Building an online community linking trade skills students, their employers and other educators creates a knowledge-sharing environment that enhances traditional TAFE training. In this session, stonemasonry teacher Simon Brown shares how he uses a wide range of learning technologies in a TAFE context. The ancient craft of stonemasonry is continually being re-invented with the development of new materials, tools and techniques. World-wide, the stone industry demands responsive training, and with Queensland's geographic spread this means making full use of online communications. In this session, Simon showcases how he: • Uses free Web tools (including Ning, Wikispaces, Flickr, Youtube) and Videolinq video streaming technologies to engage students and guide their literacy development • Re-focuses text-based learning resources into image-rich interactive learning experiences • Collaborates online with industry personnel about their training requirements • Displays apprentice achievements to a global community • Regularly discusses educational technologies with fellow educators

1. This topic is to be presented at the Learning Technologies conference 6-7 November 2008 in Mooloolaba, Queensland. Visit the Learning Technologies conference website … Join the LT2008 Ning network … see you there!

25. Blogged at Cafechat Wordpress web journal Slideshare (username: ozi ) Hear more at Learning Technologies 2008