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Voc Talk Café by Après-cours – Digital Open Sandbox
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Voc Talk Café by Après-cours – Digital Open Sandbox
January 29, 2024
Digital Open Sandbox: What if the students made the Powerpoint?
Hello everyone!
Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can check out the recording, discussion notes and resources on the Voc Talk Café by Après-cours website page here, and read the session summary below!
Summary
The Digital Open Sandbox (DOS – get it? ms dos? wee geek joke!) is a new segment from the Voc Talk Café by Après-cours where we explore software and how to use it with pedagogical intent. We do this in a virtual session where the participants are presented with a template and then create their own teaching tool with the support of a RÉCIT VT consultant. In this segment, we explored how students can be more involved in the learning by creating the presentation, instead of just listening to the presentation the teacher made. Through the cloud-based Microsoft Powerpoint software, a teacher can get the students to create a slide deck about the topic. There are a few steps in the process to set up, facilitate and review the activity, and a few things to keep in mind. We discussed how you can get students to include different media, sites and even interactive elements! We also discussed how the point is not to create an elaborate slides deck with lots of design elements, but rather to keep it simple so the students focus on what they need to learn. It is also important to keep in mind how much learning they are being asked to do and break it up into parts.
▶ Click here to see the step-by-step guide
Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!
👩🍳📱 Robin
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This discussion was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by
Robin Long.
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This discussion was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by
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5 Replies
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April 29, 2024
Digital Open Sandbox: Handout Creation 101 with MS Word or Google Docs
Hello everyone!
Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can check out the recording, discussion notes and resources on the Voc Talk Café by Après-cours website page here, and read the session summary below!
Summary
In today’s session, we looked at creating handouts and situating document creation in the andrological context. We looked at the options in MS Word and Google Docs and then had a working session supporting participants in formatting their own documents. We discussed moving between the two systems, and we discussed similarities in other document creation software such as Adobe InDesign and Canva. Teachers talked about students bringing design vision to documents in programs where this is taught and how adding images, icons and colour make the document more professional looking but keep it fun and engaging. A picture is worth 1000 words! We also got to customize a handout to our own program and have 1:1 support to integrate different pieces into our designs. Finally, participants requested another session to explore using forms in TEAMS, to be organized in the future.
▶ Click here to access a workable document
▶ Click here to access the finished product
Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!
👩🍳📱 Robin
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September 16, 2024
DOS Digital Open Sandbox: Google Classroom as a Learning Management System in VT
Hello everyone!
Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!
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session recording (not available quite yet!)
Summary
Today, we explored the basic features of Google Classroom, identified activities relevant to our programs, and practiced using its key functions. We learned that learning management systems can support both online and in-person learning. The types of activities posted will vary depending on the trade and learning context, allowing for flexibility in instruction. We also recognized that investing time to understand the platform’s features can ultimately simplify our teaching tasks and improve overall efficiency.
Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!
👩🍳📱 Robin
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This reply was modified 3 days ago by Robin Long.
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October 21, 2024
Microsoft Forms: Using Digital Questionnaires for Formative Assessment
Hello everyone! 👋
Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!
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session recording (not available quite yet!)
Summary
In today’s Digital Open Sandbox (DOS) session, we explored the importance of formative assessment in learning with digital questionnaires as a support tool. Our main takeaway was that formative assessment, supported by timely feedback, actively promotes learning. We discussed how digital questionnaires, while time-consuming to build, can significantly reduce correction time for teachers. For effective branching scenarios, mind mapping software can aid in planning these paths. We emphasized the value of nuance in branching, avoiding overly simplistic “right/wrong” options, as this approach encourages students to draw on prior knowledge and apply critical thinking. If you are new at this, it is helpful to start with the “happy path” — the ideal user journey — before adding branches. To ensure clarity and avoid hidden assumptions, it’s essential to have colleagues test the branching scenarios before launch. Their fresh perspectives can reveal gaps or areas of confusion. Overall, we left with a better understanding of how Microsoft Forms can support formative assessment, reduce workload, and create more dynamic learning experiences for students.
Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!
👩🍳📱 Robin
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November 18, 2024
Writing AI Prompts for Better Results
Hello everyone!
Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!
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session recording (not available quite yet!)
Summary
In today’s Digital Open Sandbox (DOS) session, we increased our awareness of AI tools, explored their practical uses, encouraged ethical and responsible AI usage, and promoted active experimentation. Key takeaways included the understanding that AI is a tool, not a thinker. Effective prompts, customization, and local adaptation are essential for better results. We discussed AI ethics, including bias in training data, private platform ownership, hallucinations, disinformation, and the handling of personal information. We explored various AI tools like Gemini, Copilot, Google Notebook LM, Gamma, and Eduaide.AI, each with unique strengths, from lesson planning to research support. Google’s PARTS model for prompt design (Persona, Aim, Recipients, Theme, Structure) was highlighted as a useful strategy. Discussions around student use of AI revealed different perspectives in vocational training (VT) versus academia. Research by Prof. Seyed Rahmini (U of Florida) on “stealth assessment” using AI to analyze student process data was especially intriguing, offering potential insights into elusive skills like creativity and teamwork. Practical AI applications included organizing meeting notes, editing, summarizing texts, and creating teaching materials like scenarios and case studies. Voice recognition tools also present learning opportunities through reflective conversations. Overall, we left inspired by the creative ways AI can support our educational practices.
Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!
👩🍳📱Robin
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December 16, 2024
Learning Management System (LMS): Moodle
Hello everyone!
Thanks for coming to the Voc Talk Café and if you weren’t able to make it, no worries! You can read the session summary below, and follow the links to check out the curated resources!
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session recording (not available quite yet!)
Summary
In today’s Digital Open Sandbox (DOS) session, we dove into all things Moodle as an LMS, its functions and advantages, and to see how we can get more creative with Moodle to boost student engagement. We looked at the customizable features of Moodle and discussed the advantages to using open-source software, even if the Moodle user interface is a bit clunky and requires a bit of technical know-how to use it. For student interactivity, it has lots of tools that are easily set up and used – quiz features, H5P plug-ins for more dynamic content, forums, badges & certificates for motivation, and even scenario-based learning and for engagement, branching scenarios, wikis, and interactive glossaries. We also looked at the different roles in Moodle — you can move down in permissions on your own, but only an admin can bump you up. Themes are customizable, and Moodle’s tracking and analytics are top-notch, letting us see how students interact with the platform. Lots to explore, but worth the effort!
Do you have an idea for a Voc Talk Café discussion topic that you would like to discuss with your fellow teachers across the province? Let us know! We can help you set it up! Thanks to all who participated in discussing this very interesting subject, and I look forward to the next session!
👩🍳📱 Robin
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