HJDeW

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  • HJDeW 6:50 am on July 28, 2012
    1 votes
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    Tags: digital learning badges, , , game changer,   

    Imagine earning your gold level digital learning badge for your personal educational efforts in ETEC 522! Learn more about this disruptive, game changing technology and how learning badges will revolutionize open, online learning environments. See how LB4U will connect learners with opportunity. The ELEVATOR PITCH is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBbyzDwaEDc The VENTURE PITCH is found HERE.

    Continue reading LB4U – get your learning badge for 522 here! Posted in: Venture Forum
     

    • jtpatry 1:00 pm on July 30, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Good Day Helen,

      Thank you for your pitches, you can hear and feel the excitement in the elevator pitch for this possible venture. Despite my own pedagogical and philosophical perspectives on “earning” badges to represent learning (are the learners learning, or just wanting to get that badge, what about those students who are aren’t able to achieve, etc) you are absolutely correct in stating that more demand is being voiced in regards to accountability. With social media becoming almost intertwined in daily life, I think your venture has great potential to be woven into this type of learning market. I haven’t joined the fourSquare world, but I do see how people become “hooked” into this type of activity and enjoy having the recognition for his/her accomplishments or achievements. Parents would also benefit from seeing what levels students have achieved and can follow along with their child’s learning development. From a business standpoint, I would be willing to invest in this company as I can see a dollar value potential (and return and profit from the original investment). Schools/boards I’m sure can’t wait to jump in and get in on this opportunity.

      Thanks,

      Jon

      • HJDeW 5:51 pm on July 31, 2012 | Log in to Reply

        Thanks for the feedback Jon. I too have some issues on philosophical levels, but so many learners within ‘standard’ learning environments will work for extrinsic motivations as a step to gaining internal motivations. With social learning environments so tightly tied to student success, it is the disenfranchised and disengaged that need this type of support to succeed. Helen

    • janetb 8:32 am on July 31, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,

      Your elevator pitch is engaging and thoughtfully laid out. You made a good argument for the need for celebrating our successes and providing us with a visual reminder of what collecting badges used to be like. I think you are right that having a way to “display” one’s badges online could be trend that catches on.

      Good luck with your venture!
      Janet

      • HJDeW 5:53 pm on July 31, 2012 | Log in to Reply

        Thanks Janet…. as a former special education teacher who worked with students who just needed to be able to show off some accomplishments, this product caught my attention.
        Helen

    • Claire Burgoyne 4:32 pm on July 31, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,
      Your pitch for LB4U is well done. You sound excited about this venture and clearly explain its features and why you believe it’s beneficial. As I understand it LB4U supports extrinsic motivation which isn’t the trend in educational reform efforts. That said, some people do like to collect stuff and having the option to accumulate badges may appeal to some. I’m just not convinced that the opportunity to participate in LB4U will contribute to student engagement and lead to meaningful learning.
      Claire

      • HJDeW 5:59 pm on July 31, 2012 | Log in to Reply

        Claire, I respect that on philosophical grounds there may be many who would not invest or purchase this product. It provides and external symbol for something that should be internal and intrinsic. The mechanism for creating something that explicitly demonstrates what others have achieved, especially those whom a learner may respect and look up to, will give some students the goal and learning path to achieve more than they would otherwise. Just look at what is happening at the Olympics! I watched young divers watching the bronze medal winners today and aspiring to follow their path. Learning badges are just another way for ‘expert’ learners to model and show the way.
        Helen

    • gregcamp 8:39 pm on July 31, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen, you can hear in your pitch that you are passionate about your venture and believe in it. I like the idea of the badges that can be displayed online to celebrate success. I think this is likely a market more targeted towards elementary school students and as an investor I need to know how I am going to make money and I need convincing that this product wouldn’t just be a fad and disappear within a short timeframe.

      Greg

      • HJDeW 1:57 pm on August 1, 2012 | Log in to Reply

        Greg, the market would not be limited to elementary students, but that would be part of the potential market. It would be marketed to individual learners at the adult, higher ed level first, and move cautiously into younger learners (with research and design being done to ensure that it is the right move, of course !!). I see this as being ‘sold’ to individuals just as the ‘certificate’ or ‘transcript’ are currently ‘sold’ to learners by their learning organizations. It would be a value-added to the ‘award’ for achievements gained. So, once I receive my certificate from MET, I can migrated my info to the secure LB4U site and there receive the digital images of my courses and achievements which I can then show and share to the world…. does that make sense?

