Treloar's is looking to create a new Technology Hub by consolidating its computer services, business systems, assistive technology, and learning technology teams into a single unit. This will help reduce costs, maximize the potential of technology, and better integrate technology into the classroom. The Technology Hub will provide a single point of contact for technology inquiries and holistically assess students' complex access needs to technology. The vision is for the Hub to enhance students' education and independence through technology and create a center of technological excellence for students and the community.
How EesySoft helps to increase Blackboard adoption
Understanding how Blackboard is being used by our teachers and students is crucial for making strategic, educational, and support choices. EesyReports provides us with realtime informationabout how our Blackboard application is being used by teachers and students. In addition, we are using EesyMessaging to promote technology adoption by transformingour Blackboard support blog into an “incontext help platform”, providing our staff and students with just-in-time and just-in-place information when they are active in Blackboard.
During the presentation we will demonstrate the practical use of Eesysoft and discuss the added value of the product for the Maastricht University Blackboard community.
How EesySoft helps to increase Blackboard adoption
Understanding how Blackboard is being used by our teachers and students is crucial for making strategic, educational, and support choices. EesyReports provides us with realtime informationabout how our Blackboard application is being used by teachers and students. In addition, we are using EesyMessaging to promote technology adoption by transformingour Blackboard support blog into an “incontext help platform”, providing our staff and students with just-in-time and just-in-place information when they are active in Blackboard.
During the presentation we will demonstrate the practical use of Eesysoft and discuss the added value of the product for the Maastricht University Blackboard community.
Embracing GenAI - A Strategic ImperativePeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Francesca Gottschalk - How can education support child empowerment.pptxEduSkills OECD
Francesca Gottschalk from the OECD’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation presents at the Ask an Expert Webinar: How can education support child empowerment?
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
3. Treloar’s Mission
Education and much more for disabled young people
• Integrated approach
• Education
• Therapy
• Medical
• Independence Training
• Young People with Complex Physical Disabilities
• Caring and supportive environment.
3
4. The Challenge
1. Reduce costs
2. Maximise the potential of technology in line with
our ICT Strategy and Vision
3. Greater integration of ILT in the classroom
4. Reduction in demand for formal library provision
4
5. Technology based staff brought together into a
single unit
5
Technology
Hub
Computer
Services
Business
Systems
Assistive
Technology
Learning
Technology
Learning
Resources
9. Our Vision
• To enhance and support
students’ education and
independence through the use
of technology
• Support staff in their use of
technology to achieve
‘outstanding’
9
• To create a centre of technological excellence for the
benefit of our students and the wider community
13. 13
Feedback from Student Voices
• Good that all the departments are altogether
• AT really help with independence
• Really enjoy the Tech Hub, I go nearly every day but
would like it to be open for longer
• I like the help desk as there is more staff available to
help
• The Tech Hub is busier and it is a lot better now that
they are altogether
• The Tech hub is more interesting now that IT and AT
are with the LRC, like the iPads and the themes and
events like the Romans, it is inspiring to students
• Preferred the layout last year as it was quieter and a
more relaxing environment
Could you please cover an overview of the development of your accessibility with technology, and the challenges you have overcome. Also what the impact has been for the learners. Mention the apps used and which tools and resources you found most useful. The last part may well be just reference to the apps and tools for delegates to link to after the event. It will depend on how long you think the first part will take.
At Treloar’s since 2012 working initially with Business Systems, but now managing the newly formed TechnologyMember of Jisc Technology Advisory Group for Independent Specialist Colleges.
School and collegeTreloar’s has over 100 years history in the enabling of education for the physically disabled, beginning from the work of Lord Mayor Treloar.The Treloar Trust, is the charity, which runs the School & College and extends into Outreach Services.The Trust has royal patronage from HRH Countess of Wessex and boasts the Lord Mayor of London as an Honorary Trustee. We were pleased to welcome three alumni as patrons following their medal winning successes as part of Team GB at the 2012 Paralympics.The Trustees and Governing Body comprise professionals from a range of professions and in particular education and medical/care provision. On the governing body parents, students, staff are represented and we have members who successfully follow their chosen career whilst managing their own disability.Vision Treloar’s, saw the creation of the Holybourne Campus as it is today – a site which enables the education of physically disabled students from age 7 – 25 and acts as a hub for the development of a nationally recognised centre of expertise.
