The training site I run is a Moodle platform. I just uploaded a new theme, and installed it, but it had a logo in the header that obviously wasn’t mine.

Replacing this with my own was a really simple process. I just right clicked on that section, and chose ‘view image’. The URL now displayed exactly where this picture file was in my FTP.

I then located it in my Transmit, downloaded it, edited it in photoshop, making sure not to edit the dimensions at all, or the border, and then saved it and uploaded it again!

So now my header looks more accurate to my training site!

So I have started my dive into using podcasting. I am not entirely sure how well my apprentices will respond to it, but am hoping for the best.

So my new podcasts are available here.

My process for submitting podcasts.
1. Find out where to host them, and some general info about podcasts.
I had to find out about how people watch podcasts if they don’t have an iPod and how people download them.

2. After I uploaded them I had to go about working out the kinks- put in pictures, etc. I am not happy with the embed feature of podomatic- it moves it to the top right hand corner of the screen, not in the post, which is annoying. i tried manipulating the code, but to no avail.

As far as photos go, I have decided to just take people’s photos from Flickr and credit them for it in the description. I think that this is a nice way of giving them a little plug for their photos, and also using something free.

3. Register podcast, which I have done with iTunes and that’s all. I don’t know if I will bother with the others, because this isn’t something that I necessarily want lots of randoms watching, it’s really for a specified audience (but I definitely don’t mind if others watch them).

4. I guess my ‘last’ step is notifying everyone. So I have posted it on the apprentice website, and also on the training site. When people come in I will tell them in person as well.

So today has been a really good day for me in regards to researching more on e-learning. I am loving all the information I am soaking up, and will focus on all this a little more when I get home tonight. But the main thing that has become really apparent to me is that podcasting might just be a great tool in my particular area.

A friend on mine, Sue, has this great illustration of how podcasting can work well in TAFE.

I am inclined to use pod-o-matic, at least for the time being, as this is what Sue uses and recommends.

Being trained in Primary School teaching, all this TAFE stuff is quite different to what I’m use to, but working with apprentices now has meant that I’ve had to get really involved and  work it out. I am finding that I am REALLY enjoying working with TAFE students, and could definitely see myself doing more and more in this area. I will let you all know when my podcasts are up and running, and you can find out lots about electricity!

To properly start my new e-learning theme, I’ve got some food for thought.

This is a youtube video that talks about today’s learners. Quite interesting. But I find that I am cynical with these things because I don’t thing that my apprentices at work are like that at all… Some of them are less tech-savy then the preps I had last year. But maybe this is because they are more generation Y then X or Z?

Thoughts?

Wow, it’s been a long time since I wrote here, but I’ve been surprised at the consistent traffic I’ve been getting here!

The reason I am starting this blog back up again is because I have been pretty involved in my job at John Love Electrical with training apprentices, and creating online training. I guess I would just love to write down my thoughts, experiences, and hopefully connect with other people doing similar things!