Have a look at http://clcommunity.wikispaces.com/ to find out what other educators in Australia are learning about elearning and using social learning tools on the web (web 2.0)
I found the map below as a link on the clc page.

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Social learning is like digging through a haystack looking for a needle. I spent a couple of hours on youtube last night and was amazed at what people think is worth putting up on a public website. Yes there is some great social comment there, but I haven't yet learnt how to use the search engine properly to filter out all the commercial promotions, (search on `mac'), personal navel gazing, one eyed fanatics, proud parents and so on.
My current learning curve is in trying to learn to use wikispaces, blogs, photo sites and video sites to best advantage in a learning exchange environment. Next week I might even try some personal vlogging - more personal navel gazing to upload to youtube - just to see how it works of course!

Learning exchange environment - what do you think of that to describe a new model of socially engaged learning?

`Blended learning', a great catch phrase. What is it and how many examples of it are around? Could traditional learning ever have involved `blended' techniques? (Just think about Art classes, maths using cusinaire rods, visits to the zoo etc). What do we need to do for adult learners to utilise the rich environment of blended learning? So many people say to me - "Oh I tried one of those on-line courses, but I didn't finish it." When I ask "Why didn't you finish it?" I usually get responses ranging from having "lost interest", or "lacked motivation" or "it was too hard". Is the role of social learning overlooked when constructing on-line blended learning programs based on remote participation? (yes!) I know there has been research on these questions, (go to http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/flx/go and type `social learning' into the search engine).
Perhaps the blended learning model needs to be a model of Think Global, Act Local!

On an similar note - but with reference to the tools of blended learning, have a look at
http://www.futureofthebook.org/ The project titled Sophie is fascinating.

Wow - Long time without a post! My thanks to Wendy for her kind welcome comment regarding the connected learning community, but now I feel like a traitor because I haven't been doing anything except skulking around behind the scenes every now and then.

SkillsRec is currently busy putting together some REALLY EXCITING STUFF for the coming year, both in a new Frontline Manager course for Team Leaders and in developing some new e-learning materials. We are going to see a lot of activity on the SkillsRec website and some great blended learning models involving mobile technology and good old face to face.

I'm excited about the possibilities for workforces that are employed under contract and are themselves highly mobile. Workers in highly mobile employment contracts often miss out on accredited training because the length of their contract doesn't allow them to engage in long term courses. Blended learning models integrating mobile e-learning technology and targeted workshops may well help them re-connect with an on-going program if they move from one employer to another. Do you remember when we all used to talk about using competencies to build a `passport' of skills rather than focussing just on the (Certificate) qualification? Send me your thoughts and `Watch this space!'