RussDev - Blog From Russell Dyas

The day started with welcome by Chris Evans of RM giving us low down of the day and what sessions are and then just a little bit of low down on future RM advancement that are happening.

Then we split into three tracks and for me it was off my first session which was again with Chris about Active Directory and it was ok as a basic intro into AD and got some useful bits of information from it.

Next it was a session of VLE by James Tebworth seemed to be aimed very much as introduction on VLE but if a school looking into this for first time then it was good. Certainly I would like a copy of it (they filmed this session) to show to people at our place as an introduction to it.

Only thing I disagreed with was that he made distinction between VLE (virtual learning environment) & VTLE (virtual teaching learning environment). James did agree with me when made the following comment but still his argument was that VTLE were VLE with some teaching tools but for me VLE and VTLE are all same they help learners learn as teaching side helps teacher’s direct students learning and so at end it comes down to helping student learn.

Looking into this after the day its mainly a term RM are using and I also think adding this terminology when everyone else is using something else makes life harder as you then trying to define two things in which are same. This only serves to confuse people in area that is all already over run with acronyms and as this session was to try serve as introduction session I think needs to be looked at.

Also comment did make and this not vendor issue is the fact we are meant to be doing any learning anytime what do you do for students who no internet access hone either due to financial situation or are not allowed due to religious reasons and we need to look at this or there are going to be students who are going to be seriously disadvantaged with income of personalised learning and the anytime anywhere learning.

Next was lunch very good meal and was speaking with several people all from local area to me talking about VLE’s and various topics and was very useful.

Next was ‘Managing Technical Support Team’ by excellent Chris Day very useful some of it was basic stuff which don’t think of but also we were given secret to getting an aircon installed in server room I will try it and see if it works.

Then final session of day we all came back for look at Microsoft Vista and plans for what RM have got (basically nothing decided they said but meetings going on and they will have better idea once Microsoft release RC version). Then it was on about spec is needed and and things to think about when planning rooms now.

Then it was off to collect my free gift yes every attendee gets a free gift if they fill in a survey and this years was good I will say what it is later and not spoil surprise for anyone attending any of seminars in Newcastle, Runcorn or York next week..

Filed under: Conferences, Education, MLE, PLE, Peterborough, RM, Technical Seminars, VLE, VTLE, technology