Professor Michael G. Moore is the Director of The American Center for Study of Distance Education and founding editor (1986) of The American Journal of Distance Education. While widely known as a scholar since his original (1972) theorizing about distance learning, his practical experience includes the use of all technologies at all levels of education and training, including on-line teaching in the World Campus of the Pennsylvania State University. As a consultant in distance education he specializes in training the trainers, advising on course design, conducting needs analysis and program evaluation. Originally trained as an economist, Moore maintains a special interest in the use of technology in education for development, undertaking frequent missions for the World Bank, the IMF and several national governments. The American Center for Study of Distance Education can be accessed on the web at this site: http://www.ed.psu.edu/ACSDE/
Abstract: " Technology and the changing world of distance education: the American experience". After describing the recent expansion of distance learning delivered by Internet technologies and the principal economic and social reasons for this expansion, the presentation will review recent research on technology in the distance learning context and its implications for teaching, concluding with a discussion of some key issues.
Patrick
McDonagh is the founder of Riverdeep. He was appointed as Chairman
in December 1995. A primary school teacher by training, Mr. McDonagh has spend
most of his career in the computer-based training industry. In 1983, he founded
CBT Group, now known as SmartForce.com, of which he remains a director and
which was floated on Nasdaq in 1995. The CBT Group is a supplier of
computer-based training to the IT industry. http://www.riverdeep.net
Abstract: "The Evolution of Education"
Special Address by: Mrs. Mary O'Rourke, T.D., Minister for Public Enterprise
Richard Everett, MLE Co-ordinator JISC, UK. : Richard is the MLE (managed Learning Environment) Co-ordinator for the JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee). He works to the MLE Steering Group which is a strategic body that advises and guides the FE and HE sectors in implementation of MLEs. Prior to moving to the JISC Richard was most recently the Project Manager for the Western Colleges Consortium for On-line Learning. Previous to his WCC experience Richard worked as a Programme Leader for BTEC National Computing at Trowbridge College and before that was a Key Skills Co-ordinator at Soundwell College.
Abstract: "Managed Learning Environments, standards and IMS" The presentation looks at the issues associated with the students entering education today in relation to new technologies. It describes the work of The Managed Learning Environment Steering Group (MLESG) in the UK, documents the advice / guidance being produced and advises on the changes being made in institutions to make best use of the new technology. A functional specification of a typical environment is examined and it defines the difference between MLEs and VLEs. Standards being used in the education sector, and work being undertaken to take this forward, are investigated. The presentation also looks at the issues that need to be addressed for future success and warns of potential pitfalls along the way. It finishes with Richards view on the challenges that will face the education sector in implementing such environments for learning.
Peggi Munkittrick SCT Corporation. Peggi is the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning Strategy at SCT. Much of Peggi's career has been devoted to providing leadership for the innovative and effective use of distance learning technologies in higher education. With 21 years of experience in the education field (16 of them using distance education technology) Peggi has helped guide distance education programs in both the higher education and software provider fields. Peggi's experience includes the implementation, administration, and instructional design and delivery of videoconferencing and web-based programs for Marywood University as their Director of Distance Education. She joined SCT in August 1999 and has since led the efforts for managing SCT's e-learning partnership with WebCT and Campus Pipeline, and in coordinating SCT's FIPSE LAAP grant, "Beyond the Administrative Core: Creating Web-based Student Services for Online Learners."
Abstract: "Integration of a Management Information System with a Virtual Learning Environment " All higher education institutions have administrative software, and many are acquiring e-learning tools--- but until now there has been no way to dynamically integrate the two into a real-time single solution, available via the web 24/7. How can you leverage the distinctive service opportunities provided by a Management Information System and a Virtual Learning Environment? Why are these services important to your constituents? And what benefits does integration of these systems provide? Come hear the answers to these questions and see how SCT is providing robust, scalable integration between an MIS and a VLE, creating a true end-to-end solution that is personalized to deliver a full range of administrative services, campus intranet offerings, distance learning resources, community tools and internet content from a single login. A demonstration of the online environment will be provided.
Dr. Clive Mulholland - University of Ulster. Dr Clive Mulholland is Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Ulster. His responsibilities include the development of keyskills and continuing professional development (CPD) courses together with the development of e-Learning programmes throughout the University. Clive was previously Head of School of Biomedical Sciences within the University and created the world's first "Virtual School of Biomedical Sciences". He has extensive experience of distance learning having been involved in the delivery of distance learning programmes in the USA, the Middle and Far-East. He has held a number of posts in academia including, Queens University Belfast and the University of Wales Swansea and is currently an external examiner at the University of Malta.