Reduce costs following the reduction in student and numbers (and therefore demand for services). Maximise the potential of technology within Treloar’s to mitigate increasingly complex disabilities – really make technology one of our USPsThe demand for formal library provision has reduced in recent years but we envisage retaining this capablity as a flexible serviced space with unit members playing a role in general oversight during opening hours.Students had their own devices so weren’t even coming down to use the pc’s in the libraryTechnology has the potential to enrich both the lives and the learning of our students. It can also support the development and operation of the business as we fulfil our aims to achieve excellence and provide value for money.Assistive and Learning Technologies are evolving rapidly to mitigate increasingly complex disablities and allow Treloar’s student the propects of ever greater levels of independence and ahievement. Treloar’s has invested significant sums in technology and has the potential to use its skills, outlook and resources to drive the the development of A&LT in the interests of its students and the wider disabled community. We believe this potential will be better realised if we bring together the various separate specialisms across Treloar’s and encourage them to work together alongside and in the interests of each individual student. This will enable us to deliver our vision of creating an integrated package of technology support which supports learning, mitigates disability and enriches lives; support which will be customised, evolving and portable.Identified in Treloar’s latest Ofsted report that Information Learning Technology (ILT) needs to be more embedded in teaching and learningA more coordinated approach to technology has been identified in Treloar’s Quality Improvement PlanOfsted standards require that learners are prepared for transition; access to information communication technology (ICT) can:increase employabilityenable students to create/maintain family and social contacts during transition to a new environmentprovide autonomous leisure opportunitiesTreloar’s has a commitment that every learner will have access to appropriate technologyAt the rate technology is developing, it is impossible for every member of staff to stay fully aware of all developments and how this could work for their students A commitment to continually improve our outreach service provision by up-skilling and empowering staff within our outreach partnerships
To bring together our technology based staff into a single unit aiming to create a community of practice and expertise focussed on our Technology Vision and the deleivery of the ICT Strategy.To co-site staff in an accessible student/staff facing Technology Hub so that infomal interaction and dialogue between unit members, Treloar’s staff and students can be encouraged. It is envisiaged that this will be in the existing LRC space in the first instance.We will train approriate staff to work alongside teachers, care staff, therapists and students to increasingly support development on the front line.The demand for formal library provision has reduced in recent years but we envisage retaining this capablity as a flexible serviced space with unit members playing a role in general oversight during opening hours.Still convinced that there is a place for the library – focus on literacyThe College Switchboard and current Staffing will be relocated to the LRC/Technology Hub.This will enable us to deliver our vision of creating an integrated package of technology support which supports learning, mitigates disability and enriches lives; support which will be customised, evolving and portable.ILT timetabled classroomAT:Using technology to optimise learning and independence.MDT working with tutors, therapists and support staff to assess and understand the learner’s difficulties. Formulating technical solutions that are appropriate for the learner and their environment.Managing the expectations of technology with respect to resources and budget.Providing training and support to ensure that technology is used effectively.Access to education, communication and mobility with special computing, hardware and switches.department which consists of Computer Services, Business Systems, Assistive Technology, Learning Resources and Learning Technology.
