This document discusses using social networking tools to engage learners in e-learning. It suggests mapping out a journey using tools like wikis, blogs, Flickr and YouTube to appeal to the social aspects of learning. The document outlines a two-phase approach: 1) Learn about tools through exploration and discussion; 2) Plan smart use of tools through collaborative strategies and preferred communication methods. It provides examples of activities for each phase, like creating a collaborative wiki or discussing blog use, and emphasizes starting slowly and ensuring time to explore.

1. The changing learning landscape What are the ‘pros and cons’ of social learning, networking and communities for learning? Coach Carole 22 October 2008 " Put e-learning on your map'

2. " Put e-learning on your map' Where are you going? How will you communicate during your travels? How can e-learning help you? In this session we will explore some innovative methods of engaging others in e-learning from a social networking point of view. Introducing the concepts of e-learning to groups of tutors and teachers can be a real challenge and this year I've used the metaphor of 'journey' to engage with my e-mentors in the Hume region. In this session I'm going to take the concept one step further and look at how you can 'map' the journey using some of the social networking (Web 2.0) tools from a travel perspective. Over the years I've seen great successes with the introduction of digital storytelling into educational activities - one of the main reasons for its success has been its engagement with the participants from a personally rewarding perspective. I can now see that the use of such tools as wikis, blogs, flickr, you tube, delicious and twitter can be the vehicles for enabling a greater understanding and implementation of e-learning if you first appeal to the 'social' aspects of e-learning for the participant.

3. Rationale My recent trips to England, Egypt and Europe provided an opportunity to make use of some social networking tools to keep in touch with family and friends This caused me to rethink how I might introduce such tools to groups of new e-learning enthusiasts using a mapping approach Make use of travel pictures, blogs, and stories to engage new learners in using: flickr, blogger and photo story OR bubbleshare, wordpress and voicethread It is important to formulate strategies for providing exploration and communication time for participants

4. Key message 1: Make the new learning relevant to social aspects of participants’ lives e.g. travel

6. Reflections of our elearning Journey From Wikis to Live Blogging One month before – set up a collaborative wiki First contact in a Live Blog . From Blogs to Learning Management Systems One month in – provide blog posting experience On request – provide information on Moodle . From Skype to Elluminate For the duration of the project – use Skype Occasionally – use Elluminate .

7. Emerging Issues Lack of time to explore Finding space and avoiding interruptions Getting colleagues onside Preparing a plan ...... ...... ......

8. Key Message 2: Start slowly and build an itinerary collaboratively

9. Map of e-learning possibilities Wikis Blogs Skype LMS Elluminate Twitter Live Blogging Surveymonkey Wikipedia Delicious Live Classroom Blogosphere Live Twitting Second Life Moodle TAFE VC Surveyshare Wordpress Adobe Connect Gmail Ning

10. Mapping a new journey Phase One: learning about web 2.0 tools: Tools required: Translator – provide an explanation of e-terms Guide - use an e-guide Map – create a visual map Resources – Social E-learning http://socialelearning.flexiblelearning.net.au/social_elearning/index.htm Phase Two: planning to use web 2.0 tools smartly: Strategies required: Engagement– plan a journey Collaboration – use collaborative tools (wiki) Communication – use preferred communication systems Resources – Designing E-learning http://designing.flexiblelearning.net.au/

11. Phase One: learning about web 2.0 tools:

12. Social e-learning

13. Begin with a strategy Select a strategy, a tool and an activity to explore

14. Create a collaborative wiki For example:

15. Learn from others Listen to people talking about their use of wikis

16. Wiki activities for participants Create a page for themselves in the collaborative wiki Post some reflections about the use of wikis in their page Create their own wikispace Discuss the pros and cons of using wikis in a discussion forum Discuss how wikis could be used in their centres at a f2f meeting or at an online meeting in Skype

17. Key message 3: Begin slowly with a guided tour

18. Choose another strategy Select a strategy, a tool and an activity to explore

19. Provide some reflection Learn about different purposes for blogging

20. Learn from others Listen to other teachers talking about how they use blogs

21. Blog activities Create a blog for yourself and post entries to it Send the blog URL to your colleagues and ask them to post comments Discuss the issues about the use of blogs in a discussion forum Ask them to create their own blog and post entries, share the URLs with others Discuss the issues about using blogs in a f2f meeting or at an online meeting in Skype

22. Key message 4: Ensure that there is time to explore and consolidate learning

23. Phase Two: planning to use web 2.0 tools smartly:

24. Blended E-learning Models What could they look like?

25. Students Teachers Thin blended model Learning Management System Email Virtual Classroom

26. Students Teachers An alternative thin blended model WIKI And BLOG Email Virtual Classroom

27. Students Teachers Learning Management System Email Virtual Classroom Second Life

28. Students Teachers One with the lot

29. Students Teachers Choose your own

30. Students Teachers

31. Designing e-learning

32. Key message 4: Make use of the planning tools already provided

33. ? Questions/Comments