Just thought I'd add my two-penn'orth to the comment about training left in Lizzie's Docucam post. I quite agree that initial training is important to build confidence and inspire us to seize the opportunities that the technology offers. However, those of us who attended the day with all the "Ruckee" kit found it of limited use, simply because until we'd got our hands on the kit, tried it out and identified where we had problems, we didn't know what support we'd need. In fact, everything worked perfectly that day because it was an ideal setting - trouble is, not many of us work in situations like that!
Better still has been the real-world, hands-on experience, taken at my own speed and with the support of buddies who've been there done that, themselves. This has not been a fast process and I find that I am easily overwhelmed - I have to work at my own pace and take it one step at a time, even though I'm a dive in first, ask questions later kind of person! (Yes, classic Active Experimenter, Accommodating, slightly converging learning style, that's me!)
One aspect which has been really beneficial is having the kit to ourselves 24/7 - we get it out exactly as we left it - no-one has toggled the settings or misplaced the cables and we can play, learn and discover in our own time. What luxury!
The other benefit has been having this source of advice and shared experience. Yes, I think I could benefit from a little extra - specific and targeted - training now, but I am finding that my confidence increases with each use nevertheless as I gently push my own boundaries and explore the extra buttons and features one at a time.
What I need most of all, however is TIME. Time to explore, discover, read and get to grips with all of this in a relaxed and easy manner. and time is one thing that we AdEd tutors have in limited supply. Added to which, as I write in my blog profile, I want to do everything now, or at least in the next five minutes!
But I did get a manual out last night :-)
1 comment:
I appreciate what you have said about the training you have received and the limited impact it has on your use of the kit. The idealism of a workshop situation can not always be replicated at home.
I whole heartedly agree that having the kit 24/7 is a solid base to develop the competencies required to use the equipment as part of good practice. Having the kit the individual takes the initiative and the responsibility for what occurs. The individual select, manage, and assess their own learning activities, which can be pursued at any time, in any place. This is all fine if you have the time.
I have attended many training sessions on educational theory and using ICT equipment. I have found that it is not necessarily the training that is the issue, but the style and format that the training is delivered. Training does not have to be one all encompassing session. A series of experiential workshops that sets out to introduce the equipment, deals with issues arising, user recommendations, identified next steps or whatever, would give pivotal points over a period of time that ensures everyone is getting the best out of the kit.
But as you pointed out time is a very big factor in what AdEd tutors can offer. The AdEd interest blog is a great idea and offers support and advice to everyone. It enables struggling users to access support and, at the same time, encourages advanced users to share their understanding and progress.
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