Having trouble logging into Freedcamp?

If you're using Freedcamp for your La Trobe work-integrated learning placement, and have been having trouble logging in, try this:

1. Go to https://freedcamp.com/login
2. Enter your La Trobe email address into the email box (leave the password box blank)
3. Click on the 'forgot password' link. You'll receive an email which will allow you to set an 8-character password that you'll remember. Your Freedcamp password doesn't have to correspond to your La Trobe password.

Still having problems? Send Annabel an email and we'll troubleshoot :)

App review: Freedcamp

Freedcamp is our favourite web-based project management and collaboration platform. Students from our faculty on work placements will be using it to manage projects, collaborate and reflect on the experience of being in the workplace. And like all our favourite applications and platforms, it's free!

There's a mobile app in the works, but for now you can use it by typing the address freedcamp.com into your browser.

For the ACC3AWP group I've set up group and individual project sites and invited  students and staff to join via your La Trobe email addresses. Take a tour- have fun!

Appstorm's review includes an easy-to-follow introduction to the main features,

Wei Wu's Prezi presentation Freedcamp - the NEW CI communication is a great overview,

and Angel Grablev's YouTube video Freedcamp 2 introduction shows the latest features.

How to test your computer's audio to use Zoom.us

When using video-conferencing app zoom.us on an iPad, iPhone,, Mac desktop or laptop, you can use the inbuilt camera, speakers and microphone, your own headset or your Mac bud earphones with microphone.

If you are using a PC, you may wish to check that your computer has an inbuilt microphone. You may also need a webcam to use video in your call. It is possible, however, to take part in a meeting with just audio.

To check your settings for audio:

• Install and open the zoom.us software. 

• Select the 'Video Meeting' button to open a meeting window.Put your mouse on the window, and a black menu with icons will appear along the bottom of the window. Select the word "Audio (not the microphone icon). Another window will open.

• Select 'Test Speaker/Microphone'. Another Window will open.

• Follow the instructions on how to test the speaker. You can go to the video tab at the top of this window to set your camera too.

MBA on iTunes U

La Trobe MBA students studying in Hanoi were able to access their BUA5PSD Personal and Professional Skills Development learning materials on their own iPads via iTunes U. 

MBA Director Amalia di Iorio says, "Most students had an iPad and were able to download the subject material without any issues.  They found the easy access to be extremely valuable in and out of the classroom".   

This first step will inform the development of blended learning materials for the iTunes U MBA Pilot Project which will roll out in 2014.

Mobile Learning Devices in Work-Integrated Learning

FBEL's Work-Integrated Learning team Gail Quirk and Marnie Long are exploring the potential of mobile devices for students on work placements. 

Students in MKT3MPR Marketing Practicum, MGT3MPH MAnagement and HRMN Practicum and ACC3AWP Accounting Work Placement are being equipped with iPad minis and a suite of free apps.  

Subject coordinator Margaret Salter and Marnie Long have integrated iPads into the assessment of ACC3AWP Accounting Work Placement, and students will be using Freedcamp and Zoom for communication, formative assessment and reflective practice. 

iPad App Review: Zoom.us

Zoom.us is our favourite free video conferencing app. It is Cloud-based, can be used on PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone and Android devices. It's very simple to use - search for the free app from the AppStore or browser, download the app and you can start straight away.

Users can register or log in with Facebook or Gmail. Click a button to start a meeting, then send an email from within the app to invite up to 24 individuals or rooms. They can join by downloading the app, then either clicking the email link, following a web link or going to the front page and entering a the meeting ID.

The host can share their screen or allow another participant to do so, record the meeting to their desktop, and turn the participants' microphones on or off to according to their needs. With their microphones on, participant can join discussion freely, and can also text-chat with the group or individuals.

The quality of the audio and HD video is very good and we've found it to be stable with no drop-outs and few shudders. It's great for group discussions or if you have to join a meeting remotely. A great tool for students and teachers. And did I mention it's free? Happy to recommend!

Here's the Zoom.us support centre on how to get started.