Abstract: "The Virtual School of Science" The Virtual School of Sciences was established to exploit recent advances in information and communication technologies to deliver flexible professional education to a global audience. The Virtual School has launched the world's first full internet based MSc in the Biomedical Sciences. Currently the Virtual School offers 4 master programmes and a number of shorter CPD courses in over 15 countries. The key to the success of the Virtual School has been the recognition that effective student support is vital to e-Learning and that the technology employed to deliver programmes must match the skills of the target audience. The success of the Virtual School has been recognised by the UK QAA, (the body that oversees the quality of teaching and learning in UK higher education institutions) who have cited it as an example of best practice. Factors relating to the construction and development of the Virtual School will be described in the presentation. In addition, the presentation will outline future plans to develop a "Virtual Campus"
John Loonam, E-Learning Project Officer-MBA Programmes, University of Limerick. John Loonam is a research Masters in Business graduate. He is currently working as an E-learning project consultant for the College of Business at the University of Limerick. Areas of research interest include the role of TBT/WBT at corporate and academic University level. Other areas of future research interest include Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSS) and the role of technology media for the re-skilling and re-training/education of the Knowledge Worker. John is also a member of the Centre for Information & Knowledge Management (CIKM)
Abstract: " Matching eLearning Strategies to Business Strategies: A survey of Irish Companies"
Mr. Oliver McGarr is a Lecturer in ICT in Education at the University of Limerick, Ireland, and currently undertaking a PhD investigating the impact of professional development courses on teachers' use and attitude towards ICT in teaching and learning. Mr McGarr recently carried out research for the National Centre for Technology in Education, and is part of a team conducting research for the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) on the feasibility of introducing a computer-based subject at Leaving Certificate level. He is also part of an OECD team investigating the realtionship between ICTs and school improvement.
Abstract: "ICT in 2nd Level Schools in Ireland: Promoting its use across the curriculum."
Donna O'Doibhlin, Assistant Librarian in the Dundalk Institute of Technology, with specific responsibility for ensuring the quality of bibliographic records.
Abstract: "The Millennium Library System - A Brief Overview" Donna will introduce the features of the Millennium library system, with special reference to the aspects of the system, which facilitate open and distance learning. (more information)
Ian Butler, Senior Vice-President, Development, Ge.world-Transware. Ian is responsible for the audio-visual, localisation analysis, research and development functions covering technology, process, systems and tools within Ge-World Transware. Ge.World Transware is a Specialist provider of localisation services to the eLearning Industry. He has over 9 years experience in the Localisation Industry working primarily in technical roles where he has specialised in multimedia. In the years previous to this he worked as a specialist in the Pro-Audio industry, supplying maintenance, consulting services and as a lecturer in Audio Technology. He has extensive Management and Engineering experience in the Electronics, Electrical, Computing, Learning and Localisation Industries. Ian is Currently studying for a MSc in Technology Management, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Applications in 1998 from Dublin City University, certificate in Audio Recording Technology in 1990 in New York and his Diploma in Electronic Engineering in 1988 from Dundalk Institute of Technology. Ian is a member of AICC, IMS Project, Unicode Consortium and represents Transware on the European Commission eLearning Steering Group.
Abstract: "Going Global with E-Learning" An introduction to some of the considerations and issues arising from taking an eLearning product to a Global audience. Covering common localisation and internationalisation issues relevant to eLearning.
John McNamee, Fas, Loughlinstown
Abstract: "FasNET College"
Che Osborne, Educational Sales Executive, Question Mark Computing Ltd. , UK.
Workshop: "Harnessing the power of the web for testing and education" Che will be demonstrating how Question Mark Perception enables you to harness the power of the web to produce interactive, multimedia tests and assessments. You will discover just how easy it is to create questions and deliver tests online without any special training. You can find out how these assessment tools enable you to examine students and tailor courses for maximum learning power.
Peter E. Doolittle is an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. He is involved in teaching various graduate and undergraduate educational psychology courses both in the classroom and online. He is the recipient of the Phi Delta Kappa Innovative Teacher Award and Teacher-As-Researcher Award for his work in distance education as well as an Institute for Distance and Distributed Learning Fellow. Currently, his professional focus involves the synthesis of educational psychology and Internet technology for the delivery of pedagogically sound instruction at a distance.
