Hot Topics Conversations
Overview
The Hot Topic Conversations is a series of webinars (online seminars) held online every week on Wednesdays between 1:00-2:00 pm using the Adobe Connect platform in the following room https://webconf.det.nsw.edu.au/wd/
Sessions are recorded using Adobe Connect and published on the myLearning wiki and the audio podcast on the myLearning blog/podcast.
2011 Program
| Date | Time | Topic | Presenter/s | Target Audience | Overview |
| 9-Feb | 1:00-2:00pm | Windows 7 Update | Michael Philipou | All Staff | The purpose of the one hour Hot Topic session is to familiarise staff with the new features of Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. |
| 18-Feb | 1:00-2:00pm | Future Learning - Using Youtube in Education | Stephan Ridgway | All Staff | This 1 hr online session will demonstrate how the online video sharing service YouTube can be used as a teaching and learning tool. Aimed at beginners, this session will cover using YouTube to find and embed learning resources to creating an account and uploading & sharing video. |
| 23-Feb | 1:00-2:00pm | Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40110) | Gaby Gubbay | All Teachers | This session will provide an overview of the new Cert IV in Training and Assessment training package. |
| 28-April | 1:00-2:00pm | Meet the Mentors | Workforce Development Unit and LTMs | All Staff | This session will comprise of a facilitated conversation with the new 2011 Learning Technology Mentors who have been selected to support teachers in embedding technology in teaching and learning. |
| 18th May | 1:00-2:00pm | Sustainability at Work | Colin Mew | All Staff | a brief outline of Sydney Institute's performance in reducing resource consumption. |
| 25th May | 1:00-2:00pm | Chemical Safety | Ivar Berzin | All Staff | This 1hr session will be a forum to discuss the Institute's new Chemical Safety Program. The program describes the OH&S requirements for all staff invloved in the use, storage and disposal of chemicals. |
| 1 June | 1:00-2:00pm | My Voice 2011 | Claire O’Conor | All Staff | This session provide an overview of the TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute My Voice 2011 all staff survey. |
| 8th June | 1:00-2:00pm | Changes to Training Packages |
Gaby Gubbay Trish Jamieson | All Teachers | This session outlines how training packages are changing and what this means for you. |
| 15 th June | 1:00-2:00pm | Accessing eResources | Brian Mayne & Anna Sin | All Teachers | This session outlines how to access eResources from library electronic databases. |
| 22 nd June | 1:00-2:00pm | Social media & digital marketing @ Sydney Institute | Fran Cane, Director, Promotions and Communications | All Staff | This session will provide an overview of using Social media & digital marketing in Sydney Insittute |
| 29 th June | 1:00 - 2:00pm | Student Scholarships for 2011 - Supporting our students towards a better future | Nicola Pegum, Paul Chandler and Elizabeth Mitchell | All Staff |
This session will outline the scholarships available at Sydney Institute. |
| | | | | | |
| 7 Sept | 1:00 - 2:00pm | VETCAT | Workforce Development Unit | All Staff | This session will discuss the results of the VETCAT survey run at Sydney Institute in May 2011 |
| 22 Sept | 1:00-2:00pm | NEW VET National Regulator | Yalta Debbene | Teachers | An information session that covers the New Regulator, VET Quality framework, legislation, standards and SI TAFE's response. |
| 12 Oct | 1:00-2:00pm | Assessent Validation | Yalta Dabbene | Teachers | This session will focus on assessment validation |
| 19th Oct | 1:00-2:00pm | Upgrading to Moodle 2 | Paulis Cheung, Glenyce White & Jerry Koid, Workforce Development Unit | Teachers | This session will provides an overview of the migration from the current version of Moodle (1.9) to Moodle 2.1 at Sydney Institute and what teachers need to know to transition. |
| 27th Oct | 1:00 - 2:00pm | Sustainability - An introduction to the "Change 2" online program | Workforce Development Unit | All Staff | This session provides an overview of the "Change 2" suite of online sustainability programs available to SI staff. |
|
2nd Nov | 1:00-2:00pm | “Applying for jobs at Sydney Institute is changing – we are going Online” | Diane Cremin | All Staff | The session will discuss: Why we are moving to online job applications with JobsNSW? What does this mean for staff at Sydney Institute applying for jobs? |
| 1:00 - 2:00pm | GlobeSmart | Gabby Gubbay, Workforce Development Unit | Teachers | This session provides an overview of the "GlobeSmart" cultural awareness program at SI | |
| 1:00 - 2:00pm | Elearning strategy and business plan | Stephan Ridgway, | Teachers | This session will outline the new eLearning strategy for SI. | |
| 1:00 - 2:00pm | Designing 4 Flexibility | Stephan Ridgway & Robyn Jay | All Staff | This session will provides an overview of the new online program "Designing 4 Flexibility" designed to support VET practitioners who are seeking to add greater flexibility to their learning designs and courses. | |
| 1:00 - 2:00pm | The Annual Plan and how SI priorities are set | Brenda Cleaver | | |
Hot Topic Conversations session plan
Archives
2010 Program
Hot Topic Conversations - 2010 Program
2009 Program
Hot Topic Conversations - 2009 Program
2008 Program
Hot Topic Conversations - 2008 Program
2007 Program
Registering your attendance
Attendance to join is open to all staff across the Institute. If you wish to be reminded to join any of these sessions simply email your name to si.workforcedevelopment[@]tafensw.edu.au
or register online by following the link on the activity details page from the Professional Development Calendar on SydNet.
What you will need to join online
- PC with a sound card and a headset to listen to the audio
- Adobe Flash Installed (all TAFE, Sydney Institute computers have this installed) Note: minimum requirement is flash 8.
- Internet connection, ideally broadband such as adsl/cable
- To test your computer set up for compatibility click here
For more information on configuring your computer for a Connect Session see the detailed Adobe Configuration Guide
Headsets: What & where to buy?
Within Sydney Institute, the college bookshops now stock a cheap Verbatim USB VoIP headset Model # 41921 for around $40.
If you are located near Ultimo the MSY computer store sells USB headsets for around $30.
Harris Technology also stock a Verbatim's USB VoIP headset Model Number U5800 for around $35
If you want higher build quality and more comfort on your ears for those 1 hr + online sessions then Logitech sell a wide range of good quality headsets typically priced from around $55 and above. These can be purchased from a wide range of computer hardware retailers such as Harris Technology or Dick Smith.
NOTE: although you can use an analogue headset however we do recommend the USB variety.
How to join online
To enter the Workforce Development Adobe Connect Online Conference Room click on the following url https://webconf.det.nsw.edu.au/wd/
It would be a good idea to be in the room for an audio check 1/2hr prior to the session commencing to perform an audio check and familiarise yourself with the environment.
Even if you are a registered user in Adobe Connect 'Enter as a guest and then simply type in a name you would like to use for the session.
NOTE: In order that we can keep an accurate record of attendances use your full name when you enter the room.
Once in the room you should be able to view the presentation and hear the presenters. You can ask questions via the text chat area, moderators will ensure your question is put to the presenters.
Although Connect has the capability for attendees to use a microphone to broadcast we have opted at this stage to remove the complications and potential hiccups and only allow the presenters to broadcast audio.
We currently run professional development on the use of Adobe Connect. Keep your eye on the Workshops & Programs page and the Workforce development calendar to book in for a session.
