Benefits of E-learning Alan Clarke Associate Director, ICT and Learning

2 2 What is E-learning? Covers a wide range of approaches such as word processing within literacy, simulating experiments in science, blogs for learning diaries and thousands of other permutations and combinations Covers a wide range of approaches such as word processing within literacy, simulating experiments in science, blogs for learning diaries and thousands of other permutations and combinations This is a major benefit in that it is flexible and can contribute in many ways and in many subjects This is a major benefit in that it is flexible and can contribute in many ways and in many subjects E-learning is dynamic E-learning is dynamic These factors make identifying precise overarching benefits difficult These factors make identifying precise overarching benefits difficult

3 3 Definition E-learning is the use of information and communication technologies to support, deliver and create learning experiences Based on W Horton, 2006

4 4 Benefits Harnessing Technology Major Benefits Leads to greater efficiency and cost saving across the system Increases productive time for teaching Increases learner choice and opportunity and improves the quality of the learners experience Raises standards Government E-learning Delivery Plan, Becta 2006

5 5 ALI Identified Benefits Effective e-learning can improve achievement and retention rates In best e-learning cases activities need to be focused and planned Helps learners present their work E-learning has encouraged people to take up learning Learners improve ICT skills through e-learning E-learning helps to develop positive attitudes to learning, builds confidence and encourages people to return to learning

6 6 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 2006 Available 'just in time' and can be used continuously for learning and reference. Flexibility of access from anywhere at anytime. Ability to simultaneously reach an unlimited number of employees. Uniformity of delivery of training. Can achieve cost reductions. Reduction in the time it takes to deliver training. Ability to log or track learning activities. Possibilities of global connectivity and collaboration opportunities. Ability to personalise the training for each learner. However, it has become clear that making e-learning available to unprepared and unsupported learners will not work. E- learning must be appropriately presented and adequately resourced.

7 7 Motivation, Confidence and Self-esteem Evaluation of UK Online centres reported that 49% to 79% of users of the centres reported an increase in their confidence. The DfES laptop initiative reported that learners returning to education often after decade long intervals gained confidence, motivation and self- esteem when laptops were employed to re-engage them. NIACE surveys of offender showed considerable motivation and interest in learningwith and through ICT Hall Aitkin (2002; 2003) and NIACE (2003, 2005)

8 8 Efficiency Carol Twigg – redesigning 30 whole college courses in USA Non-traditional students (e.g. older, poorer, ethnic minorities etc) Access courses Cost savings Improved retention Improved achievement

9 9 Efficiency - Twigg Key Design Factors Active learning – courses were more learner centred and participative Computer-based resources were key to learners engaging with content Mastery learning – course were not self paced but based on achieving specific scheduled learning objectives On-demand help – improved support system Staff were employed to support learners The methods made the most impact were: Online tutorials Continuous feedback and assessment Increased interaction among students Individualised on-demand support Peer learning assistants Structural support

10 10 Quote Internet based learning experiences hold revolutionary potential L Freeman, Chief Learning Officer, Morgan Stanley

11 11 Power of the Online World Place, Pace and Time Collaborative learning – e-learning offers a wide range of online environments to help learners to work with and learn from other learners and tutors. This helps the development of the cognitive and social skills of communicating and collaborating Virtual learning worlds – learners can take part in through simulations, role-play, remote control of real-world tools and devices, online master classes etc

12 12 Productivity Productivity Survey of the use of e-learning in Further Education shows that: Majority of lecturers surveyed used e-learning in their teaching practice, to research, access and create teaching materials and prepare lesson plans. Finlayson, H., Maxwell, B., Caillau, I. and Tomalin, J. (2006). Impact of e- learning in Student Intermediate and End-Point Outcomes in Further Education (DfES Research Report 745). London: DfES.

13 13 Learners Choice and Opportunity e-learning can help provide an individualised learning experience (e.g. disabled, exceptionally gifted, special curriculum or learning needs etc) Personalised learning support – information, advice, and guidance to identify the appropriate learning, electronic portfolio of their learning to take with them ICT skills improved (90% of new jobs require ICT skills)

14 14 Issues for E-learning Limited access to suitable IT equipment Costs of equipment and connectivity ICT skills of tutors and learners E-learning pedagogy skills E-learning strategic skills of managers Social aspects of a learning community (Does conferencing, blogs and wikis replace face-to-face?) E-learn skills of learners

15 15 Online Forum - 1 The benefits identified through the forum and wiki were: 1. the practicality of having technology at your fingertips wherever you are 2. the ease of carrying – you can throw away all those cumbersome bags and files of paper 3. learning by modelling technologies in the workplace and everyday lives 4. the instant results you can get 5. the huge feeling of achievement people get from seeing their work on a screen 6. that fun is a big part of it 7. it is handy not to have to travel all over to access information and participate 8. the flexibility e-learning offers – the own time, own place approach 9. that adults can add value to the learning they already have by building on it 10. the advantage of discovery-based learning – e-learning enables learners to find information online and apply their acquired knowledge online 11. it can create a wider learning community

16 16 Online Forum the use of a learning platform can make collaborative working easier 13. the technology is now at a stage where a wide range of accessible tools can be used to produce new and interesting learning activities in a fairly easy to use way 14. it gives learners control over their own learning and they can do as little or as much as they want when they want to do it, there is no pressure on them to succeed at the first attempt 15. Another indirect benefit of e-learning is that many tutors are now challenging their assumptions about the teaching methods they use. Ironically e-learning can improve their non e-learning practice!

17 17 Summary E-learning has many widely accepted benefits E-learning still has enormous potential still to be realises New opportunities are becoming available continuously (e.g. Blogs, Wikis, E-portfolios, Podcasts, conferencing etc)

18 18 Contact