E-communicators in an e-learning environment Dr. Gemma Towle Mr. Rob Howe

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Structure of presentation  E4L project background  Effective e-learner to proficient e-communicator (sampling)  Modification of the 5 step model  Steps and tasks  Initial results  Conclusion

E-communicators in an e-learning environment E4L project background To investigate learners' opinions and experiences  Core themes: transitional periods, use of shadow technologies and light bulb moments  Adult and Community Learners (ACL), Further Education (FE), Higher Education (HE)

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Effective e-learner to proficient e-communicator ‘Effective learners tend to be highly skilled networkers and often use the technology to pull in support when needed…….. [and have] the capacity to network with others through a variety of communication channels and networking.’ (Creanor et al, 2006) ‘ What we do when we learn is to enter into social activities.’ (Lemke, 2002) ‘Characterising effective e-learners proves to be as complex and problematic an exercise as in any learning context.’ (Creanor et al, 2006)

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Modification of the 5 step model 1. Access and motivation Setting up system Welcoming & & accessing encouraging 2. Online socialisation Sending & retrieving Familiarising & messages providing bridges 4. Knowledge construction Conferencing Facilitating Process 5. Development Providing links to Supporting outside closed conferences responding 1. Access and motivation 2. Online socialisation 3. Information exchange 4. Knowledge Construction 5. Development Proficiency according to stage Tasks  Sign into the virtual learning environment (VLE).  Explore the site.  Complete questionnaire.  Post on the discussion board.  Entry to the wiki including external links.  answers to structured feedback. 3. Information exchange Searching, personalising Facilitating tasks & software supporting use of learning materials

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Steps and tasks 1. Access and motivation 2. Online socialisation 3. Information exchange 4. Knowledge Construction 5. Development  Access – Through the VLE to undertake the tasks and complete the questionnaire.  Motivation – They have been motivated to take part.  Salmon stated both an essential prerequisite.

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Steps and tasks 1. Access and motivation 2. Online socialisation 3. Information exchange 4. Knowledge Construction 5. Development  They ‘get used to being in an online environment’ – basic message sharing and posting.  Evidence: exploration of the VLE, structured feedback they leave ( ) and use of discussion board.

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Steps and tasks 1. Access and motivation 2. Online socialisation 3. Information exchange 4. Knowledge Construction 5. Development  They ‘begin to appreciate the broad range of information available online’ – exchange information more frequently.  Evidence: use of the discussion board and links to external sources through a wiki entry.

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Steps and tasks 1. Access and motivation 2. Online socialisation 3. Information exchange 4. Knowledge Construction 5. Development  They ‘begin to interact with each other in more exposed and participatory ways’ – established community.  However, involved a one-off usage rather than continuous.

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Initial results  Those who completed tasks indicated through the tasks and questionnaire that they used different forms of electronic communication regularly.  Initial data from individual interviews supports participants as proficient e-communicators.

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Conclusion  There are limitations to Salmon’s model – e.g. developed in relation to distance learning postgraduates – core.  Limited by time and tools available.  Study not designed to describe definitive characteristics but attempt to create social and communicative tasks to sample participants.

E-communicators in an e-learning environment Thank you for listening – any questions?