elearning - an overview
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E-learning:an overview
Michael RoweDepartment of PhysiotherapyUniversity of the Western Cape
The Net Generation
Understanding the target audience
They live, work and play online
Always connected regardless of time / place
Both consumers and creators of content
Social networks are their frames of reference
Education as it is
...and why it won't last
Teacher is source of knowledge (didactic paradigm)
Mon-Fri / 9-5
One way stream of content / knowledge (creation and dissemination)
Social networks are disregarded
Education as it will be
Implications for teachers
Use the Internet as a source of knowledge *
Be available 7 days a week
Multiple streams of content adding to richness of knowledge
Leverage network effect *
July, 2008: 1 trillion pages, 100 million sites
Network effect measure of how the value of a product increases with each user
On social media
web 2.0 characteristics
Internet based tools
Sharing and discussion
Digital multimedia
Community building / network effect
Decentralised publication
Distinct from newspapers, books, TV and film (traditional media)
Why is this important?
Managing expectationsStudents
Teachers
Software
Not just about putting content online
Context important
Wikis
Editable websites (content creation)
Freeform text / semantic web
International collaboration across time / space
Peer review process / evidence based practice
Blogs and RSS
Informal monologue
Content broadcast to students
Automatic updates (e.g. changes in course readers, test dates, class times)
PodcastsVideo / audio
Hearing impaired students
Education anywhere
Online office suites
Google Docs / Groups, Skype
More efficient workflow (e.g. RSS for change updates)
Undergraduate research projects
Access anywhere
Monitor progress / provide feedback
Challenges in e-learning
Hardware (cost, inequitable distribution of resources)
Software (proprietary vs. open)
Time it takes to change (e.g. content, skills)
Traditionally poor IT literacy
The way forward
Personal learning systemsStudents control learning environment, process and content
No formal classes
Education anywhere on mobile devices
Why use this...
Big and heavy / immobile
Geographical limitations
Too powerful for most needs
Cables (power, mouse, network)
Long boot times / switched off
When you can use this...
Small and compact / mobile
Use anywhere
Suitable for:Email / browsing
Photos / video
Office applications
Wireless
Always / instantly on
It's also a phone, IM client, MP3 player, PIM
Location and position aware
Conclusion
E-learning is not an option
Everybody is already online
Will we join them, or become increasingly irrelevant?
Contact
http://www.mrowe.co.za/blog
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/michael_rowe
email: [email protected]