News from Academic Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Co-Lab

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InterActive Education: Teaching and Learning in the Information AgeA research project based at Bristol University in England that aims to expand knowledge of how ICT (Information and Communications Technology) can be used to enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum from primary to post-16. 2006 Survey of Learning Management SystemsIn this year's Learning Circuit survey of how organizaitons use their learning management systems revealed several noteworthy changes from the 2005 survey. CETIS Metadata and Digital Repositories SIGThe CETIS Metadata and Digital Repository Special Interest Group has been set up for those in UK Higher and Further Education who are interested in creating, storing and serving educational metadata. The group is a forum for members to share their experiences and knowledge, and support each other. The focus of the group is on how relevant specifications can be used in the Higher and Further Education sectors of the UK. CETIS is the the Centre for Educational Technology Interoperability Standards. International Review of Research in Open and Distance LearningThe International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning is a refereed, open access e-journal that aims to disseminate research, theory, and best practice in open and distance learning worldwide. Innovate--Journal of Online EducationInnovate is a bimonthly, peer-reviewed online periodical published by the Fischler School of Education and Human Services at Nova Southeastern University. The journal focuses on the creative use of information technology to enhance educational processes in academic, commercial, and governmental settings. Characteristics of Successful Online InstructorsThis article describes the VOCAL approach to teaching online. While classroom teaching and management strategies are well documented, the online learning environment presents different challenges and benefits. Teaching in an online environment requires a special set of teaching skills since many of the strategies and tactics associated with best teaching practices are somewhat constrained by the primarily text-based environment. The VOCAL approach summarizes the key characteristics that a master instructor utilizes to be effective in an online environment. VOCAL is an acronym for Visible, Organized, Compassionate, Analytical and Leader-by-example. Managing Intellectual Property for Distance LearningManaging permissions for hundreds of pieces of intellectual property can be a daunting task for any course, but it is vital in distance learning courses because of legal implications specific to the online environment. This article describes the approach implemented by the University System of Georgia. JORUM Repository ProjectJorum is a free online repository service for teaching and support staff in UK Further and Higher Education Institutions, helping to build a community for the sharing, reuse and repurposing of learning and teaching materials. E-Learning = Evironmental LearningA recent study by the Britain's Open University that found huge energy savings associated with online learning. This article from ASTD's Learning Circuits uses the study to spark a discussion of how these findings might apply to training, and offers some practical ways to use e-learning to reduce energy consumption. Podcasting Legal GuideThe Podcasting Legal Guide from Creative Commons provides a comprehensive summary of the legal issues related to podcasting and intellectual property rights.