E-learning: an overview Michael Rowe Department of Physiotherapy

The Net Generation Understanding the target audience They live, work and play online Always connected regardless of time / place Both consumers and creators of content Social networks are their frames of reference

Education as it is...and why it won't last Teacher is source of knowledge (didactic paradigm)‏ Mon-Fri / 9-5 One way stream of content / knowledge (creation and dissemination)‏ Social networks are disregarded

Education as it will be Implications for teachers Use the Internet as a source of knowledge * Be available 7 days a week Multiple streams of content adding to richness of knowledge Leverage network effect * July, 2008: 1 trillion pages, 100 million sites Network effect – measure of how the value of a product increases with each user

On social media web 2.0 characteristics Internet based tools Sharing and discussion Digital multimedia Community building / network effect Decentralised publication Distinct from newspapers, books, TV and film (traditional media)‏

Why is this important? Managing expectations  Students  Teachers  Software Not just about putting content online Context important

KEWL 3.0 in physiotherapy Open content Integration of social media technologies Local support service Regular improvement Potential to enhance traditional teaching

Wikis Editable websites (content creation)‏ Freeform text / semantic web International collaboration across time / space Peer review process / evidence based practice

Blogs and RSS Informal monologue Content broadcast to students Automatic updates (e.g. changes in course readers, test dates, class times)‏ Podcasts  Video / audio  Hearing impaired students  Education anywhere

Online office suites Google Docs / Groups, Skype More efficient workflow (e.g. RSS for change updates)‏ Undergraduate research projects Access anywhere Monitor progress / provide feedback

Challenges in e-learning Hardware (cost, inequitable distribution of resources)‏ Software (proprietary vs. open)‏ Time it takes to change (e.g. content, skills)‏ Traditionally poor IT literacy

The way forward Personal learning systems  Students control learning environment, process and content No formal classes Education anywhere on mobile devices

Why use this... Big and heavy / immobile Geographical limitations Too powerful for most needs Cables (power, mouse, network)‏ Long boot times / switched off

When you can use this... Small and compact / mobile Use anywhere Suitable for:  / browsing  Photos / video  Office applications Wireless Always / instantly on It's also a phone, IM client, MP3 player, PIM Location and position aware

Conclusion E-learning is not an option Everybody is already online Will we join them, or b ecome increasingly irrelevant ?

Presence Facebook: Michael Rowe Skype: theboatashore