Here's a YouTube tutorial for using on a desktop,

and the "90 Second Academic Technology Update" from Professor Adam Scott Wandt from the City University of New York has some ideas for using Zoom.us in learning and teaching.

Having trouble with audio or video using Zoom on your PC? Try this to check your settings.

iPad App review: HaikuDeck

Replace PowerPoint presentations with HaikuDeck and get your students to do the same!

A touch on the PR/marketing side, but this HaikuDeck blog has some great ideas for how HaikuDeck can be used in the classroom. HaikuDeck searches for images that use Creative Commons licenses (other copyright-protected images are also available in the app as well) and thus are free to reuse. This presents a good opportunity to introduce the concept of copyright to your students, but enable them to find images on the web that they are allowed to reuse in their own work.

In fact, here's a HaikuDeck presentation I put together on how to search for Creative Commons images using Google image search. You can use this as a guide to do what HaikuDeck does and replicate it in a known presentation platform (e.g. PowerPoint, Keynote, etc.).

The app developers are currently trialling a web version of the app, so eventually this approach can be taken with any class, regardless of the technology the students have access to.

Even if you don't want to use or encourage your students to uses this app, the blog has a list of tips for improving presentations. Perhaps you can find a way to reinvigorate your lecture slides? If you do, please share!

If you have any questions about Creative Commons and copyright, email Ruth Jelley.

STiLT: iPad app advice for students, by students

http://ipads.nths.net/students/

Students from New Trier Township High School in Illinois have created a fantastic resource for students taking part in their iPad program, and made it available to the public (thanks guys!).

The STiLT (Student Technology Leadership Team) site is great for first-time users and more experienced students. It features:

• General Information: start at step one, with instructions on setting up your iPad, creating Apple IDs, backing up and restoring setting, and introducing the Cloud
• Apps: find out about useful apps for education, such as Explain Everything, DropBox, Google Drive, Pages and more

It's written in a very useable and respectful style. The target audience is high school students, but I'm recommending this site to our students, our staff and to my mum!

Nice one guys!- I'm looking forward to the forthcoming 'Use iPads to...' section.

See it yourself here.

eTextbook usage study in California

The authors surveyed students over two years to monitor their attitudes and usage of eTextbooks prescribed for their courses/subjects. I found this article enlightening for a number of reasons, including its demonstration of different types of arrangements for eTextbook provision for students. Both publisher suppliers in this study, while requiring students to subscribe to access the texts (presumably for a fee), they provided enduring access for the students after the completion of their studies. Perpetuity of resources being a particular interest of mine in this field, this grabbed my attention.

I'm sure many who have been involved in the MLDP trial will gain some insight of their own from this article, hence I am sharing with the group here.

International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning: Journey to eTextbook Affordability

iPad App review: SlideShark

SlideShark is a free mobile app to show PowerPoint presentations from the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. It keeps the animations, fonts, graphics, hyperlinks and videos intact while running from your iOS devices. 

Key features:
* 100 MB of online storage free (with option to buy more).
* Offline access to presentations. 
* You can see your slide notes, timers, animation counter and next/previous slides when presenting from your iPad.

(by Nauman)

iPad App review: Doceri

Doceri is a free professional iPad interactive whiteboard and screencast recorder with sophisticated tools for hand-drawn graphics and remote desktop control.

I just tried some of its features and they look fabulous. This app has got 5 stars in the App Store...

Here's an nice review of this app: http://tinyurl.com/DoceriReview

Enjoy...!!!

(by Nauman)

Ebooks on iPads- Library training session, Bundoora campus, 9th July.

iPad Stand

 Some rights reserved by Veronica Belmont

Ebooks on your iPad - too easy!

La Trobe University library has more than 350,000 e-books!

Come and find out more about them, and how to access them on your iPad. We will provide the tea, coffee and nibbles.

