Summary
Highlights
The speaker, from a background in corporate e-learning, highlights the need for consistent training for large numbers of employees and the growing role of the Philippines as a source for English teachers. She aims to share free or low-cost ICT tools to foster internal and external collaboration in schools and learning institutions, acknowledging the work of Jane Hart in modern workplace learning. The traditional classroom model, with the teacher as content master, is contrasted with a more modern approach where technology enables social collaboration and the teacher acts as a guide.
A learning tool is defined as any software or online service used for personal learning, teaching, or training. The process of digitizing lessons from printed materials into e-learning content is explained, emphasizing the importance of interesting, rich, and creative content. PowerPoint is noted as a common learning tool, alongside commercial authoring tools like Captivate and Articulate, which can often be secured free for academic use through negotiation.
Content needs to be hosted in a Learning Management System (LMS). Moodle, an open-source course management system, is presented as a widely used option by teachers. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are also mentioned, providing interactive user forums in addition to traditional course materials. YouTube is highlighted as a free platform for sharing video lessons, allowing teachers to create and host their content freely.
Ted Talk and Ted-Ed are introduced as valuable resources: Ted Talk for short videos of 'ideas worth spreading,' and Ted-Ed for creating lessons around these talks. Wikipedia is recognized as a quick source for definitions. The speaker emphasizes the accessibility of these tools through mobile devices like iPads and smartphones, which many Filipinos already possess for their learning experiences.
Twitter is presented as a tool for sharing short messages and ideas, useful for students who might be shy in class and for faculty to build their personal and professional learning networks. Google Search is acknowledged as an essential tool for information access. Google Docs/Drive facilitates sharing and collaborative editing of various document formats, promoting transparent idea exchange among students and peers. Dropbox is recommended for file storage and sharing, offering significant free memory space for students.
Facebook, despite being a personal networking tool, is widely used by teachers to support study groups. It's noted that students are more likely to check Facebook daily than email, making it an effective platform for communication, content sharing, and creating closed groups for students. WordPress is introduced as a free tool for creating blogs and websites, useful for individuals and organizations like school alumni associations.
Skype is highlighted as a useful conferencing tool for one-on-one or group discussions and material sharing. The speaker concludes by summarizing that schools are workplaces for both teachers and students, where learning is enhanced through individual and collaborative efforts. The discovery of learning becomes more meaningful when students organize to analyze and present solutions. Teachers are encouraged to share their materials, build professional networks, and foster a community of practice in e-learning.