It begins – Transformative Learning Project Phase 1: Preparation
Posted by shanetechteach on November 3, 2009
Teacher toolkit
Now that I have my staff selected, I believe my time is best spent exposing them to the software that will enable transformative learning. My first focus will be on software that enables sharing of information. In this initial phase I will install software that utilises data stored on the local hard drive. This is purposeful so that I can facilitate use of the team site for the project to share files.
The software I will install tomorrow is;
- Mozilla Firefox
- Zotero add-on for Firefox
- X-mind
- FoxIt PDF Reader (including FoxIt toolbar)
FireFox is essential for the functionality of the add-ons, particularly on the Windows powered laptops provided to teachers in our organisation. Zotero is a notebook and research tool. We will build notebooks and share them out to the learners. FoxIt toolbar allows the markup and annotation of PDF files. Simply choose “Save As” when finished and all markups and annotations are saved as part of the file. X-mind is a concept mapping program, within which we will build learning maps for the units we implement. Each of these programs are cross platform. I’m aware there are platform specific programs that may perform these functions more effectively however I want a solution that can be modelled in class and implemented on any platform.
Tomorrow I will install these items on my staff’s laptops. I will then provide them with the Smart Classrooms Professional Development Framework file (PDF). They will be tasked with opening it within FireFox and using the markup tools to identify the indicators they believe they are currently demonstrating. As well as providing them exposure to PDF markup and file sharing via One Portal, this will also provide base data to map performance improvement upon.
Its been reassuring that both staff have been showing real interest in this and a desire to learn.
November 6th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
My favourite part – digitally working on the SCPDF – how much better than what we do at present where people look at the framework, then separately type up responses. I love that kind of efficiency that digital tools brings, and seems to be one of the real strengths of this whole project. What a way to end the year, with such enthusiasm, rather than the usual count down too.
Jonathan Nalder