Inviting industry into the classroom – a massage? Yes thanks!

BSBLED502A Prezi

This week my BSB50207 Diploma Business class started a new unit BSBLED502A Manage programs that promote personal effectiveness.

“So,” I asked them “What is meant by personal effectiveness at work?” and with this opening question we delved into new words such as absenteeism and presenteeism, productivity, operational losses until their eyes glazed over. 😀

I am using this Prezi (image above) as an instructional resource.

To assist my class in understanding EAP options I invited a friend who owns a massage business (Deeper Essentials) to come to the class and talk about the benefits of workplace massages in the corporate environment. The students then developed an EAP needs survey using Survey Monkey and sent the link via email to the campus staff (you can complete a copy of it here, if you are interested). Next week we will analyse the results and present our recommendations as a verbal report to the campus manager.

Naturally we lined up to experience a massage just to agree with its benefits 🙂

massage as part of class studies

Learning in holiday mode using Prezi

It’s Easter, and my students are focussing on loading their families, loved ones, friends and selves with chocolate and the occasional hot cross bun (which have been available since Boxing Day!!). Classes are suspended while parents look after their children and school teachers breathe out the stresses of Term 1 and get ready for term 2.

These two weeks of school holidays are preparation time for VET teachers as well, but while we don’t have scheduled classes, students are encouraged to come in and continue their studies using a blended model of support.

My Diploma of Business students are working on the unit BSBRSK501B Manage Risk using this model. To get them started I sent an email advising:

“We are starting this subject next week, and you will continue self-paced over the Easter break – you are welcome to come in to campus or work from home.  To assist you in these studies I have developed a supporting Prezi that provides prompts and focuses your attention to relevant areas of the book to assist in assessment tasks.  You should be able to simply click through, or play the Prezi (requires internet access)https://prezi.com/avxvxm_uc7ni/caution/ ”

Prezi using for blended learning

Students use the Prezi as a structured support tool for their learning.  They can watch the suggested videos to assist in deepening their understanding, and move forward or back through the presentation until they are comfortable with their level of learning.  Students also email me with any questions, schedule a face to face support session with me or support each other via a closed Facebook group (of which I am not included for conduct and privacy reasons.  I don’t mind either as it encourages them to grow and learn using each other’s skills and support).

Does it work? I was pleasantly surprised at their supportive reaction and have already received assessment submissions from pro-active students.  These students mentioned the Prezi gave enough structure for them to confirm they were on the right path and increased their confidence at submitting the assessment.

Flip your class using Prezi and let me know how it works for you!

Vocational e-teaching in 2015

 

New Term

This year (2015) I will be teaching in the classroom the Dual Diplomas of Business and Management (BSB50207 & BSB51107)

Although in the classroom, the students will have their own laptops and access to the organisational wifi.  This connectivity brings endless possibilities for me as an e-learning educator 🙂 and opportunities to trial some technologies to support their learning outcomes. I see this as a Win Win 🙂

My vocational focus

It has been a while since I have been in front of a class, and I want to ensure the vocational focus is upfront for my students – many of whom do not have current employment.

A fellow teacher suggested treating the classroom as a simulated workplace, and I am keen to support this idea in the context of the dual Diploma Business and Management outcomes.  Thanks Jenny B for this inspiration!

I intend to use real job timesheets for their attendance roll, for us to collaborate and customise our own Class Charter, Policies and Procedures. That’s my goal anyway and I will keep you posted on our progress via this blog.

My technology focus

I want to bring some aspects of social media to keep them engaged through the study:

• class hashtag identifier (TBA)
• Instagram photos
• QR codes in class handouts and
• I  hope to send them an email with a link to my podcast summarising our weekly activities.

I recognise technology is only a tool for the teacher and shouldn’t overshadow the actual learning, so I may have to pace myself 🙂

My focus on positivity

I also want to have a ‘jar of positivity’ where students can add notes of the good things they experience in class.

Lastly, because I hope to use this as inspiration for myself, I hope to offer a 20 minute walk before class.  This should encourage informal conversation, group cohesion, and stimulate the mind and body in readiness for learning.

Wish me luck!