[ <<back to links<< ] [ intro ] [ issues arising ] [ materials ] [ pd ] [ processes - ideal / practical / technical ] [ publicise ] [ support needed ]

Issues arising during the session

Networking and communication

• Need for a curriculum/resource developers' network

• Need for cross-region communication, to enable sharing information about funding sources, resources already developed, projects happening or already developed (to prevent re-invention of wheels)

• A monthly "phone bridge" was suggested

Funding, payment and recognition

• Need for more development funding, including paid time to research

• Adequate funding is required to cover costs of materials development

• Realistic costing for resource development is difficult in competitive environment-

• Paid time to go to professional development (backfill)
  Sessional basis of funding is highly problematic

• Payment outside paid hours? Often time is spent voluntarily.

• Need ways to prevent funding being a "government vs. community" issue - i.e. creative approaches required

Employment

• Tutors and expertise can be hard to find

• Some see a need for more professional development in materials development

• Some employers question the investment in professional development, given that their tutors are not likely to be with them for long, thanks to sessional employment practices

Resources

Remember to contact your local ACFE regional office - they can be an important resource when looking for information, for example Eastern region on the topic of copyright.

Developing Resources - a panel

from "Thinking outside the square" - the Eastern and Northern ACFE Curriculum Conference, 31 May, 2oo1, facilitated by Alan Tonkin, with Wendy Corvell from Morrison House, and Michael Chalk ([email protected]) from Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education (PRACE)