning management system. Dave Foord gave a presentation entitled “A treasure trove of e-learning”.

The Moodle course (log in as guest or create a new account)

This Flickr album


IMG_1729, originally uploaded by Shri Footring, at work….
:-)

Posted in Test | No Comments »

Essex ACL Visit, 2nd February 2010

January 30th, 2010 by Shri Footring

Adult and Community Learning Essex

Essex ACL VLE

ACL Essex : “Outstanding” Ofsted Report, June 2009

Posted in Test | No Comments »

What do we think about when offering an event?

January 30th, 2010 by Shri Footring

A colleague recently asked whether anyone was able to share an events checklist.

I am leading on the organisation of five events this term so I’m finding it useful to think about this. The following is my own, personal informal ‘events checklist’.

All our events planning is done via our online database which is linked to our website. I have taken screen prints of the online forms and attached them to this post. Bookings, delegate lists, sign in sheets, delegate special requirements, evaluation links, certificates for attendance and so on are all handled by our automated system. [Screen prints of database ‘add event’ forms]. Delegate badges are produced by our excellent admin team.

It strikes me, however, that there are a number of other things I think about when planning events, not all of which are on these forms. So here is a slightly higher level checklist.

High Level – Why are we offering this event?

  • Is it meeting a need amongst our supported learning providers?
  • Are we working in partnership with appropriate other organisations?
  • Does it align with our overall organisational strategic plan?
  • Could the event be offered online? (There is a whole different checklist for online events, not considered in this post (yet).

Event Design Level

  • What type of event is it?
    • Dissemination of research and / or funded projects?
    • Introduction to new technologies / techniques?
    • Introduction to new policies or guidelines which affect supported learning providers’ use of technology?
    • Good practice sharing?
    • A combination of one or more of the above?
  • What is the best format for this event? (This will be determined by answers to the above)
    • Conference style presentations with discussion?
    • Hands on workshop / parallel workshops?
    • Contributions from the floor?
  • Has delegate feedback from previous events been taken into account?
  • Speakers and other contributors:
    • Is it appropriate to invite external speakers / facilitators? National? Regional? Local?
    • Have we spent time talking with them about our event aims and target audience?
  • Does the programme for the day work?
    • Will delegates be able to get there / get home comfortably?
    • Have we built in enough breaks / shuffle time?
  • How and where will we publicise this event? When?

Venue Considerations

  • Is the venue in a reasonable geographical location for the target audience?
  • Are there adequate public transport links and / or car parking facilities available?
  • Is it accessible for those with mobility needs?
  • Is there a good reliable Internet connection? (For the speakers? For delegates?)
  • Are there good projection and audio amplification facilities?
  • Are any websites blocked from this venue? (Is this an issue?)
  • Does the venue provide Wi-Fi? Is is good / reliable? If we’re expecting delegates to use their own laptops, are there sufficient power outlets?
  • What is the ideal room layout? Can it be achieved comfortably?
  • Do we trust the catering? Has anyone visited the venue recently to make sure all is well?

In addition to the above, there is a great deal of detail to be attended to. Much of this can be seen in the attached database screen prints, but I might have left something out. Please feel free to leave comments and suggestions.
:-)

Posted in RSC Eastern, Test | No Comments »

Forthcoming Generator Workshops

January 12th, 2010 by Shri Footring

I’m in London today, supporting the LSIS eCPD programme, working with professional development advisors.

The question of Generator training has come up. Here are some of the dates, venues and links for forthcoming training sessions.

Taunton: 14th January 2010

10.00am – 2.30pm
Learning South West, Taunton Full Address Venue: Bishops Hull House, Bishops Hull, Taunton, Somerset

http://www.rsc-south-west.ac.uk/index.php?p=14_2&e=309

Portsmouth: 29th January 2010

1:15pm to 4:30pm
Venue: Pompey Study Centre, Portsmouth
http://www.rsc-southeast.ac.uk/events/2010/29-01-2010-half-day-generator-workshop.html 

Leicester: 4th February 2010

9.30 Registration, 10.00 – 16.00
City Learning Centre, Leicester, Leicestershire

http://info.rsc-em.ac.uk/events/event_details.asp?eid=116

Cambridge: 9th February 2010
10.30 am- 3.00pm
SmartLIFE Centre, Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge

http://info.rsc-eastern.ac.uk/events/event_details.asp?eid=725

London:25th February 2010

9.30 – 4.30pm
Accelerator
35 Kingsland Road,
E2 8AA, London
http://www.rsc-london.ac.uk/1365/

Posted in Test | No Comments »

7th January – Digital Identities Event

January 8th, 2010 by Shri Footring

A thought provoking event which I was pleased to be able to attend.

The day was particularly useful for me because a number of our supported learning providers are in the process of re-writing their social networking policies and guidelines. It was wonderful to be able to hear from people who have done a lot of thinking on this subject. I was particularly grateful to Mike Roch for sharing his University’s  social networking policies with me.

The presentations from the day are available here:

http://www.eduserv.org.uk/events/wn4di.aspx

Tweets here: http://twapperkeeper.com/wn4di/?limit=500

and photos here: http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=%23wn4di&m=text

(I have copious notes and thoughts from the day scribbled down, but am just going to publish this much for now. Who knows, this post may grow :-) )

Posted in Event, Test | No Comments »

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