        It can also them be embedded into my resume when I go out job hunting for those elusive ed/tech jobs OR be incorporated into my CEO blog/web presence for all to view. Bragging a little, yes! Sharing my path of success for others to emulate, perhaps!

        Four square is not a fad and look how people are flocking to earn badges and share their social activities with others. This is the leading edge of a potential tsunami! Jump in before you get swept away.

        Have I convinced you to invest! Hope your funds are in transit! 🙂
        Helen

    • chrisaitken 12:50 am on August 1, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      I think that with the increase of PLE style learning badges will become mainstream. The market probably won’t be for courses like ETEC 522 which are part of a credentialing program, but for learning that takes place through social participation on the web. There is the potential for people to learn anything they want on the web without the help of teachers and courses and this valid learning should be recognized somehow.

      However, with Mozilla Foundation already establish an open framework for badges I wonder where the revenue stream would come from. Is funding possible through a Canadian government agency? Perhaps. But without detailed information on the business model I might wait and see what transpires with badges through the open source movement.

      • HJDeW 2:04 pm on August 1, 2012 | Log in to Reply

        Chris, waiting could potentially leave you out of the windfall once this product hits mainstream. LB4U is positioned to make the most of the OBI by working in partnership with learning organizations (such as UBC) and with learners to provide secure, transfer of data and achievements -rather than each individual applying to UBC for their learning badges on completion, this will be streamlined and design of the badges would be done by LB4U (with approval and control of brand by the learning organization). We are the ‘go-between’ just as Facebook is social media. OBI is the mechanism, hence the proposed partnership with Mozilla in R&D, but our proprietary work in display and design would be where the actual money to be made resides. Hope you don’t miss this ‘boat’. Invest in learners today!
        Helen

    • lisamallen 11:07 am on August 2, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,

      It’s clear that you are passionate about your venture and you have really backed up the ideas presented with theory (which is comforting as an investor). I would have liked to have seen more information on your competition and what sets you apart from them.

      Overall, great pitch!

      Lisa

      • HJDeW 5:24 pm on August 2, 2012 | Log in to Reply

        Thanks Lisa, your feedback is appreciated. There are a few competitors in this ‘business’ in the US, but none in the Canadian marketplace, that I discovered. But cross-boarder, internet based businesses are not uncommon so it is worth investigating further.
        I guess what really sets LB4U apart is our knowledge and experience in the Canadian education field. Hope that is enough to keep Canadians buying and supporting Canadian ventures.
        Helen

    • maybacon 11:45 am on August 2, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,

      You make an excellent presentation and exude enthusiasm for your venture. Although some may have philosophical reservations about this type of venture, several people could benefit from having markers for signaling and commemorating their achievements. As an investor, I would be concerned with the philosophical issue, which has already been cause for criticism among existing reward systems (such as the one available through Khan Academy). Nevertheless, I believe that this kind of motivation will play an important role in the future of education.

      Excellent pitch and good luck with this venture!

      May

    • Leonora Zefi 7:44 pm on August 2, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Your enthusiasm and confidence in this venture came through your pitch Helen. You clearly articulate what B4U plans to do and what it needs to be successful.

      Concept and Marketability
      I think the concept of B4U to validate and celebrate learner success is a good one. I can see market opportunities for this venture in being incorporated in electronic portfolio applications and as you have pointed out, strategic partnerships are absolutely crucial for venture success.

      Venture plan and financials
      Your plan is well thought out and your venture analysis is very thorough.

      Thanks,
      Leonora

      • HJDeW 8:20 am on August 3, 2012 | Log in to Reply

        Thanks Leonora, your feedback is helpful. I’ll look forward to our continued venture relationship when we meet to ‘share the funds’. 🙂
        Helen

    • Leonora Zefi 10:10 am on August 3, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Sounds good to me Helen 🙂
      Leonora

    • ping 9:49 pm on August 3, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,

      Great pitch! Your idea is totally innovative to me, for I’ve never heard about such kind of service in my country, but I believe there is a sure market waiting there. Online badge service could be provided cross-country depending on their international reputation, therefore I believe your venture has a prospective potential in global market, with global competitors as well as you have pointed out.

