elearning for all: overcoming barriers to online learning
Post on 01-Nov-2014
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eLearning for allOvercoming barriers to online
learning
The aim
Improve access to free and low-cost
educationGive disadvantaged
learners the guidance and structure they need
to obtain meaningful education through free
and low-cost online resources.
Help them use new skills and knowledge to obtain work through or in the
online sphere.
Who are these disadvantaged
learners?High-school graduates in emerging economies who need to obtain further skills but do not have the money or leisure or opportunity to pursue them in a traditional university setting.
People with disabilities who do not have access to traditional education but can use computer.
Learners who lack the time or money to pursue a traditional course, whether employed or unemployed.
The argument
Learning resources exist
Hundreds of free and low-cost educational
tools exist online, and more are added each
day.
Videos, phone and table apps, presentations,
animations, white papers, tutorials,
dictionaries, manuals, interactive tests,
massive online open courses (MOOC)….
We have the tools
Most students drop out of online courses
Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) see huge attrition
Drop-out rate: 92%
Drop outComplete
Most students graduate from
traditional coursesCampus-based courses keep
students on track
Stanford gradu-ation rate: 92%
GraduateDrop out
Why do students drop out of online
courses?And how can we help them stay engaged and gain useful skills?
Barriers to effective online
learning
1. Practical
2. Structural
3. Academic
4. Motivational
5. Personal
6. Linguistic
1. Practical
Learners need access to proper facilities, software and hardware
2. StructuralLearners need guidance on choosing the
best resources for particular subject areas.
They need a structured format for completing the program within a realistic
timeline.
3. AcademicLearners need to learn how to learn – they need some basic level of education and the
ability to study.
Without this foundation it is hard for students to progress.
4. Motivational
Learners need t0 see where it’s all going – there needs to be a job on the other side
5. PersonalLearners need personal attention from
teachers and experts.
They need to collaborate with other students on individual problems.
6. Linguistic
Learners may need help mastering new languages in order to take full
advantage of online resources.
To help disadvantaged
students access education, we do
not need to create more educational
resources
To help disadvantaged
students access education, we need
to use existing resources better
1. PracticalCreate learning centers in colleges, libraries or
small satellite units with computers, IT support, software and hardware.
Centers should be safe and open 24 hours to accommodate out-of-hours learning.
2. StructuralProvide curricula and study paths with set timeframes and deadlines. Use the best of
existing educational resources, supplemented with fresh material.
At the end of each study path there should be a certificate or qualification detailing skills
obtained.
3. AcademicPrecede each study path with remedial
courses where necessary.
Offer workshops and mentoring.
4. MotivationalPartner with local businesses to offer internships and apprenticeships. Hold
networking events and workshops on creating portfolios and resumes and marketing
yourself online.
Have a careers advisor with specific training in internet-based jobs and job seeking
5. PersonalPartner with local professionals and businesses
for in-person mentoring and tutoring.
Partner with international universities and colleges to enhance inter-student collaboration
and professor time.
6. Linguistic
Offer language courses as a pre-requisite (where necessary) to another study path.
Pros and cons of low-cost
eLearningBenefitsCheap – makes use of free or low-cost educational resources
Not reliant upon availability of good teachers
Flexible – any time learning fits in with jobs and other commitments
Makes better use of already existing materials
Challenges
Resources are incomplete – lots of holes in the materials
Might be seen as a quick fix solution, hindering investment in proper educational facilities
Fewer teachers leads to lack of supervision
Can low-cost eLearning help
improve education for disadvantaged
learners?
Monica Guy elearningtransform
s.com
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