IT in Education Symposium IT in Educational Reform: Research and Practices 10 July 2004 E-learning workshop Dr John PEARSON

Dr John Pearson

Definition E-learning refers to education that is enhanced by or delivered via the Internet.

Material can be developed in a modular format, divided into "objects" that are pulled from a database and presented together based on the results of assessment testing. The result is a personalized learning path: Students get only what they need and study at their own pace.

Online expertise: Mentors or experts can be available online to provide feedback and direction to learners, answer questions, and facilitate discussions.

Opportunities for collaboration: Online meeting software permits synchronous, collaborative learning across geographic distances.

Communities: Learners can develop online communities for providing mutual support and sharing information.

Asynchronous (delayed) communication provides opportunities for collaborative learning across geographic distances.

Example "E-learning in the Business Classroom"  MEd module  PBL

printed materials (case study) links to documents, organisations and other resources on the Web online discussions: adjunct to face-to-face classes (topics 1 & 2) totally online (topic 3)

'online teaching and learning means teaching and learning that takes place over a computer network of some kind... and in which interaction between people is an important form of support for the learning process.' Goodyear, P. et al (2001) Competencies for Online Teaching: A Special Report. ETR&D, 49(1), p. 68. [Emphasis added]

Advantages of online discussions  asynchronous communication – 24/7  permanent transcript  many-to-many communication  active student learning  encourages reflection  encourages self-direction and responsibility for learning

Potential problems with online discussions  information overload  lack of non-verbal cues  lack of immediate ‘feedback’  limited interaction – lurkers  time taken to reach consensus  ineffective moderation  vulnerability of written communication

Managing discussions o pedagogical considerations o social considerations o managerial considerations o technical considerations eModerators.com

Pedagogical considerations  clear objectives  welcome initial contributions  encourage participation  summarise / synthesise discussion  point to opposing ideas / conflicting views  relaxed style rather than lecture or authoritarian style  if assessed, what criteria?  appoint student moderators?

Social considerations  ask for introductions  accept lurkers  accept comments and build confidence  watch the use of humour and sarcasm  reinforce good points  deal with inappropriate online language  encourage good netiquette

Managerial considerations  distribute a list of participants  respond quickly to messages / problems  be patient – don’t jump in with your messages if none are forthcoming  be mindful of your contributions  use private mail when problems arise

Technical considerations deal with problems quickly encourage peer learning / problem-solving develop Q & A section avoid detailed instructions in messages (refer to another file / topic) support novice learners

ILN [Interactive Learning Network] logging on contributing messages

Task Ψ The recent document titled Way Forward (EMB, 2004 p.8) presents this vision for ITE: Students, teachers, schools and other stakeholders will use IT effectively as a tool for enhancing the effectiveness of learning and teaching, with a view to preparing our students for the information age, turning schools into dynamic and interactive learning institutions, and fostering collaboration among schools, parents and the community.

What are your views on this vision for ITE in schools? discuss this 'vision' with a few other participants in this workshop post a message on ILN about what your group thinks of this vision read the messages from others, then respond with a reply from your group