Welcome to all those new members who joined the e-Learning groups here on the VLN.

Here's this week's round-up of e-learning goodness from across the VLN Groups.

e-Member of the week

Each week we'll profile someone who has made a valuable contribution to our e-Learning community. This week, it's....

• Chrissie Butler: Chrissie is a National facilitator with a focus on Special Education for Te Toi Tupu/CORE Education and National ICT Coordinator for BLENNZ, the Blind and Low Vision Education Network, NZ. Here on the VLN, she inspires us with unique multi-media creations that offer a fresh slant on the world around us. Check out her blog, Video resources for PD.

Group of the week

• e-Learning: Teaching: This is a growing group for anyone interested in exploring ways to enhance their students' learning, through the use of ICTs.

A sneak peek: eLearning on the VLN

Leadership

• Leadership in six key words: Tessa Gray wonders if any of this strikes a chord with you?  What does e-learning leadership look like?

• e-Learning: Leadership: This is a dedicated group for anyone who is leading e-learning in their school - which could be any of you! Open to all.

Professional Learning

• What's the most powerful professional e-learning experience you've had? This thread keeps on running. Share your thoughts.

Professional Learning Events

• 5th Annual Education Leaders' Forum: This Wellington conference at the end of August strongly features new technologies to enhance the way schools manage learning. 

• Educamp Dunedin - 27 August: Find out how much teachers have enjoyed these unconferences in Michael Fawcett's Blog from EduCampAKL and the EduCamp thread.
  

• ULearn Conference: 18-21 October in Rotorua: Open for registrations now.

• Learning@School Conference: Registration now open. Call for papers due by 16^th September.

Teaching and Learning |  Digital Citizenship

• What would an effective e-learning pedagogy look like?: The ICT PD blog unpacks some thoughts.

• Can a teacher be a good teacher without using technology? Take part in this online poll – and add your thoughts, too.

• Pedagogy Strategy - Learning in an Online World: Tessa shared this useful document for unpacking what an e-learning pedagogy might look like.

• Kaupapa Māori in online and face-to-face learning: Tamara Bell blogs from WIPCE, Peru. Check out the highlights of this conference focusing on education for indigenous peoples.

• Do any of you manage the PRT process using e-learning? Stephanie Thompson is staring down the barrel of this process herself and would like your views.

Technology

• QR codes: How do you use yours? Share your thoughts and read other people's.

• Ultra-fast broadband and your school - what's happening? The recent story of how Rangitoto College is developing its network was added to this discussion.

• The challenge of managing multiple devices: What’s the solution?

• 7 Golden Rules for using technology:  A post from the Committed Sardine blog shared in the Wakatipu e-Learning cluster.

iPads:

• Kids use iPads in different ways.
• Using the iPad creatively in class: Waihi East Primary School share their story of how they've used Puppet Pals HD app on the iPad to re-enact myths and legends while studying Matariki. They also share some links to curriculum goals and key competencies.
• School iPad storage and transport discussion.
• Agreements on home use of school iPads: Allanah King requests sample protocols for iPad use outside school time (Netsafe group).

Beyond the Classroom

• Questions to ask to become more informed about parents/whānau views on children's online learning: Add your thoughts to this shared doc.

• How do we know we are improving home school-school partnerships?: Join the discussion.

• I'm stuck - can you help me?: A Becta report on the role of technology in parental engagement.

VLN Groups: Tip of the week

A friendly professional profile makes it easy for people to connect with you, opening up opportunities to share expertise and build your professional learning network (PLN).

For tips on how to do this, pop into the Getting started group. Feel free to browse profiles of other members to pick up some ideas. You can even change your theme!

Images: photostock |  renjith krishnan  |  fotographic1980  |  jscreationzs ... all @ FreeDigitalPhotos.net