Distance Learning Selection Tool

The UNHCE Distance Learning matrix has been updated. This is a tool to help you choose a mode of delivery for your programs. Many distance learning technologies are included.

On-Line Mentor Training Module available

An on-line training module has been developed to help familiarize mentors with the goals of the UNHCE mentoring program. You can view this guide in your browser window at: Mentor's Goals on-line module

Note that you will need to have Flash installed on your computer to view this module.

For more information on the mentoring program, go to the UNHCE New Employee Orientation page at: http://extension.unh.edu/Intranet/NewEmp.htm and scroll down to the section on the mentoring program.

Creating Effective Assignments

The UNH Center for Teaching Excellence developed a resource to help educators create effective assignments. Although it is geared toward the traditional classroom environment, many strategies translate to our work as Extension Educators.

To review this offering, go to: http://unh.edu/teaching-excellence/resources/Assignments.htm

Retirement Planning Workshop

The New Hampshire Association of Extension 4-H Educators is offering a professional development day on retirement planning. Registration is open to Extension Educators, Extension Specialists and PAT staff.

The workshop will be held Monday, May 12th, 2008 at Alan's of Boscawen Restaurant. It runs from 8:45 to 2:00 PM.

Speakers will include representatives from Fidelity, TIAA-CREF UBS Financial, Social Security Administration and Cooperative Extension. Some Cooperative Extension retirees will also be included in the presentations.

If interested, send your registration to Robin Luther at Sullivan County by May 5, 2008.

Partners are invited to attend, and must register paying the same fee as the UNHCE professional attending.

Free eLearning design webinar from eLearning "guru"

Dr. Michael Allen, who is considered an eLearning guru, conducted an eLearning seminar on designing effective eLearning.

His presentation highlighted the importance of good design, due to the "amplification effect," and suggests "thinking backwards." That concept proposes thinking of what you'd like to have as the end result and the environment in which the user will need to apply the learning. Try to replicate that in the practice.

He also says, contrary to populate belief, knowledge isn't power. It's the application of knowledge which is important.
To view this recorded session, go to: http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/event/index.cfm?event=list&loc=en_us&type=ondemand_seminar&product=&interest=int_training_and_elear

Select session titled, "The Primary Components of Interactive Learning Experiences: Context, Challenge, Activity, and Feedback: A Powerful New e-Learning Design Methodology for All Designers." (This requires a free Adobe log in.)

Making Your Webinars More Interactive - Improving audience collaboration and involvement

A prerecorded session conducted byKen Molay, president of Webinar Success, leads you through an examination of web conferencing features and techniques you can use to more fully involve your audience in on on-line presentation. Inviting your audience to interact, rather than passively listen, can improve comprehension and retention of your material while making the web seminar experience more enjoyable.

To access this webinar, go to: http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/event/index.cfm?event=list&loc=en_us&type=ondemand_seminar&product=&interest=int_training_and_elear and select the session, "Making Your Webinars More Interactive - Improving audience collaboration and involvement "

Note that this requires a free Adobe log in.

Adobe offers free series on designing eLearning

Adobe is offering free sessions on eLearning design. These sessions are being led by Michael Allen, a respected leader in the ELearning design field.

For further information or to sign up for this series, go to Adobe's event details and registration at:
http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/event/index.cfm?event=detail&id=472090&loc=en_us

Research-based Pointers on Incorporating Multimedia Elements

A great article on designing learning experiences, maximizing the benefits of visuals, text, and audio is available on Adobe's site at: http://www.adobe.com/devnet/captivate/articles/max_learning_03.html

This article is based on the research of Richard Mayer, among others. Mayer has been a recognized leader in the field for over 30 years.

Of particular interest is a diagram which shows how to incorporate audio and visual effects to enhance learning, based on audience considerations. That is available at: http://www.adobe.com/devnet/captivate/articles/max_learning/fig01.jpg

Granite State College Announces Spring Offerings

Granite State College has announced their spring 2008 offerings. Topics include courses in management, wellness, communications, and education, among others. Courses are offered at various locations across the state including Berlin, Clarement, Concord, Conway, Grantham, Lebanon, Littleton, Manchester, Portsmouth , and Rochester. In addition, some courses are offered on line.

They also offer on-line interactive courses in various professional development topics including Managing Diversity, Literacy, Management Skills (various levels & topics), Marketing, and Writing.

For further information and a listing of their offerings, consult their website at: http://www.granite.edu/academics/catalog-and-course-schedule/

Accommodating ESL participants - eLearning opportunity

The NH Department of Education is offering several eLearning courses for educators. Course registration is $100. Among the listings is a course on how to accommodate ESL participants.

Graduate credit is available from Plymouth State University.

For further info, see: http://www.nheon.org/opennh/