1. 28 May 2009

2. 28 May 2009 The project commenced with 11 participants, ACE LLN Practitioners from 11 Community Colleges across NSW, a mentor from BACE, a Project Facilitator and a Project Manager. Along the way the Project Manger resigned her position at the Community College and hence her position as Team Manager. By the end of the Project six team members had engaged in 75% of the DiscoverE Sessions. The team Mentor had enthusiastically supported us for the duration of the Project.

3. 28 May 2009 Q.1 1. What inspired you to join the ACE Connections Project? 1. To learn as much as possible regarding web connections for myself as well as teaching. Also to learn about LearnScope and what the benefits are. 2. It was a great opportunity to develop my IT skills in a way that will hopefully benefit my students. It was also appealing in that all the participants could share ideas and resources which will hopefully be an ongoing process. 3. I believe that Adult Literacy cannot be effectively taught in the 21st century without using computers. Therefore we as teachers need to be continually improving our IT skills and be aware of what is out there to help our students. 4. I waned to find out if I could use any of the information learned to improve/ expand on the way I teach 5. I felt that i was out of date and wanted to find out about how new technologies could make my teaching better. Also I wanted to meet up with other literacy teachers who worked in similar isolation to share ideas and network 6. I wanted to be able to use the computer as a learning medium. I needed to know more about the CGEA &computer as a new force in adult learning. I felt I needed to know who my teaching compatriots in my area 7. The biggest inspiration was Judi's enthusiasm! Also, the need to make connections with other Literacy tutors so there is some group support. 8. I wanted to mentor the LLN teachers in the Northern Inland Cluster. they are a very motivated group who can benefit so much from e working because they are geographically isolated. Survey Monkey was used for reporting purposes - Eight participants started the survey and seven completed it.

4. 28 May 2009 Questions 3 & 4 related to the Use of the DiscoverE Virtual Conference Room and 42.9% classed it as a positive experience and 42.9% believed that they gained more confidence as the Project progressed . One respondent found it always frustrating. 2. Before commencing the ACE Connections Project how would you have described your computer skills? extremely confident confident skills adequate skills require improving hesitant and nervous Response Count Before the Project 0.0% (0) 42.9% (3) 14.3% (1) 28.6% (2) 14.3% (1) 7 After the Project 14.3% (1) 42.9% (3) 14.3% (1) 28.6% (2) 0.0% (0) 7 5. The following were expected outcomes from the ACE Connections Project. How do you rank the success of the achievement of these goals? Successfully achieved Partially achieved Still working towards Not achieved at all Explore the issues around online and blended learning for LLN students. 28.6% (2) 42.9% (3) 28.6% (2) 0.0% (0) Explore a range of online freeware such as Wikispaces. 85.7% (6) 0.0% (0) 14.3% (1) 0.0% (0) Access online learning activities and create assessment tools for the implementation of the new CGEA. 57.1% (4) 28.6% (2) 14.3% (1) 0.0% (0) Create a network of LLN practitioners from Community Colleges across NSW. 57.1% (4) 28.6% (2) 0.0% (0) 14.3% (1) To trial online learning activities and validated assessment tasks with a target group of learners. 28.6% (2) 28.6% (2) 28.6% (2) 14.3% (1)

7. 28 May 2009 8. Respondents were asked to rate the following aspects of the ACE Connections Project. Exceptional Excellent Adequate Poor Response Count Support given by facilitator. 42.9% (3) 57.1% (4) 0.0% (0) 0.0% (0) 7 Communication among the team. 0.0% (0) 85.7% (6) 14.3% (1) 0.0% (0) 7 Project direction. 14.3% (1) 71.4% (5) 14.3% (1) 0.0% (0) 7 Session planning. 28.6% (2) 57.1% (4) 14.3% (1) 0.0% (0) 7 Communication between sessions. 14.3% (1) 71.4% (5) 14.3% (1) 0.0% (0) 7

11. 28 May 2009 Facilitator's Summary As facilitator of the ACE Connections Project I have seen a range of positive outcomes. Many of the team members work in isolation and this project has bridged the gap by connecting LLN tutors across vast distances of NSW. The increased confidence of the team members became apparent as the project evolved. An inexperience with technology for the majority of the group meant that the initial session plans had to be adjusted to suit the group but I believe the direction taken was positive and worthwhile. The project has given team members the opportunity to broaden their horizons and, for the majority, will have a lasting impact on their response to the educational needs of the learners in this ever changing world. I see this LearnScope Project as a beginning ………….. Judi Gowing http://aceconnections.wikispaces.com Joy Sharpe, Team Mentor has this favourite quote The only sustainable value you bring to an organisation is what you show and teach and inspire in other people you work with . Dave Pollard http://blogs.salon.com/0002007 /