      You elevator pitch is very engaging, which instantly catch my attention. I can’t help imaging how much children and other learners will like these lovely badges shown on their websites. Your venture plan is very informative, with professional demonstration of your solution, marketing strategy and financial consideration. I like the “For Profit” chart in the financial overview section, only with a little confusion of what the numbers represents: do they mean the number or users, or the number of badge you plan to release, or the estimated revenue in $million?

      From an investor’s point of view, I think your early awareness of Canadian DLB market is a great advantage, but for a long-term competition, I would hope to find more differential advantages on both technical and marketing level. The use of Mozilla OBI platform can be copied by other ventures, what will make yours different relies on your post-developed innovations upon the platform. The postion of LB4U in the DLB ecosystem is somewhat not anchored a little bit.

      I think you have an excellent awareness of partnership, that shows how you qualified to lead this venture. I just wonder how you will weave these partners within your framework. Your services are 2-sided, both to badge issuers and to badge displayers. That give you double chances of profit. But how about the 2 sides connect directly? I know many universities hold a system of their own to serve degree badge (and other details) inquiry. You need to make more differences to intercept in these services and redirect both sides to the LB4U platform.

      Excellent job for a hopeful venture!

      Ping

    • danishaw 9:43 am on August 4, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Helen,
      I found the idea behind your venture to be unique and interesting. You provided a great deal of content based on sound research. As is evident from most of our peer’s presentations, this can be a difficult feat; well done!
      Good luck with your venture,
      Danielle

  • HJDeW 7:42 pm on July 4, 2012
    0 votes
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    Tags: cognitive overload, , interactions, mapping tools, organizing thoughts   

    I have been interested in the application of concept mapping (since ‘mind mapping’ is a trademark name) to learning for some time. I have worked with students using Kidspiration and Inspiration, as well as Smart Ideas.(The websites for these tools provide lots of educational information.)  Students take to this tool/technique of organizing their tasks quickly […]

    Continue reading Minds On…. mapping Posted in: Week 09: Visual-Intensive Learning
     

    • mariefrancehetu 4:47 pm on July 5, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hello,

      Thanks for providing this list. It will be very useful and I will keep it tucked away when I have more time to explore mind map tools later this summer.
      I absolutely agree that for a mind map to work it needs to connect the learner with content in an engaging way. You say that maps need to make sense to the learner, not the viewer. However, when making collective maps this may become an issue, for what may appear to be an ‘engaging way’ to one creator, may not be perceived in the same way by other creators. Also, when creating a mind map as a teaching tool, it is difficult to create one that will appear engaging to everyone. I do agree that there are basic rules to follow nonetheless. Maps need to be concise and clear, various themes or categories identified in different colours, and interesting symbols or pictures used (sparingly) to guide or emphasize points, making it easier to follow links.

      Marie-France

  • HJDeW 7:27 am on May 30, 2012
    0 votes
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    VocaLinks Inc., established in 1998 by Peter Butler and Phil Huffman, is a small, privately owned, service driven company providing speech to text and text to speech training, product sales and technical support. It is located in Toronto, yet provides service across Canada with a team of 50 full and part-time employees. The company’s signature […]

    Continue reading VocaLinks Inc., established in 1998 by P… Posted in: Week 04: Entrepreneur Bootcamp
     

    • Deborah S 9:39 am on May 30, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Great post, Helen! Your discussion about authentic leadership reminded me of the characteristics of authentic leadership by Robin Sharma (author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, and The Saint, The Surfer and the CEO). He postulated that authentic leaders: speak their truth, lead from the heart, have rich moral fiber, are courageous, build teams and create communities, deepen themselves, are dreamers, care for themselves, commit to excellence rather than perfection and leave a legacy. I think the ability to lead often makes or breaks a venture.

      Deborah

      • HJDeW 11:01 am on May 30, 2012 | Log in to Reply

        Deborah, you hit on the one thing that really became obvious for me during this investigation – the impact of the leadership style and presence of the individual and team. It is very evident in their communications, relationship with the public and their customers, and in how they ‘sell’ their service or product. Helen

    • Claire Burgoyne 12:27 pm on May 30, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Helen, your personal reflection with its focus on storytelling and open leadership serves as an excellent resource to those about to step into the role of entrepreneur. I’m reminded of J.E. Chamberlin’s “If This is Your Land, Where Are Your Stories?” The ability to tell our stories shapes us, defines our direction, and determines our successes or failures. As Chamberlin says: “We need to understand our stories because our lives depend upon it.”
      Thanks for sharing.

