E-learning phenomenon in Estonia as collaboration catalyst Anne Villems University of Tartu Estonia

How to view e-learning in Estonia? Historical view Course statistics’ view Organizational development view Universities’ development view Vocational schools development view Compulsory education development view

E-learning as innovation

Three organizations E-learning Development Center Estonian e-University Estonian e-vocational school

Number of e-courses

Number of e-learners

E-Learning Development Center: main tasks Teaching staff training and support Educational technologists’ training and support E-learning content development support Infrastructure Collaboration support between organizations Development and PR

Number of educational technologists In universities 19 In vocational schools 40

Typical situation Inside a University – no idea, what other faculty does Between Universities –No idea, what other university does Universities have no idea what vocational institutions are doing

What have changed? National e-learning conferences every spring and training seminars every autumn Staff training courses, developed to university teaching staff, are running also for vocational school teachers E-learning developmental seminars Quarterly newsletter (printed + digital) Seminars and training for educational technologists

New collaboration Thematic networks are developing –They create database of learning objects –Vocational schools have already created ~1000 LO-s New courses are developed cooperatively (specially in vocational schools) Student’s “hiking” is developing

Conclusion E-learning development center is not only helped us over Moor’s chasm, but is changed our national character: From stubborn people to collaboration able ones.