What is e-Learning? Why is it important? Why now? Jane Langfield eLearning Manager

What is it? “eLearning means using new multimedia technologies and the Internet to improve the quality of learning by facilitating access to facilities and services as well as remote exchanges and collaboration. European ODL Liaison Committee, "Distance Learning and eLearning in European Policy and Practice: The Vision and the Reality“ Published 17/11/04

What is it? “ Network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge.” Cisco.com “E-learning refers to the use of Internet technologies to deliver a broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge and performance.” Kevin Kruse 2003

What is it? “ –refers to any type of learning that uses electronic media. It means many different things to people but is a popular media buzz word and should be avoided.” Plymouth State University

What is it? 1.Courses 2.Informal learning 3.Blended learning 4.Communities 5.Knowledge management 6.Networked learning 7.Work-based learning Beyond the categories of e-Learning, it is also important to note: Ubiquitous computing Tools and delivery for e-Learning

Planet of ContenteousPlanet Instantia Nomadict PlanetPlanet of Cafélattia

Planet of Contenteous Technology as a delivery system; content & learning management systems, multi media, DVDs, digital & cable TV.

Planet Instantia E-learning Continuous, applied, flexible & instant Just for me, just in time, just for now, just enough

Nomadict Wearable, portable & embedded technologies: PDAs, Palms tops, 3rd generation mobile phones GPS, wireless interacts with learner’s environment

Planet of Cafélattia Developed Internet technologies as mediating devices & community space, asychronous & synchronous groupware, blogging

So what? Internet technologies are revolutionising every area of our lives. The evolution has taken us through mere enhanced delivery mechanisms to a new phenomenon – the enfranchisement of the individual.

So what? Shopping>online supermarket>eBay Travel>booking online>self created itineraries Publishing>online journals>web logs

So what? Internet technologies are changing Culture Expectations Capability and Potential Aspirations and so call into question the appropriateness of traditional service delivery.

So what? The central characteristic of such a new system will be personalisation – so that the system fits to the individual rather than the individual having to fit to the system. This is not a vague liberal notion about letting people have what they want. It is about having a system which will genuinely give high standards for all … …..and, as young people begin to train for work, a system that recognises individual aptitudes and provides as many tailored paths to employment as there are people and jobs. Charles Clarke DfES 5 Year Strategy 2004

Why? A 21 st Century learning city A culture of life long learning A skilled workforce Enabled citizens A self sustaining knowledge repository Transformed services

Why? The Leader’s Message We need to consider:- progress in achieving more efficient use of resources – financial and human service improvement – how to deliver improvement, the challenges and the strengths to build on continued emphasis on regeneration and transport – building the city’s skills base and driving up competitiveness delivering on the things that matter to residents – a safe and clean city – getting the basics right developing a sense of civic pride – building a great city the way we manage the city – becoming a modern council delivering efficiently and cost effectively eLearning has a significant contribution to make in all areas

Why?

Why now? Resources – we mustn’t waste Knowledge – which should be exploited Commitments – we must honour Opportunities – which may not be repeated

Why now? European institutions are urged to: Re-establish the policy momentum for the eLearning Initiative, but with two adaptations: make sure that the new discourse is more based on societal-economic demand and more coherent, linking eLearning closely to the lifelong learning agenda. Try seriously to achieve coordination of resources and actions in the field, to the benefit of effective use of public resources and higher impact and visibility of the implemented actions. Accept intervention of “other” resources and policy concerns to support eLearning - even though that may cost something in terms of autonomy and administrative procedures - because the public benefit will easily justify the procedural complications. Policy Paper of the European ODL Liaison Committee Released 17 November 2004