Managing online learners and learning

e-Learning for Enterprisee-Learning for EnterpriseClive Young & Wendy David

Introduction

What do we mean by ‘managing online learners and learning?’

What Roles?

Content facilitator process facilitator advisor/counsellor assessor manager/administrator designer researcher technologist evaluator

What is eLfE?

12 week part-time web-based distance learning course delivered via the web.

designed to introduce practitioners in smaller businesses to the principles and 'best practice' of web and internet-based learning.

aimed at managers, human resources and training consultants, course designers and technical personnel

Need 40 participants by Dec 2002

What do students learn?

Students work on project-based activities relevant to their own needs supported by a personal tutor:

develop an understanding of key concepts and principles of e-learning

conduct initial feasibility studies for e-learning programmes

identify required training needs select appropriate online learning approaches

and strategies design/review e-learning activities perform successfully as an e-tutor/e-trainer plan an implementation strategy for the

organisation devise effective learning evaluation strategies

Delivery

Completely via WebCT Email Discussion forums External resources Video Quizzes

Structure

3 parts, 11 modules (the last week of the course is dedicated to the main course assignment).

learners are expected to devote approximately 4.5 hours to the course per week, inc course activities, emailing the tutor, participating in online comms and the main course assignment.

also 30 mins per week course evaluation (v important)

Student numbers

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Sep-Dec01

Jan-Apr02

Apr - J un02

Sep-Dec02

Content

I - Getting started

1. About the eLfE course Introduction to the course and

the learning environment2. Introduction to e-learning

e-Learning Project definition3. Know your needs

Needs analysis

Content

II e-Learning Design Studio

4. Approaches to learning Theories

5. Building online courses General design issues

6/7. E-Learning Tools I and II What is available?

8. Design for Learning Specific design issues

Content

III- e-Learning in Action

9. The effective e-tutor Mentoring and support strategies

10. Making it happen Implementation

11. Evaluating learning Quality improvement

12. e-Learning Project

Our research objectives

To research, develop and test via the course a range of approaches representing the ‘best of e-learning’

To develop and test a range of activities and assignments focusing on the participants’ workplace experience, including team-based work

To develop and test a range of activities to enhance the participants’ understanding of the e-learner’s perspective and experience

To publish and disseminate the evaluation and research aspects of the project

Philosophy

Activity-based ‘Fishbone’ design Workplace assignment 3rd party resources Tutor intensive Formative evaluation Reflective diaries

Management - Pre-course

curriculum design and development activity-based content work-based project encourage a community of practice/peer

group support induction activities learner support needs self-management tasks

Strategies evaluation (and review) strategy student support strategy (feeding into course

guide)

Management - Pre-course

course management and administration collaborative approach eLfE team:roles, communication strategy, WebCT course information: publicity, web site, course

guide (student expectations) course inquiries: recording info registration: enrolment process, student accounts

and records set up, learner pack (thunk factor) administration (ESF) etc

Management- During Course

support tutor technical methods peer group

progress monitoring student records/tutor logs monitor last contact environment - WebCT tracking monitor CMC activity ‘visible’ activities activity progress (and final assessment) feedback from evaluator/GRDs (review)

Management - End Course

Exit activities on the last day student completions timesheets evaluation activities certification