User talk:Leighblackall/Performance reviews

Please feel free to leave any criticism, praise or suggestion that will assist me to report and improve my performance and professional development at UC.

To see my submission to the Performance review, click Performance review.

=Feedback from 2011=

David Blackall

 * Leigh,


 * Now at the close of two sessions of intensive student assignments being posted on Wikinews, except for the marking, I wanted to write and thank you for the original idea and for your work in advising me and my students throughout this year.


 * I had never heard of Wikinews, much less knowing how it works, but now I am convinced about the superiority of the platform as a way in which journalism students can publish stories that are strictly neutral, multi-sourced and peer reviewed. As the unidentified 'student materials' arrive in the public sphere, published on Wikinews, the students are elated and so are motivated to write more news, even featured articles, and so it is a wonderful networked site for learning news writing. To my delight, as teacher, I have observed this throughout the year. From this process and your original motivating me to take this path, I envisage applying for funds to undertake a feasibility study where we would gauge the effect my students' stories had on Wikinews as a site. Throughout this year the two groups of new writers anonymously and significantly increased the story publishing rate on Wikinews. Though, it has to be noted, my two groups of 50 or so students each session, put a fair bit of pressure on the Wiki-reviewers.


 * I am convinced that now we have a research focus to examine the possibility of shaping this for more student work and the possibility for educational research in the context of an ARC Linkage, or similar avenue for the research and development so that universities generally, use Wikinews to teach journalism. We should also now explore possible funding partners for a Linkage.


 * Best regards and thanks again.


 * Dr David Blackall. Senior lecturer & filmmaker, Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Wollongong

Bronwyn Hegarty
The following was written in July 2011, on my Linkedin profile:


 * Leigh is a dynamic and articulate forward thinker who has very original and innovative ideas and knowledge, particularly in the areas of: social networked learning and teaching; digital information literacy, educational design and development and open education practices. He is also very skilled at communicating his ideas to influence change - both at the coal face (practical teaching and curriculum design) and also at leadership level where his persistence led to a significant change in the strategic direction of the organisation. Leigh has had a significant impact on the educational approaches used at Otago Polytechnic. He is also very influential globally via his professional blog and the education networks in which he is actively engaged. Leigh also publishes widely, and his views and philosophical discussions about education are actively sought after and cited.

Bronwyn Hegarty. Educational Developer, Otago Polytechnic

Keith Lyons
The following was written in July 2011, on my Linkedin profile:


 * I am delighted to write this recommendation for Leigh. We have worked together for two years at the University of Canberra but my links with him go back a decade. I believe he has made an immense contribution to the theory and practice of open access. His work is constantly invigorating ... and constantly challenging. He has been a vital guide in my thinking and practice. What a colleague to have!

Keith Lyons, Professor of Sport Studies, the University of Canberra

Laura Hale

 * Leigh is one of my dissertation supervisors. He also serves as one of my primary supervisors for my work on the the History of Paralympic Movement in Australia project. Beyond that, we have collaborated on hosting two/three wiki conferences at the University of Canberra. We often disagree on a great many things, but our disagreements are generally healthy because we can still get things accomplished. When we do not agree, I often still come away with some new thought that helps me to improve my own work. We managed to host two RecentChangesCamps at the University of Canberra largely as a result of Leigh's efforts in securing a venue and helping with finding sponsorship.  He interfaced with Wikimedia Australia in a push to get the Paralympic tender.  He has lobbied others to push for goals that I feel are important. He follows up on issues after I've sometimes forgotten them in areas that are of critical importance to a project's success. Leigh gets work accomplished. --LauraHale 00:50, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

Students
The following feedback was left by students of BPS2011, on the discussion page of the unit's wiki


 * I really enjoyed the unit, both Leigh and Keith have been some of the best lecturers i've had in the 4 years that i have studied at UC. The unit content seemed boring at first glance, however typically both lecturers made it very interesting with guest lecturers and insightful lectures/tutrials. The assessment was tough but taught me alot. I have never done any work on uploading information onto a website/wiki page before so although very time consuming it was interesting to learn. Perhaps spreading out the assessment more would help. Overall I enjoyed the unit and would encourage others to undertake it as well. Thanks for making me laugh in every lecuture and tutorial Keith and Leigh. U3017206 09:56, 3 November 2011 (UTC)


 * This unit has been very enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the different format of assessment, and not just the usual approach most units take. This unit was a great example of a modern day approach to learning that has developed my skills in open source and social media. I found Leigh and Keith very approachable and just really good guys. This unit was run with well, although without knowing the requirements the university places, maybe less marks allocated to the exam and more towards the assessments. I have found the exam very hard to study for, although that is most likely the point. This unit was one of the best units I have taken, great work guys! Gus Gardiner 23:02, 3 November 2011 (UTC)

=Feedback for 2010=

John Dodd

 * Leigh, for a long time I've not been sure what your job description is, and have as a result been hesitant to ask things of you that may be outside that. Such as the establishment of a UCNISS Alumni. In saying that, what I do know of your work, you have always done well. I'd suggest, after this PDR we ask Keith to update us all on your work and try to clarify what things we can call on you to do. John Dodd, UCNISS


