The Learning Technology Team

This is my story about using an iPod

We have been addressing cross-cultural learning and communication styles with Aboriginal students by using an iPod with an iTalk microphone.

A lovely man from the local Worimi people had to present a Dreamtime story in some way. He had written out a short introduction telling where the story came from and who had told him, he was nervous about writing it. I suggested we use the iPod to record his story. He was nervous at first, but then sat peacefully on his own in the garden and quietly told his story.

The result was a beautiful story with birdsong in the background. He was amazed at how easy it was and was happy for other students to listen to his story via the iPod and other appropriate spaces. Learning what an iPod is and how it works motivated him to finish other assessments and built up his confidence.

Using the iPod with Trainees in the Workplace

I have used my iPOD to record conversations I have with trainees when I visit their workplace. The trainees love it because I send them the audio file later and they can listen to the conversation and it reminds them of what theyneed to do before the next time I visit. Really cool!!!

Using the iPod for Interviews

I have also used the iPOD to interview a teacher about her experience with technology in the classroom. Just by showing her what’s possible. She went on to try using a video camera when assessing students. First, she made the recording, then created a little movie which she forwarded to her students for self assessment. The teacher loved it and said she would use it again.

don’t be afraid…

Yesterday I interviewed one of the teachers at North Coast Institute, TAFE NSW about the current use of technology to engage trainees and industry.

Linda Johnston, a Community Pharmacy Teacher and e-Learning Contact for the THRAPS Faculty (Tourism, Hospitality, Retail and Personal Services) was happy to share her experiences with me.

This podcast covers the use of Adobe Connect as ‘Virtual Classrooms‘, the use of various Social Networking and collaboration tools, such as wiki’s, blog’s and Facebook to engage trainee’s in industry.

Linda also talks about the mutual benefits to TAFE and Industry and the importance of these tools for life-long learning.

how we made it…

We used an iPod with a microphone to record this interview and Audacity to edit the audio recording. I then uploaded the audio recording to podomatic. I also took some photo’s which I animated using Photoshop.

You can visit the podcast site here or click the image to listen to the interview.