    • Leonora Zefi 7:15 pm on May 30, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,
      As usual, a very insightful analysis and a particularly thoughtful reflection. In addition to all the attributes you have pointed out and we have seen in many entrepreneurs, I would say that the ability to identify that niche market/client base and be responsive, innovative in the approach but also having that freedom to take risks and make decisions fast without having to go through the layers of “red tape” are factors for success with those ventures.
      Thanks.
      Leonora

    • dubiend 5:20 pm on June 2, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      It’s great to see a Canadian company offering services and products in assistive and general education technology. I’ve just learned in EPSE 410 how important it is to use products that are research-based in assistive technology. While these products often cost much more than those available on tablets, the educational value is much greater. Unfortunately, not enough people know this, and the spread of tablets and their convenience is chipping away at the assistive technology market while offering a learning experience that may not be up to par.

    • gillian 8:06 am on June 3, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Helen,
      I particularly enjoyed reading the reflection on your post. I commented on another post that it is the story behind each venture that I found the most interesting when doing my own research and then reading the posts of others in this activity. I wonder how many investors look beyond the numbers to the inspiration or the ‘narrative’ as you call it when deciding whether or not to open their wallets?
      Putting yourself ‘out there’ certainly has new meaning in the digital world!
      gillian

  • HJDeW 9:57 am on May 24, 2012
    0 votes
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    YES I would invest in Dybuster. The ‘apple-pie’ plea at the end of the elevator pitch gave me the psychological hook to add my money to this endeavour. The pitch presentation, done by Christian Vogeli, CEO and founder, is done in a compelling, confident and convincing manner. His angled standing position, eye contact with the […]

    Continue reading Dybuster – answer to dyslexia challenge Posted in: Week 03: Analyst Bootcamp
     

    • troos 11:22 am on May 25, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Helen:

      Great analysis. I, too, found this to be an intriguing and very necessary product as it relates to the disability of dyslexia. This specialized niche target market gives this product a distinct advantage. Before investing, the only thing I would like to see is a set of academic reviews showing the success of this product.

    • lisamallen 2:13 pm on May 25, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Of all the pitches I sifted though, this was the only one that had a really clear, “this is what we do next” in the pitch – which I really appreciated. I think a lot of the pitches lacked the message or “ask” behind the pitch.
      -Lisa

  • HJDeW 9:52 am on May 24, 2012
    0 votes
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    NO, I would not invest in Mindtraction. Despite the compelling story presented, the apparent ease and comfort of the presenter while sharing the story, or the marketable response to an evident need, this company is not for me. The simplistic view of a mentor in your pocket conflicts with my experience and understanding of what […]

    Continue reading No Mind Traction for Me Posted in: Week 03: Analyst Bootcamp
     

  • HJDeW 5:10 am on May 16, 2012
    0 votes
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    Tags:   

    Horizons, by nature, are always out of reach, even though you are moving toward them. Appropriately, the series of reports about technology trends in education is named the Horizon Reports. Since 2004, the New Media Consortium has outlined trends that remain elusive and others that have become ubiquitous to how technology works within educational organizations. […]

    Continue reading View of the Horizon Posted in: Uncategorized
     

    • Technolearning » Blog Archive » New Horizons 5:31 am on May 16, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      […] The first post for ETEC 522 is focused on opportunity horizons as the relate to ventures in educational technology. I examined the 2012 Horizon Report from New Media and reflected on its meaning for my teaching practice. This reflection is linked here. […]

    • karonw 8:24 pm on May 16, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,

      You stated “Change within education is a process of evolution” which is very true. As technology is becoming something that is part of our daily life we now see more people checking the time with their cellular phones more than with their watches, marking their calendars with a tablet or cellular phone more than seeing someone using an agenda handbook. The convenience that technology has given us has made us adapt to it quickly and in order to match up with the expectations and needs of the new generation who are born with technology around them, we must tailor our teaching methods and perhaps make use of the technology tools that we have.

      – Karon

    • Dave Horn 11:46 pm on May 16, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      I think gesture based computing will continue to grow and develop since it becomes very natural very quickly. As evident by our vice principal trying to tap the screen on his laptop to select an icon; I only just gave our staff iPads last week.

      Would an analysis of the horizon reports provide useful insights into what types of trends and tools are actually likely to become dominant in the future based on past selections? Do the reports contain an objective look at the trends (strengths, weakness, possibilities, limitations)?