To bring together our technology based staff into a single unit aiming to create a community of practice and expertise focussed on our Technology Vision and the deleivery of the ICT Strategy.To co-site staff in an accessible student/staff facing Technology Hub so that infomal interaction and dialogue between unit members, Treloar’s staff and students can be encouraged. It is envisiaged that this will be in the existing LRC space in the first instance.We will train approriate staff to work alongside teachers, care staff, therapists and students to increasingly support development on the front line.The demand for formal library provision has reduced in recent years but we envisage retaining this capablity as a flexible serviced space with unit members playing a role in general oversight during opening hours.The College Switchboard and current Staffing will be relocated to the LRC/Technology Hub.This will enable us to deliver our vision of creating an integrated package of technology support which supports learning, mitigates disability and enriches lives; support which will be customised, evolving and portable.ILT timetabled classroom
No more getting passed from pillar to postSingle phone number and new email addressTicketing system used by whole department to log and assign callsTo bring together our technology based staff into a single unit aiming to create a community of practice and expertise focussed on our Technology Vision and the deleivery of the ICT Strategy.To co-site staff in an accessible student/staff facing Technology Hub so that infomal interaction and dialogue between unit members, Treloar’s staff and students can be encouraged. It is envisiaged that this will be in the existing LRC space in the first instance.We will train approriate staff to work alongside teachers, care staff, therapists and students to increasingly support development on the front line.The demand for formal library provision has reduced in recent years but we envisage retaining this capablity as a flexible serviced space with unit members playing a role in general oversight during opening hours.The College Switchboard and current Staffing will be relocated to the LRC/Technology Hub.This will enable us to deliver our vision of creating an integrated package of technology support which supports learning, mitigates disability and enriches lives; support which will be customised, evolving and portable.ILT timetabled classroom
Already embraced the MDT culture – therapy, care, educationTo bring together our technology based staff into a single unit aiming to create a community of practice and expertise focussed on our Technology Vision and the deleivery of the ICT Strategy.To co-site staff in an accessible student/staff facing Technology Hub so that infomal interaction and dialogue between unit members, Treloar’s staff and students can be encouraged. It is envisiaged that this will be in the existing LRC space in the first instance.We will train approriate staff to work alongside teachers, care staff, therapists and students to increasingly support development on the front line.The demand for formal library provision has reduced in recent years but we envisage retaining this capablity as a flexible serviced space with unit members playing a role in general oversight during opening hours.The College Switchboard and current Staffing will be relocated to the LRC/Technology Hub.This will enable us to deliver our vision of creating an integrated package of technology support which supports learning, mitigates disability and enriches lives; support which will be customised, evolving and portable.ILT timetabled classroom – teachers previously not feeding back student accessibility issues – they were set up by AT at the beginning of the year. Now AT computer access work increased dramatically
Excellent unified first line supportDevelop use of CAT teamThis is where you say about the power of technology to mitigate disabilities
David using gesture to control the SMART TvEnvironmental controls – next term, up an area of the Tech Hub as a different room – lighting, heating, stereo etc
Using the apple TV to demonstrate an app to the iPad clubRomans theme – mock up of chariot, Ben Hur video with the fan going!
Wi challenge – staff and studentsSocial media – on same basis as able bodied student; reduced barriersBeing disabled can be very isolatingiPad club – encourages social interaction between students Movie clubAnimation clubSophie using her switch to control the iPad to create a pic collage for her mum for mother’s day
iPad clubMovie clubAnimation club
Access YouTube – simpler interface, full YouTube
Sophie using her switch to control the iPad to create a pic collage for her mum for mother’s dayAsk Mike what the interface box is called (and cost)
Green screen software…
And of course apps…Invest to save – project to assess students for tecchnology requirementsIndirectly we rely heavily on the gaming industry – equipment will quite often be astronomically expensive, but once adopted by the gaming industry and produced for the mass market the price reduces dramaticallyWe use a lot of apps – engage the students relatively cheap or free to licenseAurasma
Invest to save – project to assess students for tecchnology requirements Aurasma – Ian Karten printing centre – instructions for printers
Pinterest – for collecting ideas togetherPictello – take a picture, write or sound record some wordsDragon – free app (£100 for pc) but need wifi. For those students who struggle to get ideas onto paper, or have difficulty spelling
Our key message is the ability to replicate the services provided to our own students, externally.This includes:· customised access to information and communication technology· construction and modification of equipment· mounting communication equipment on to wheelchairs · daily living adaptations· mobility appraisals and solutions