Alisons feedback on survey...

Who am I?

I have been at UCT for 3 and a half years, teaching Professional Communication to under-graduate and post-graduate Engineers. I have a background in teaching high school Mathematics and English and a Master's degreee in Education and Development specialising in Curriculum Design. I have been involved in community development projects with Hope Africa and in educational research through WESGRO and, before that, in creating and producing english language radio programmes for the BBC (Radio English Direct) when living in London in the early 1990's.

I am passionate about development and improving educational and performance standards in South Africa. I love the way that teaching Professional Communication enhances what students get out of - and can contribute to - their various disciplines. I have recently started teaching professional communication skills to a small group of Masters students at UWC and have seen them respond enthusiastically to this. I hope to contunue this next year!

Since starting at UCT I have had a steep learning curve as regards my own skill in and use of ICTS. At Professional Communication Studies (PCS) we use powerpoint slides on a regular basis to enhance teaching and learning, and occasionally support lectures with video snips - as well as using video recording and playback when assessing students presentation skills. In addition, I have recently been involved in creating a short movie through the UCT Centre for Educational Technology (CET). CET offers wonderful support to staff and students and braodens their horizons by providing platform to profile new technological developments.

I look forward to incorporating the iPad as part of my technological tool-kit!

Alison's experiences with the survey

I was really impressed by the survey produced by the Emerging ICT survey. I personally found it extremely informative and well laid out - and I found the supporting information helped expand my vision of what is possible in terms of incorporating technology in the teaching and learning environment.

Without knowing what is out there it is difficult to be adventurous...

I have found technological proficiency helps me to connect better with students and that they are then predisposed to be receptive to what else I am going to present!

Hope this covers what you intended? I look forward to expanding my own experience of "blogs"...

It was great to meet you and Andre and I hope to see you next year.

Regards

Alison Gwynne-Evans