      Dave

    • Denise 4:05 am on May 20, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      HI Helen,
      You state that “Change within education is a process of evolution”. While it certainly seems like that I do wonder if there aren’t revolutions as well. By that I mean that those who are early adopters actually introduce new ways of doing things as a revolution and then as more people come on board (usually later) it seems like an evolution.

      Our boss came back from the US all excited about “disruptive innovation theory”. This identifies two types of innovations:
      Sustaining innovations – a solid almost straight line of gradual improvement eg computers processing faster, batteries lasting longer etc
      Disruptive innovation – this isn’t a breakthrough improvement, but rather “an innovation that is simpler and less expensive, does not sustain the current model, and benefits those who are not using the current model. In the beginning the disruptive innovation is not as good as the existing service or product. Over time though, the disruptive innovation improves and can overtake the old way of doing things” (at this stage it can flip quite quickly).

      The book focuses on education
      Disrupting Class – C M Christensen

      Also found a website – Education 2020
      http://education-2020.wikispaces.com/Disruptive+Innovation

      He also wrote the Innovators Dilemma (much earlier)
      Nice overview in
      http://innovationzen.com/blog/2006/10/04/disruptive-innovation/

  • HJDeW 8:45 pm on May 8, 2012
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    Tags:   

    Hello to all my ETEC co-learners and e-venturists. A warm hello from central Ont. It’s nice to see so many familiar names in this group. My name is Helen DeWaard and I am working on my 7th and 8th MET courses this semester. I am  currently finishing my first experience as a contract lecturer with […]

    Continue reading Hi from Helen Posted in: Uncategorized
     

    • Dennis Pratt 9:10 pm on May 8, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Helen;

      I am glad to hear the kitchen reno is done. I hear they are the worst. What project is next? I am addicted to handyman shows and love to pick up on what they do wrong.

      Dennis

      • HJDeW 10:48 am on May 9, 2012 | Log in to Reply

        Dennis, I don’t think my marriage would survive another reno project. You know what is said about ‘opposites attract’. Not so much with reno work! 🙂 I love the DIY shows too, but they make it look so easy. Doesn’t look anything like the months of dust and mess!
        Helen

    • karonw 10:11 pm on May 8, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,

      I’m Karon, nice to meet you. Wow, you have a lot of teaching experience! I just started teaching in the hospital, however I am hoping to become an Instructor for New Media one day. I look forward in learning with you.

      Best,
      Karon Wong

    • Deborah S 5:04 am on May 9, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,
      It’s great to see you again! As I recall from previous courses, your experience leads to some fantastic insight. Looking forward to working with you again.

      Deborah

    • mariefrancehetu 5:27 pm on May 9, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,

      I am particularly interested in new ways to globally expand learning and teaching, and hope to one day land a job that allows me to share new learning ventures with the world. I look forward to working with you over the course of this term and also sharing common thoughts on the subject of teaching in non-traditional contexts.

      Marie-France

    • gillian 5:33 pm on May 9, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,
      Fantastic to ‘see’ you again. I look forward to your insights as usual. Maybe this time around we will have the chance to work together.
      How are you enjoying ‘higher’ education? It’s definitely one of my future goals.
      Congrats on your new kitchen … I can tell you one thing about home renos – you are NEVER done!
      gillian

    • Yves Mainville 7:14 am on May 10, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen.
      Most interesting background you bring to the course. I very much look forward to learning with you. We are planning to sell and buy in the next month or so as well, and with that the inevitable painting, fixing, moving, etc. Months of mess and dust – don’t miss that at all… We tried out concrete countertops in the kitchen in our current home, they turned out beautifully… but have you ever tried to keep up with concrete dust when sanding and polishing??? With an 8 month preggo wife was quite the experience. 🙂
      Good course and good luck!

    • troos 4:31 pm on May 10, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen:

      I enjoyed your presence in ETEC 500 and appreciated your willingness to provide both experienced guidance and practical ideas in many ways. Wish you the best for this course and I look forward to your comments and analysis on the material to come.

      Tim

    • Leonora Zefi 5:56 pm on May 10, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,
      It’s great to see you again in this course. Looking forward to working with you.
      Leonora

    • mackenzie 10:57 pm on May 10, 2012 | Log in to Reply

      Hi Helen,

      Its great to be in your insightful presence again. I really enjoyed your research proposal from ETEC 500, thanks for sharing. I hope we get a chance to work together again.

      Cheers, Steve

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