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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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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Just thought I would share with you some other highlights of our stay in NYC

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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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!