Class times: eBooks on your iPad

Tuesday 9 July

Session 1 - 9.30 - 10.30 am

Session 2 - 3 - 4 pm

Please, bring your iPad. All classes in Library Training Room 2.17

Borchardt Library (Melbourne Campus)

Book online now at latrobe.edu.au/library/training or contact Annette O’Brien, a.obrien@latrobe.edu.au Librarian, for further information.

iPad in Higher Education Symposium

 iBook created following the Symposium by Sarah Midford

On Friday 28 June the eLearning team joined with a team from Apple to conduct a one-day staff development symposium on the use of mobile learning devices at the city campus at 360 Collins St. 

This symposium included sessions on iBooks, iTunes U and apps for teaching and learning, and was attended by academic and professional staff from all faculties as well as ICT. After the positive feedback to this symposium, we're planning our next event!

Stay (i)Tuned for the FBEL eLearning team's favourite apps for teaching and learning, as featured in the Musical Chairs session at the Symposium- we'll be posting a brief introduction and our reviews here on the blog.  

Development of technology in education over time

I came across this article about Stephen McFarlane's 12-year journey through undergraduate education. In this time, McFarlane has seen many changes in the use of technology in education in the USA. I found this article interesting for three reasons: the history of technology in tertiary education, McFarlane's persistence in studies through numerous challenges, and the opportunities and need for developing lifelong learning skills that this story demonstrates.

Allan Carrington's Padagogy Wheel

When considering the use of the educational technologies, it often becomes relevant to remind ourselves of the importance of putting the pedagogy first.  We often want to start by considering the kinds of educational outcomes we're looking for, and move from this to the technology that best suits this outcome.

Alan Carrington from Adelaide University has created a useful tool for thinking about educational outcomes in terms of Graduate Capabilities, verbs from Bloom's Taxonomy, and the SAMR model on a wheel, with iPad Apps in the relevant quadrants.  See the Padagogy Wheel below, and check out his Youtube video introducing this idea.

My PDF won't open on the LMS

A number of people have reported problems trying to get access to attachments such as PDFs through the La Trobe LMS when using their iPad.

There is a simple solution to this problem, but you have to make sure you are viewing the LMS using the right theme designed for mobile use!  Scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and you will see a link which says:
Switch to the recommended theme for my device

Tap on this link and you will see the page reformatted for the iPad.

You will then see a little paperclip icon at the top righthand corner of PDF attachments.  Tap on the paperclip to view the PDF, and then tap again in the middle of the PDF to allow opening in another program.

We have created a short video tutorial to step through this process.  See this below:

Distribution done, now what's for dinner?

Now all the student iPad minis have been distributed, I'm planning the process of getting them all back again. This will involve:

• focus group discussions 
• support for putting purchased apps and materials onto iCloud 
• support for restoring factory settings
• pizza!

Stay tuned for dates and times in the first week of June. Buon appetito!

What's your favourite PDF editing/annotation app?

Nick Pawsey has been using PDF Expert:
here's some news about the latest features.

See these YouTube demos on PDF Expert:

• a simple run-through
• Opening PDFs from your email 
• Integrating PDF Expert and Dropbox

This review compares PDF Expert 4, iAnnotate 2.1 and GoodReader 3

Most reviews of PDF expert are about the full-size iPad.
If you've used it, how do you find it on the Mini?

Do you have a PDF app to recommend?

Why we chose the iPad and not the Blackberry...

This one's just for fun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAG39jKi0lI

Other Universities with iPad Programs

An ever-expanding list of nearly 200 higher education institutions with iPad projects has been compiled by Eric Lai, blogger for ZDNet.  To read further detail, see http://ipadpilots.k12cloudlearning.com



