benefits of e-learning alan clarke associate director, ict and learning
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Benefits of E-learningBenefits of E-learning
Alan Clarke
Associate Director, ICT and Learning
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What is E-learning?What is E-learning?
Covers a wide range of approaches such as word Covers a wide range of approaches such as word processing within literacy, simulating experiments processing within literacy, simulating experiments in science, blogs for learning diaries and in science, blogs for learning diaries and thousands of other permutations and combinationsthousands of other permutations and combinations
This is a major benefit in that it is flexible and can This is a major benefit in that it is flexible and can contribute in many ways and in many subjectscontribute in many ways and in many subjects
E-learning is dynamicE-learning is dynamic
These factors make identifying precise overarching These factors make identifying precise overarching benefits difficultbenefits difficult
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DefinitionDefinition
E-learning is the use of information and communication technologies to support, deliver and create learning experiences
Based on W Horton, 2006
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BenefitsBenefits
Harnessing Technology Major Benefits
Leads to greater efficiency and cost saving across the system
Increases productive time for teaching Increases learner choice and opportunity and
improves the quality of the learner’s experience Raises standards
Government E-learning Delivery Plan, Becta 2006
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ALI Identified BenefitsALI Identified Benefits
Effective e-learning can improve achievement and retention rates
In best e-learning cases activities need to be focused and planned
Helps learners present their work E-learning has encouraged people to take up
learning Learners improve ICT skills through e-learning E-learning helps to develop positive attitudes to
learning, builds confidence and encourages people to return to learning
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Chartered Institute of Personnel Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 2006and Development, 2006
Available 'just in time' and can be used continuously for learning and reference.
Flexibility of access from anywhere at anytime. Ability to simultaneously reach an unlimited number of employees. Uniformity of delivery of training. Can achieve cost reductions. Reduction in the time it takes to deliver training. Ability to log or track learning activities. Possibilities of global connectivity and collaboration opportunities. Ability to personalise the training for each learner.
However, it has become clear that making e-learning available to unprepared and unsupported learners will not work. E-learning must be appropriately presented and adequately resourced.
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Motivation, Confidence and Self-esteemMotivation, Confidence and Self-esteem
Evaluation of UK Online centres reported that 49% to 79% of users of the centres reported an increase in their confidence.
The DfES laptop initiative reported that learners returning to education often after decade long intervals gained confidence, motivation and self-esteem when laptops were employed to re-engage them.
NIACE surveys of offender showed considerable motivation and interest in learningwith and through ICT
Hall Aitkin (2002; 2003) and NIACE (2003, 2005)
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EfficiencyEfficiency
Carol Twigg – redesigning 30 whole college courses in USA
Non-traditional students (e.g. older, poorer, ethnic minorities etc)
Access courses Cost savings Improved retention Improved achievement
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Efficiency - TwiggEfficiency - TwiggKey Design FactorsKey Design Factors
Active learning – courses were more learner centred and participative Computer-based resources were key to learners engaging with content Mastery learning – course were not self paced but based on achieving
specific scheduled learning objectives On-demand help – improved support system Staff were employed to support learners The methods made the most impact were:
• Online tutorials• Continuous feedback and assessment• Increased interaction among students• Individualised on-demand support• Peer learning assistants• Structural support
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QuoteQuote
Internet based learning experiences hold revolutionary potential
L Freeman, Chief Learning Officer, Morgan Stanley
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Power of the Online WorldPower of the Online World
• Place, Pace and Time
• Collaborative learning – e-learning offers a wide range of online environments to help learners to work with and learn from other learners and tutors. This helps the development of the cognitive and social skills of communicating and collaborating
• Virtual learning worlds – learners can take part in through simulations, role-play, remote control of real-world tools and devices, online master classes etc
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Productivity Productivity
Survey of the use of e-learning in Further Education shows that:
Majority of lecturers surveyed used e-learning in their teaching practice, to research, access and create teaching materials and prepare lesson plans.
Finlayson, H., Maxwell, B., Caillau, I. and Tomalin, J. (2006). Impact of e-learning in Student Intermediate and End-Point Outcomes in Further
Education (DfES Research Report 745). London: DfES.
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Learners Choice and OpportunityLearners Choice and Opportunity
e-learning can help provide an individualised learning experience (e.g. disabled, exceptionally gifted, special curriculum or learning needs etc)
Personalised learning support – information, advice, and guidance to identify the appropriate learning, electronic portfolio of their learning to take with them
ICT skills improved (90% of new jobs require ICT skills)
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Issues for E-learningIssues for E-learning
Limited access to suitable IT equipment Costs of equipment and connectivity ICT skills of tutors and learners E-learning pedagogy skills E-learning strategic skills of managers Social aspects of a learning community
(Does conferencing, blogs and wikis replace face-to-face?)
E-learn skills of learners
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Online Forum - 1Online Forum - 1
The benefits identified through the forum and wiki were:
1. the practicality of having technology at your fingertips wherever you are 2. the ease of carrying – you can throw away all those cumbersome bags and files of paper 3. learning by modelling technologies in the workplace and everyday lives 4. the instant results you can get 5. the huge feeling of achievement people get from seeing their work on a screen 6. that fun is a big part of it 7. it is handy not to have to travel all over to access information and participate 8. the flexibility e-learning offers – the own time, own place approach 9. that adults can add value to the learning they already have by building on it 10. the advantage of discovery-based learning – e-learning enables learners to find information online and apply their acquired knowledge online 11. it can create a wider learning community
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Online Forum - 2Online Forum - 2
12. the use of a learning platform can make collaborative working easier
13. the technology is now at a stage where a wide range of accessible tools can be used to produce new and interesting learning activities in a fairly easy to use way
14. it gives learners control over their own learning and they can do as little or as much as they want when they want to do it, there is no pressure on them to succeed at the first attempt
15. Another indirect benefit of e-learning is that many tutors are now challenging their assumptions about the teaching methods they use. Ironically e-learning can improve their non e-learning practice!
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SummarySummary
• E-learning has many widely accepted benefits
• E-learning still has enormous potential still to
be realises
• New opportunities are becoming available
continuously (e.g. Blogs, Wikis, E-portfolios,
Podcasts, conferencing etc)
