e-Learning Our view and experience Tilen Balon Head of Distance Learning Office Faculty of Economics University of Ljubljana Slovenia

Distance education in 90’s Opportunities for development and possibilities: E-learning communication and other technologies compute support internet access Distance learning development of literature for independent-studying tutorial system study centers across country (meetings, exams etc)

Development of Distance learning 1991 – 1993 - searching for best practice case 1994 - Distance learning as PHARE program - Foundation of National Project Unite for distance education 1995 - implementation of distance learning 1995 – 1997 - first phase of PHARE project 1997 – 1999 - second phase of PHARE project

Reasons for developing DL New opportunities for school Upgrading part time study programs Modernization of study process Education for wider population and underprivileged group of population (dislocated, handicapped, employed…) Regional development

Distance learning – How we did it Meetings with teacher at the beginning of course at the and of course (examination) Tutorial meetings weekly for groups weekly for individuals Individual studying with help from study guide for literature and study groups in study centers

Who does what Tutor (trained professional) Teacher guide through course, literature and other materials cooperates with teacher students motivator Teacher course manager in charge for tutors work prepares exams sets study goals for student to achieve learning outcomes

Course Literature Development of study literature and other study materials for individual studying and for preparing the course study guide. Classic book with course study guide Integrated book or workbook Course study guide on CD, Audio and video materials

Study centers (across country) Place where: Students meet with teacher Students meet with tutor Students can study individual or in groups, write papers, reports etc. Study centers provide study rooms for meetings, individual studying and group work. There are computer rooms (internet), Videoconference room with overhead projectors etc.

Distance learning today New bologna program 9 study centers across country 70 teachers 105 courses (per study year) 120 tutors 1800 students 600 graduates from distance learning (first enrolment in 3 year program in study year 1995/96)

Distance learning for tomorrow New improved technologies Access to internet at home Advanced teaching methods Life long learning as one of bologna’s goal Integration of E-learning in distance learning (as describe before)

E-learning The software (plus) Embedded in the university’s (minus) Wide variety of product in the market Easy to use with minimal training user friendly Reliable Offers basic functionalities Embedded in the university’s (minus) technical infrastructure administrative systems organization of education faculty development projects financial aspect

Positive efects of e-learning Flexibility for students Access to resources for students Effective mode of learning Students can interact with tutors and teachers Construct learning which lead to high motivation Easier to monitor and support students Assessment and activity continuous Improves organization, management and administration and accountability Benefits the students and faculty

Potential negative effect of e-learning Can be blinded by technology Simple and easy? Technical problems and Access to internet Isolation Lack of support Lack of other student interaction Too few face to face meetings Academic year VS flexibility

Blended learning Aim is to implement and support (technically and educationally) a digital learning environment for students and faculty Supported blended learning with: Multi-media course materials Tutor and regional support Increasing use of online learning and teaching All courses with IT component Generic course web site production Courses presented totally online Computer conferencing Some face to face activities (meetings) remain!

Why doesn’t e-learning happen in higher education? low commitment by managers lack of infrastructure within universities weak organizational structure low ability to invest (what are the actual benefits – can we cost them?) lack of understanding of e-learning impact

Why doesn’t e-learning happen in higher education? competing resources – staff time and rewards (research VS. teaching on line) lack of skills in the area lack of examples of appropriate models to improve campus- based learning uncertainty among higher education decision makers

E-learning priorities for higher education e-learning is what students expect today (tomorrow) ageing universities workforce lack IT skills and fears technology education leaders must drive e-learning forward Government has a role in funding, ensuring standards and quality

Challenges Educational System management Different educational needs (competence based education versus guided independent learning) System management How to to provide a unique personalised service and learning experience to each student and to be able to do this at scale. How to provide the student with the right information, the right media mix and mode of presentation at the right time. When do we have time to upgrade or adopt to new tehnologies and methodes developed every day.

Our biggest challenge Can we provide vital support for the e-learning enviroment 24 / 7 / 365 for students from teacher and for teachers from system administrators

E-learning: Goals and expectations Benefits for the students (Professional e-learning environment during educational career) Benefits for the teachers (Gather strength around e-learning) Benefits for the school Creating media rich online learning environments Creating student centred environments Adapting learning experiences based on assessment of student knowledge Integration of assessment for learning best practice

Thank You for your attention. Tilen Balon Head of Distance Learning Office Faculty of Economics University of Ljubljana Slovenia