Abilene Christian University
Amridge University
Angelo State University
Arizona Christian University
Ashland University
Australian Catholic University
Berklee College of Music
Bethel University (Nashville, Tenn)
Boise State University
Bowdoin University
Briar Cliff University
Brookdale Community College
Brown Mackie College
Butler University
Cal State U. Fullerton College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Cardinal Stritch University
Carteret Community College
CDI College
Central Michigan University
Central Piedmont Community College
Chapman University
Chicago State University
Cornell University, Weill Medical College
Creighton Univeristy
Cumberland University
Curtin University(AU)
Dartmouth University, School of Medicine
Duke Digital Initiative
Duke Global Health Institute
Duke University
East Tennessee State University, medical school
Elon University
Emory University
Emporia State University, Kansas
Fairfield University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Florida State College (Jacksonville)
Florida Technical College
Freed-Hardeman University
Gallaudet University
George Fox University
Georgia Perimeter College
Georgia State University
Georgia State University, Freshman Learning Community
Georgia State University, Robinson College of Business
Hamilton College
Hamline University
Harvard University
Hood College
Houston Baptist University, Medical School
Houston Community College (Southwest)
Hult International Business School
Illinois Institute of Technology
IMD business school (Switzerland)
Indiana University
Johns Hopkins University
Kansas State University, College of Education
Kansas State University, Salina
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Linfield College
Long Island University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University, New Orleans
Luther College
Macquarie University
Malone University
Manchester Community College
Marian University, Honors program
Marshall Universtiy
Marylhurst University
McDaniel College
Michigan State University
Michigan Tech
Middle Tennessee State University
Millersville State University
MIT
Monterey College of Law
Moore College of Art and Design
Moore College(PA)
Morrisville State College
National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE)
National University of Singapore
New York University, Continuing Ed & Stern School of Business
North Carolina State University
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Virginia Community College
Northumbria University Law School
Northwest College (Powell, WY)
Northwest Kansas Technical College
Notre Dame
Nyenrode Business Universiteit
Oberlin College
Ohio State University
Ohio State University, Fisher School of Business
Oklahoma Christian University
Oklahoma State University
Old Dominion University
Pace University
Pace University, Pforzheimer Honors College
Palm Beach State
Penn State University
Pepperdine University
Pittsburg State University
Reed College
Regis College
Robert Morris University
Rutgers University
San Jose State University
Sana Monica College
Santa Clara University, Law School
Sauk Valley Community College'
Scottsdale Community College
Seton Hall University
Seton Hill College
Southern Arkansas University
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
St. Mark's School
St. Mary's University of Minnesota
Stanford University
Stonybrook University
Sweet Briar University
Syracuse University, Newhouse School
Teachers College of San Joaquin
Tennessee Board of Regents
Texas A & M University
The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia.
Touro College, School of Health Sciences
Trinity College Hartford, Conn
Trinity College, Melbourne University
Tufts University
Tulsa Community College
UC San Diego
UC Santa Cruz
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
University of Adelaide
University of Alabama
University of Arizona - Tucson College of Medicine
University of Arkansas
University of California Medical school, UC Irvine,
University of Central Florida, Medical School
University of Chicago
University of Chicago, Medical Center
University of Cincinnati (1)
University of Cincinnati (2)
University of Houston, Valenti School of Communication
University of Illinois at Springfield
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Iowa, College of Pharmacy
University of Kentucky, Patterson School
University of La Verne
University of Maryland at College Park
University of Minnesota
University of Nebraska
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of New England (Australia)
University of North Carolina-Greensboro (library)
University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of San Francisco
University of Santa Clara
University of South Carolina
University of Southern California, Annenberg school of journalism
University of Southern Maine
University of St. Thomas
University of Texas at El Paso, College of Engineering
University of Texas at Tyler
University of Texas, Austin
University of Texas, El Paso
University of the Incarnate Word
University of Virginia
University of Waterloo
University of Wisconsin at Madison
University of Wisconsin at Whitewater
Vassar College
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech, Pamplin Business School
Wake Forrest University
Wake Forrest University-Dept of Ed.
Washburn University
Washington College
Wayne State University
Wesleyan University
West Chester University
West Liberty University
Western Illinois University College of Education and Human Services
Wheeling Jesuit University
Willamette University
William and Mary College
Williams College
Williston State College
Winona State University

Useful iPad apps for education

Have a browse through these iPad apps for use in teaching and learning. Can you think of any used in your teaching? If you can, post a reply!

I like the look of the 'interactive whiteboard' and 'Productivity' concept mapping apps on the Creative and Critical Thinking page. Which is your favorite, and why?

