Learner using VLE for the first time

Date

15th June 2015

Brief overview

Last week I was taking a learner, studying team leading, through a virtual learning environment that I had written, and a colleague had created, via Articulate software.  The VLE is designed to be easy to use and comprises of an e-workbook that sets out the performance criteria followed by guidance, explanation and a few external links and then followed by an Adobe box for the learners to type in their answers or to list evidence they will use to prove their competence.  The external links within the guidance section connect to the VLE which comprises of a number of resources for each unit including videos, podcasts, templates and short animated teaching sections.  To move between the e-workbook and the VLE you use the icons on the bottom tool bar.  

What went well & why?

The learner commented that she liked the structure that the VLE gave her as it told her the types of evidence she needed to collect and gave her the guidance on the topic there and then and stopped her having to search out the information.  At level 2 I think this level of support is appropriate and I was pleased that she took to the format of the VLE so well.  The learner was able to move between the sections after initial instruction and by the end of the session seemed very confident in how to use the resource.

What didn't go so well and why?

At the start of the session the internet connection in the company was poor and the video kept buffering.  I was able to tether my phone to boost the signal and luckily my phone had sufficient charge to last the session but that was luck rather than judgement!  Internet connection seems to be an ongoing issue with delivering ICT.
Annoyingly the adobe boxes would not allow the learner to type into them so the learner printed out the e-workbook and was going to write her answers in, which she seemed more comfortable with, but it stopped the VLE resource being so digital in nature.  Ensuring that whatever equipment or software is being used works correctly is another issue that causes anxiety for the trainer and can cause the learner to lose interest or build barriers to the idea of such resources.

What theory assists me in this?

1. Ensuring you find the 'hook' to engage the learner.
2. Allowing the learner enough time to practice in order to feel confident.
3. Using kinaesthetic methods to ensure that the learner could use the equipment

The 'hook' for this learner, who wasn't particularly confident in ICT, was that everything she needed to complete that unit was in the VLE.

As discussed in Teaching Today (Petty,2009) allowing sufficient time and resources for learners to practice using a new tool themselves will increase their confidence and improve their recall of the tool as compared to showing a learner or telling them about the tool.  

What would I do differently next time?

Next time I would check all resources were fully functioning well ahead of the session to allow time for any 'repairs' that may be needed. Early preparation seems to be even more important than ever!
I would ensure my phone was fully charged in case it needed to be used for tethering.

What will I keep the same?

The timing and pace of the session worked well and was led by the learner rather than myself.  The kinaesthetic nature of the session also worked well.

Software I have researched

As part of my action plan that I started on my first blog I decided to try and practice at least one bit of software each week.  This time I have chosen Prezi as although I have used it before I have never done anything beyond the basics and I also have difficulty exporting it to others so they can view it.
This youtube video is a bit laborious but it does explain the basics in easy to understand language and from an educators point of view. //www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LjR6j8XKqk
I have continued to play with prezi and I am getting better at ordering slides and inserting images etc. I do still find that the ordering can get messy and the more I use any sort or presentation software the more I think it should be used for mainly images, videos and key words on the whole, but I will keep researching!!

What do I need to do?	Why do I need to do it?	How will I do it?	Support needed	Progress checking 1	Progress checking 2	Signed off as complete
Experiment with blogger.com in order to use it quickly.	To increase ease and efficiency of using the software	Start using to complete homework via this website	None	12/6/15 completed  15/6/15	/18/6/15	20/6/15
Learn how to convert WAV files to mp3 files	So I can download voice recorded blogs on my phone to store on laptop.	Speak to ICT trainer.	ICT trainer	/16/6/15	/
Take 1 piece of software listed on day 2 slides (in triangle diagram) and practice with selected software/app. Reflect on uses and weaknesses etc as part of blog.	Increase my knowledge of what is available.	Locate day 2 slides. Save relevant slide. Use internet to research	None	Mon 15thJune	Fri 19thJune