Northants BLT

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logo for the Northants BLT networkWhat is it? Well, it’s not a county-sized bacon sandwich…

If you haven’t already heard of it, BLT actually stands for Better Learning using Technologies, a ‘grass-roots’ network of teachers and educators from the county, focusing on how technology can enhance learning. They’re an inspirational group of individuals, mostly from the schools sector, who freely share their ideas and practice, with a view to identifying successful ‘pockets’ of innovation in teaching and learning and helping to make them part of common practice.

Green screen filming setup at the REAL centre

Green screen filming setup at the REAL centre

The group report regularly on projects and case studies – if you’re interested in knowing more about what they and their kids are doing with technology, check out the blogs (which are all collected on the website), twitter (search #NorthantsBLT) or attend one of the group meetings (think TeachMeet but with a specific technology slant).

I attended one of these meetings on Tuesday, held at the RM REAL Centre (Rethinking Education and Learning). The Centre has lots of examples of technology that can be used in schools, and really gave me an insight into the kinds of technologies kids will already be using, often as a matter of course, long before they arrive at university.

Creating animation using webcams and software

Creating animation using webcams and software

Imagine your kids using green screen filming to report ‘on location’, at the Houses of Parliament or the top of a volcano; using an iPod Touch to answer multiple choice questions in class, or to go out and take pictures which can be instantly shared on the whiteboard; using drag-and-drop software to program robots to perform tasks, or simple webcams to create animations…

The day was a lot of fun (as I’m sure you can imagine!) but it wasn’t just about play – this kit can help kids get to grips with the concepts or skills they need, and the NorthantsBLT network is busy making that happen.

Live Radio Broadcast from Helix Streaming Server.

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The Learning Technology team have successfully supported a live radio streaming event for The School of the Arts at the University.

Richard Hollingum (Principal Lecturer – Arts – Media, English & Culture) created a unique opportunity for students to broadcast a live radio programe  from The School of the Arts Radio Broadcasting suite at Avenue Campus.

The broadcast was routed through the Helix Streaming Server at the University and was subsequently made available to the World Wide Web via an embedded link to a “Real” player within the School of the Arts University web page.

The broadcast period lasted three days (8th – 10th June 2011).

Further details can be obtained from Rob Davis – Learning Technologist – 01604 893531)

Skype over three Continents for Marketing Conference.

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The Learning Technology team have successfully supported the Northampton Busines  School lecturers KathyMortimer and Sally Laurie in Skyping into a Marketing conference in Australia alongside a team from the USA.

Kathy and Sally have facilited a team of marketing students to present to a Marketing Conference in Australia via a Skype link which also allowed a student team from a University in the USA to also present. The event meant a late start as the time difference in Australia resulted in the Northampton team presenting at 01.00am in the morning!

All went well, with only the occassional connection drop-out with Skype. The event was held in the Avenue CTC room (Creative Teaching Centre) which allowed for dedicated large screen visual and enhanced audio provision to make the students feel like they were really at the Conference in Australia. “…..a great experience that went well.  Our student did a great job.” -( Sally Laurie)

For further information contact Rob Davis – Learning Technologist 01604 893531