E-learning, What’s Ahead By Riad Saba University of Balamand March 31 st, 2009

Outline Introduction Introduction E-learning Milestones E-learning Milestones E-learning Trends E-learning Trends Overview of PhD Research Project Overview of PhD Research Project Conclusion Conclusion

Introduction The Technology Revolution The Technology Revolution The Race for E-learning The Race for E-learning E-learning Evolution E-learning Evolution

E-learning Milestones 1728: Ad in the Boston Gazette – learn Short Hand where ever you are 1728: Ad in the Boston Gazette – learn Short Hand where ever you are : UW-Extension, first distance learning institution : UW-Extension, first distance learning institution 1953: UH offers televised college credit 1953: UH offers televised college credit 1976: The 1 st virtual College 1976: The 1 st virtual College 1990s: The Internet, and E-learning s: The Internet, and E-learning s: Web 2.0 and E-learning s: Web 2.0 and E-learning 2.0

E-learning Trends Learner Trends Learner Trends Organizational Trends Organizational Trends Technology Trends Technology Trends

Learner Trends Learners are spending more time online Learners are spending more time online Learners are getting older Learners are getting older Learners are more independent Learners are more independent Learners need new ways of motivation Learners need new ways of motivation Learners are diversifying their sources Learners are diversifying their sources Learners are collaborating Learners are collaborating Learners are adapting to new technology Learners are adapting to new technology Learners are using new technology Learners are using new technology

Organizational Trends International Education Gaining International Education Gaining Universities will Collaborate Universities will Collaborate E-learning will be Core University Business E-learning will be Core University Business ICT investments will Grow, Justifiably ICT investments will Grow, Justifiably Partnerships Emerge Partnerships Emerge Top Instructors in High Demand Top Instructors in High Demand The Instructor’s Role Shift The Instructor’s Role Shift

Organizational Trends, Continued E-learning will be more Recognized E-learning will be more Recognized Curricula will be more User-Centered Curricula will be more User-Centered E-learning value increases with competition E-learning value increases with competition E-learning dominates the work-place E-learning dominates the work-place

Technology Trends The Internet Grows The Internet Grows Wireless Access Grows Wireless Access Grows HCI Produces Better Interfaces HCI Produces Better Interfaces E-learning 2.0: Multiple Tools E-learning 2.0: Multiple Tools Social Networks and communities Grow Social Networks and communities Grow Collaboration and Media Sharing Grows Collaboration and Media Sharing Grows Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, Webconferencing,.. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, Webconferencing,.. Virtual Worlds Gain Momentum Virtual Worlds Gain Momentum

Overview of PhD Research Language Learning in Virtual Worlds Language Learning in Virtual Worlds Second Life Second Life Three Mediums Three Mediums Comparative Analysis Comparative Analysis Research Data Research Data Attitude Surveys Attitude Surveys Critical Incidents Critical Incidents Learning Interfaces Learning Interfaces

Sample Class Interactions

Conclusion E-learning is here to stay E-learning is here to stay Learners are Changing Learners are Changing Technology is Evolving Technology is Evolving Organizations Need to Adjust To Meet Demands and Seize Opportunities Organizations Need to Adjust To Meet Demands and Seize Opportunities

Questions For further discussion For further discussion Riad Saba, University of Balamand Riad Saba, University of Balamand