We are now in Los Angeles looking forward to our return.

I have had such an incredible e-learning opportunity through this study tour. I have met the most interesting and knowledgeable people in each and every place I have visited, all of whom welcomed me so warmly and freely shared information and innovative practices.

Thank you to all of those who have made this trip possible. To TAFE NSW for the opportunity of the scholarship; to my family and friends for their support; to Cath and the team at Cowra for keeping the show going in my absence; and of course to my support crew, David and Michael, for their company, assistance and keeping their senses of humour for the duration!

My contact at the University of North Texas was Dr Philip Turner, Vice Provost for Learning Enhancement. Dr Turner leads all types of innovation with e-learning at the University; he leads the Centre for Teaching,Learning and Assessment and he also heads an innovative project at the University entitled the UNT Quality Enhancement Plan.

The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is all about 'Next Generation Web Design' http://QEP.unt.edu is 'designed to help faculty members and support staff to work together to transform the student learning experience in large enrolment undergraduate classes'. Interdisciplinary teams work together to upgrade exisiting online courses, or place existing face to face courses online 'engaging, encouraging and enabling faculty members to investigate and apply innovative and instructional techniques'. I was privileged to see some of the incredible instructional design techniques being used with subject content.

Thank you Philip for welcoming me so warmly and to all the Faculty and staff for allowing me to be present at your meeting.

written by  Sally Delaney on May 8, 2007 from Dallas, United States
from the travel blog: Sally DeLearning - American Style 2007
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Just thought I would share with you some other highlights of our stay in NYC

Kathy has written ten books and completed significant research about distance education. Since 2005 she has been researching the area of podcasting. Kathy's research into podcasting in the classroom has found that it motivates students because digital technology is such a part of their lives. The use of technological tools such as ipods and other mp3 players needs to be 'captured' in a classroom because students already have these devices already 'attached to their bodies'.

Using technology to create podcasts also 'empowers' the student. A student (especially students with low levels of literacy) can produce an aural text in the same way a written text is created: plan, draft, edit, final copy. This gives the student a 'voice'.

You can tune in to Podcast for Teachers from the RETC at http://www.podcast for teachers.org. Kathy's latest book has just been released 'Podcasting for Teachers' and is available online at www.bxmedia.net

Thank you to Kathy and Barbara for the fascinating morning and to Kathy for the tour of the surprisingly beautiful oasis in the middle of the Bronx: Fordham University

written by  Sally Delaney on May 4, 2007 from New York, United States
from the travel blog: Sally DeLearning - American Style 2007
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Today I met with Alison Rice, at Hunter College, City University of New York. This is a University right in the heart of Manhattan - just a buzz of students and life. Alison is the Director Of Hunter College's IELI (International English Language Institute) and ELT (English Language Teaching) Institute.

Alison and I had an interesting discussion about online learning and the differences in our two teaching environments. We were joined by Anne Ediger, Chair, Department of Curriculum and Teaching. The three of us exchanged lots of worthwhile information about education and living in New York City. Anne is coming to Australia later in the year and may even come to Cowra to visit us and see what we do! I did mention that Cowra is quite a bit different to New York City!

Thank you Alison for giving up your time for me today!

written by  Sally Delaney on May 3, 2007 from New York, United States
from the travel blog: Sally DeLearning - American Style 2007
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We have said goodbye to our 'home on wheels' for the last 2 weeks - our rental car. Driving into Washington was not the drama we might have imagined.

A special thank you here to my support team on this journey: one courageous and expert driver; and one capable and confident navigator. There was barely one wrong turn for 1660 miles (2660 kms). My husband and son have spent many collective hours charting the journey - very reassuring for me!

And you'll never guess who I ran into ...

Part of the history of the University includes a shocking student massacre. On May 4, 1970, protests against the Vietnam War ended in confrontation with the Ohio National Guard, leaving four students dead and nine wounded. A memorial to this incident in the University grounds, encourages all who visit to 'inquire, learn and reflect' on how differences may be resolved peacefully.

My visit to the University allowed me the opportunity to learn about and witness current research into technology in the classroom. Dale Cook, Summit Professor, Founder and Director, Research Centre for Educational Technology, met me and explained the amazing work that the Centre is doing (www.rcet.org). RCET 'explores the uses and influences of technology in education through rich collaborations among researchers and practitioners, to help improve teaching and learning in today's classroom ...'

Live research takes place in an authentic classroom setting which can be viewed, recorded, analysed by researchers through a one-way screen.

I viewed a Kindergarten class working with their teacher on a unit of weather. They were using microphone, document camera, lap top computers, weather probes, video/still cameras as tools for their learning. It was a fantastic sight to see! These were children who did not have a lot of technological skill at the commencement of their 6 week period.

Two research findings which Dale discussed with me are: the low incidence of behaviour problems in this technolgy rich classroom; the enhancement of skills for students with special needs.

I then spent some time with Albert (Chip) Ingram and Lin Lin, both of whom are Associate Professors, Educational Foundations & Special Services. We had a rich and interesting conversation regarding online and blended learning. They showed me the Distance Learning Centre which is equipped with 'smart classroom' features.

I was then taken to a wonderful Kent restaurant for lunch. Thank you Chip!

Thank you to everyone involved in my visit to Kent State University. Your hospitality and time were greatly appreciated. My words have barely done justice to the learning and experience that I gained from my visit. I am in awe of the level and capacity of research that has been set up.

written by  Sally Delaney on April 30, 2007 from Kent, United States
from the travel blog: Sally DeLearning - American Style 2007
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My contact at Purdue was Dr Jennifer Richardson, Assistant Professor in the Educational Technology Program. Jennifer is in charge of the teacher education program. I 'discovered' Jennifer when I was completing an e-learning subject for a Master of Education. Jennifer and her colleagues have completed extensive research in distance learning especially online learning and videoconferencing. Jennifer is currently researching peer feedback in the online environment, specifically the discussion room.

Jennifer arranged a lunch in my honour and invited Faculty from the English Department, the Continuing Education Department and the Educational Technology Dept. It was an excellent opportunity to share viewpoints and information and the lunch was delicious!

Mike, from the Educational Technology Department, then took us to the videoconferencing room which is used frequently by a small number of Faculty. The room has the Polycom system as ours does, but houses duplicate screens - you can see the three of us on one of the screens.

I then spent some time with Dennis and Tianhong from the Continuing Education Department. Dennis and Tianhong explained their roles. Dennis informed me of the large growth of online courses over the last few years. Tianhong, an Instructional Designer, helps Faculty members to place courses online.

Thank you to all who made my visit to Purdue so memorable. Especially thank you to Jennifer for your warm hospitality and making yourself available to me today. I have gained so much from my visit. I also now can recognise a squirrel when I see one!

written by  Sally Delaney on April 27, 2007 from West Lafayette, United States
from the travel blog: Sally DeLearning - American Style 2007
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