 * Thanks John, an excellent suggestion I would very much appreciate happening. Many people have been unsure of my role exactly, so a concise message from Keith with links to examples would help with this considerably. Leighblackall 06:02, 1 September 2010 (UTC)

Mark Spain

 * Leigh, thanks for inviting my comments about your performance review. My first reaction was that it is excellent to see how you have structured it to align with the UC strategic plan and that this is helpful for all UC staff. On reading your first 3 goals in the Strategy 1 - Foundations section it seemed to me if you were able to be more specific and measurable you would clearly know after 12 months if you had achieved them or not. (Ensure that you and your boss negotiate and agree these specific measurable goals for mutual benefit). This could make your job easier. For example, how could you make your goals around diplomacy and sensitivity overarching and then more specific and focussed in each of the areas of Step 1,2,3,6,12 that follow? --Mark Spain 11:23, 1 September 2010 (UTC)


 * ''Good suggestion Mark. Perhaps if I try to be more specific, retaining the over arching idea, and make them more concrete in the meeting with my supervisors. I'd aim for at least one measurable goal per strategy, totaling 5. Leighblackall 05:58, 2 September 2010 (UTC)

Robin McConnell

 * Leigh
 * 1) I deeply appreciate your determination to see me through the nineteenth century and now that I have mastered the slate I hope to get into social media!  I agree with John re the Job Description.  I think the teaching you do with me in helping move me into online and blended learning has been critical in developing my teaching more broadly and the oversall satisfaction rating of 94% I had in Sport Sponsorship & Media would not have happened without your influence.
 * 2) I think you have acquired a greater appreciation of the administration and administrivia demands upon a lecturer's time and the time it takes to prepare a lecture or tutorial in a unit one has never taught before!
 * 3) I would like to see a 'handbook' with simple step 1, step 2 etc. for core operations that we can have as a guide once we have been taught the systems you have inculcated.  This could be progressively added to as we grow in confidence and competence.
 * 4) You are so lucky to have Sunshine and Eve!
 * 5) You should remember your lecturing contributions in my units when you have taken the students into better understandings of social media.
 * 6) Although, at times, I have felt at odds with the pace of your whole-hearted drive for open access I believe in that ideal.  Debate and your patience have led to my greater knowledge and skills and, I think, to your greater appreciation of some of the restrictions lecturers face.  Paradoxically, that is a good reason why we need the ilk of yourself and James...it is intensely frustrating when for example, students often cannot access Moodle material from home and that illustrates the importance of more flexible access to the learning materials we provide and in which you are a key figure.
 * 7) I feel enormously frustrated at not giving more 'professional' online lectures etc. and believe the filming of these is a priority.  I would dearly like to see an assistant who worked with you on this as I am sure John and I would both commit to that or variations thereof.  The filming you do of the tutorials has been well-received by the students and myself but imagine what could be done with our own soundproof room fitted as a studio or having access to such each week! Robin McConnell, UCNISS
 * 8) I think you also should note that it is my belief that we would not be embarking on our postgrad quals with the current sense of optimism if we were not confident about online delivery and use of social media - and this has clear financial gains for UC


 * Thanks Robin, I am indeed lucky to have Sunshine and Eve - as the frustrations you feel, are amplified in me - when I know they are not necessary most of the time! I have approached Marketing with the idea that the work you are doing, has a potential marketing value for both UCNISS and UC as a whole. If they agree with that, then we may be able to ask them for production support. As you know, I've been angling for this for some time.. we'll see how it pans out.
 * Good idea with the handbook. You've suggested it before, and I agree it would be valuable. I've held off doing it before I see wider buy in from UCNISS and Health staff. It would be a lot of work, and would require constant maitenance, but then again - it may help promote the up take, seeing the bigger picture of it all in such a resource. I'll think more on the suggestion.
 * Thanks for taking a risk with my suggestions Robin. Without you, we would have very little to show in UC for all the ideas. Leighblackall 05:26, 7 September 2010 (UTC)

General comments
Leigh has brought his unique talents and energy in the area of educational technology and knowledge and skills about flexible learning to the University of Canberra. He is an energetic and innovative contributor to fostering development of discipline, faculty, university and sector-wide policy and practices. Leigh is more than prepared to roll-up his sleeves and do the hard work - probably walking as many miles as anyone on campus as well as his substantial work online. Leigh has fostered new collaborative communities within the discipline and throughout the university by engaging key minds on projects and issues of significance to the university's overall strategy and particularly with regard to Step 18 ("Make the best use of educational technologies and work-based learning opportunities."). Leigh's tireless, passionate, forward-thinking efforts have provided significant new momentum in improving faculty and university educational technology practices. -- James Neill, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra (Jtneill - Talk - c 00:43, 14 September 2010 (UTC))

Comment - Steps
You've added some steps? Perhaps make clear which steps you've added which aren't in the official PDR template and an explanatory note. (I agree this makes sense in your case since you haven't had direct teaching responsibilities.) -- Jtneill - Talk - c 22:52, 8 September 2010 (UTC)
 * Thanks James, in the end I ran out of time so deleted the extra steps I responded to :( I thought I had another day, but turned out I had to get it in earlier.. if the opportunity is there after the meeting, I will respond to more than the allocated steps.' Leighblackall 23:23, 13 September 2010 (UTC)