10 e-learning tips Anthea Sutton FOLIO & FOLIOz Programme Manager

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous If you want to do synchronous activities, make sure it is genuinely feasible and justifiable.

Instructions Make instructions as clear as possible.

Queries Consider using a group address for queries.

Tools to use Don’t use any tool simply because its ‘new’, ‘fun’, ‘jazzy’, ‘impressive’, etc

Access Don’t assume that all learners will be able to access any web-based resource- Firewalls, versions of software, speed of internet connection, etc, can all cause problems!

Groups Groupwork can work, but think about how you put people into groups, bearing in mind language issues, location, etc

International Students e-Learning can provide a range of support options for students with English as a second language, so consider things such as recording lectures so that they can be re-watched online.

Adaptation Many existing teaching materials can be adapted for e- Learning, such as PowerPoint presentations, simply by adding narration or more detailed text.

Technical Issues Make sure you know what technical support you can AND can’t provide, and try to ensure that learners know where to go for help in their own workplaces, etc.

Learning Objectives Above all, be guided by learning objectives when designing e- Learning materials.

Acknowledgements Thanks to my colleague Claire Beecroft. Images for slides 4-11 courtesy of Microsoft Clip Art via PowerPoint Photos on slides 2-3 by Anthea Sutton