3 Webcast series: creating learning resources using iPad and iTunes U

You may be interested in this 3-webcast series on creating interactive learning resources using iPad and iTunes. You can register using the links below and take part in live Q&A. See you in the virtual classroom!


Join us for a three-part webcast series and learn how to bring the power of iPad to your classroom. Watch as educators show you how to build customised courses full of dynamic interactive content you can share with your students — and participate in a live Q&A session at the end of each webcast.

Webcast 1:
Getting to Know iTunes U
28 February 2013
4:00–5:00 pm AEDT
See how iTunes U brings a library of content into a single app for students.

Register now

Webcast 2:
Creating Courses with iTunes U Course Manager
7 March 2013
4:00–5:00 pm AEDT
Get step-by-step instructions on building an immersive course for iPad with textbooks, videos, apps and more.

Register now

Webcast 3:
Creating Learning Materials for Your Course
14 March 2013
4:00–5:00 pm AEDT
Learn how to find, select and create rich content — and add it to your courses.

Register now

PDF Max - Fill Forms, Annotate PDFs & Take Notes

PDF Max - Fill Forms, Annotate PDFs & Take Notes
By Mobeera

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pdf-max-fill-forms-annotate/id540572073?mt=8

Here's their sales pitch:

 * 40% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME** Much more for much less, pay once for all your devices, PDF Max designed for those people who’re looking for a full-featured PDF annotating, form-filling & note-taking app. PDF Max provides all features you need for an everyday PDF & note-taking app in one place so that you do not need to spend extra money for other apps.

I'll be testing it out soon- has anyone used it?

Lost on Campus? try this app

Here's a free app for navigating the real world-

lostoncampus.com.au shows you the way around 42 Australian university campuses, including six LTU campuses.

If you're on an unfamiliar campus, new to LTU, have a terrible sense of direction or just want to know how many minutes it will take you to get to the nearest coffee, download it and off you go!

iPad mini cases now available for staff

The cases for our iPad minis have arrived! Please come and collect them from my office at your convenience:

Annabel Orchard

Martin Building 363a

Bundoora Campus

To make sure I'm in, please call or email me, details in the staff directory.

If you're from another campus, please email me with your postal address and I'll arrange delivery,

I look forward to hearing from you- or meeting you- soon!

LTU Teaching technologies with mobile support

Terry Young  from CTLC tells us what's in store for mobile devices in 2013. Thanks Terry!

If you're interested in a demonstration, leave a comment below or email Annabel.

·         Mobile Theme and support for Mobile Devices

As the numbers of internet-enabled phones and tablets increase, more and more students will use the LMS via mobile devices.  Phase 2 of the LMS upgrade project will see the introduction of a mobile theme offering better formatting and support for mobile device.

·         PebblePad

La Trobe is planning to upgrade from PebblePad 2.5 to PebblePad 3 in January 2013.  Phase 2 will include a bridge between the LMS and the updated PebblePad system to facilitate single sign on.

PebblePad will be accessible via a mobile friendly version.

·         Collaborate

It is also planned to implement a bridge between the LMS and Collaborate.

Collaborate 12 will be accessible via a mobile application.

Regards

Terry

Terry Young

Online Teaching & Learning Developer (Personal Learning Systems)

Curriculum, Teaching & Learning Centre

La Trobe University | Bundoora 3086 VIC

Ph. 9479 6779

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/ctlc/

Personal Learning System (PebblePad Support)

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/lms/pls/

Learning about online teaching

Welcome to 2013! Hopefully by now you will have familiarised yourself with your iPad Mini and tried a few apps.
There is some great content available through iTunes U about online teaching, produced by UNSW. Download the iTunes U app from the app store on your iPad if you haven't already, and search for Learning to Teach Online. Or, follow this link https://itunes.apple.com/au/itunes-u/learning-to-teach-online/id413204415 on your desktop. Topics in the UNSW "course" or "collection" include 'Using online lectures to support active learning' and 'Engaging and motivating students'.