education principles

Came across this article by David Merrill on OLDaily the other day: http://www.id2.usu.edu/Papers/5FirstPrinciples.PDF First Principles of Instruction. This is the direction I would like to take TROPIC, much more than the behaviour management. Especially how we apply it to different modes of learning like videoconferencing, e-learning, teleconferencing.

Had a conversation with Peter Skippington yesterday where he said people were questioning the value of the microskills. What people? What were their concerns? He was very vague about it. I figure, we haven't even put it out there yet. Why would people be trying to tear it down already? No point in worrying about it. The thing to focus on is getting it working, trying things out and making it good. Then people can try to tear it down all they like, if it works it won't matter.

Tomorrow I'm teaching Douglas's class so that he can do a profile together with Mark. I'm looking forward to getting back into a classroom. Hopefully it will be fun. I've asked Ian if he can video it - may as well start pulling resources together when we can. And if I do it, it might encourage others to do the same.

TROPIC

TROPIC. I feel like the biggest challenge now will be keeping a focus on it while there are so many other things going on.

The six hats exercise we did was very worthwhile I thought. But now keeping everyone enthused and on track... what is the best way to do that?

OK still learning

Changed the template. In my last post found out how to put photos in. Still not clear on my purpose for this, apart from experimenting. Scatterbrained. The digital images course, the Diploma of ELearning teaching coming up, the TROPIC program - which one will I focus on? Like I said, random thoughts irregularly posted.

Oscar the cat