Workshop on "Instructional Design for Web-based Instruction". This workshop will explore the basics of designing an effective on-line course, tips for implementing theoretically sound on-line pedagogy, and the aesthetics of effective Web pages. This workshop will begin by examining the essential components necessary in the design of effective on-line instruction. Specific types of on-line instructional strategies will be demonstrated. Finally, the essential aesthetic elements of Web page design will be analyzed. This workshop will focus on the actual implementation of online instruction, including Web-based examples and detailed handouts.
Ruth Harris, Senior Lecturer in Languages, Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown, Ireland. Ruth Harris has been involved in Computer Assisted Language Learning since joining the IT Sector in 1992. She ran a module in CALL at IT Tallaght under the Training of Trainers programmes Masters in Interactive Multimedia and Masters in Management in Education. She is currently involved in the development of CALL in a guided learning context at IT Blanchardstown and is also engaged in research at the School of Teacher Education at Trinity College Dublin in the area second language reading in computerised environments.
Workshop on "The CAN 8 Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) system" The CAN 8 learning system combines the functionality of a multi-media language laboratory with the capabilities of CALL software to provide an enhanced virtual learning environment. Rather than just allowing for the presentation of materials, the system is highly interactive. Multiple exercise types allow for considerable depth of processing of input, with particular emphasis on generative-type exercises. The system facilitates instructor - learner interaction and encourages learners to track their own progress and reflect on their own learning. IT Blanchardstown has been using CAN8 for the past 18 months, and this workshop aims to review with workshop participants some of the design principles underlying the creation of learning materials and analyse the effectiveness of some of these materials in terms of general language acquisition.
Dr Dexter J Booth, Principal Lecturer in Mathematics, School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Huddersfield , UK. Dexter Booth has been teaching mathematics in its various guises for over thirty years. As a consequence of his researches into Computer Aided Learning he has successfully integrated CALMAT and TASMAT into various engineering mathematics and other service modules. One course in particular, a summer Bridging Course, is totally mediated by computer and has an 80% success rate in improving the mathematical abilities of entrants to the University's HND and degree courses. For the past two years or more he has been contributing to the 5th Edition of Stroud's Engineering Mathematics during which time he has developed the Personal Tutor - a CAA package that accompanies the text and enables students to tackle extended mathematical problems via the mouse and keyboard.
Workshop: "Use of Mathematics Courseware and Assessment Software". This Workshop will demonstrate the incorporation of Computer Aided Learning (CAL) and Computer Aided Assessment (CAA) into the teaching plan of a Year 1 Mathematics course currently delivered to Engineers. It will present both the positive effects and the drawbacks and will culminate with a demonstration of developments in progress.
David L. Passmore, Professor of Education in the Workforce Education and Development Program at The Pennsylvania State University
Video conference presentation from live from Penn State.
Brian Hunt, AVA Systems, Sligo, Ireland.
Video Conferenceing workshop,
Prof. Stephen Alessi: Stephen Alessi is Associate Professor and Coordinator of Instructional Design and Technology at the University of Iowa. His teaching and research emphasize the application of cognitive learning theory to the design of educational software, especially the design of instructional simulations. He is co-author (with Stanley Trollip) of Multimedia for Learning: Methods and Development (3rd edition), and is currently writing a new textbook on simulation theory and design.
Abstract: "Designing Appropriate Interactions in Educational Multimedia" Steve will discuss a taxonomy of interaction techniques to encourage more appropriate interactivity in educational multimedia (especially on the Web).The proposed taxonomy, includes different types of interaction, and guidelines for matching appropriate types with different instructional methodologies and platforms.
Sylvia Alexander, Manager LTSN Centre for Information and Computer Sciences University of Ulster at Jordanstown
Abstract: "The Learning and Teaching Support Network" The UK higher education funding bodies have established a Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN) to promote high quality learning and teaching in all subject disciplines in higher education. The network, which consists of 24 subject centres together with a generic centre, supports the The network supports the sharing of innovation and good practice in learning and teaching including the use of communications and information technology (C&IT). The discipline focus of this programme recognises that for many in HE it is at the subject level where most networking and exchange of best practice and innovation takes place. By working with subject-based communities, the LTSN provides an effective means for dissemination of information and practitioner support. The Centre for Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) is one of the 24 Subject Centres who supports the sharing of innovation and good practices in learning and teaching in both the information and computer sciences. LTSN-ICS is located at the University of Ulster with partners at Loughborough University, University of Warwick, Heriot-Watt University and University of North London. The Centre delivers both a proactive and responsive service to its discipline communities and aims to encourage active participation from the widest possible audience.
Chris Martin, Director iTCampus
Abstract: "Innovative e-Learning Solutions"