Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning Prof. S.B. Junaidu Director, Iya Abubakar Computer Center Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning Outline 1. Introduction 2. Technologies for eLearning Courseware Development Content Management Learner-facilitator Interaction 3. eLearning Readiness Considerations 4. Recommendations 2 June 23, 2011

Introduction The use of Internet technologies for delivering, supporting, and assessing formal and informal instruction A major thrust of online learning is focused on providing activities that shift the control of learning activities from the teacher to the student Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 3 June 23, 2011

… Introduction Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning Face-to-FaceeLearning Instructor-CenteredLearner-Centered LectureFacilitation Student ListenerCollaborator Individual LearningTeam Learning Instructor-SourceInstructor-Guide Static ContentDynamic Content 4 June 23, 2011

… Introduction Teaching with technology continuum 1. Traditional classroom course 2. Classroom with technologies (animation, video, etc) 3. Hybrid course: part classroom, part online 4. Synchronous online course with instruction taking place in real time via the Internet o e.g. using CentraLive Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 5 June 23, 2011

… Introduction Teaching with technology continuum 5. Instructor-led online course with asynchronous discussion 6. Self-paced learning on CD-ROM or Internet Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 6 June 23, 2011

Technologies for eLearning Computer Technology offers great tools for learning – Multimedia – Animation tools:2D,3D – Simulation – Interaction & collaboration tools create true learning communities – Soft content allow for higher reuse & modifiability And getting better Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 7 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—Courseware Authoring Goal – To develop media-rich course material that catches and holds interest of learners Required characteristics of authoring tools – User-friendliness and ease of use – Availability & modest system requirements – Other foreign file support – Extensible and customizable Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 8 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—Courseware Authoring Sample authoring tools – Macromedia suite (Authorware,Director,Flash,etc) – Hypercard – IconAuthor – Quest – ToolBook Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 9 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—Courseware Authoring Sample courseware – Introduction to programming,2 Introduction to programming2 – Data Structures online:1,2,3,4,5,6 Data Structures online Online course development process: – Junaidu and others, 2004 Junaidu and others, 2004 Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 10 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—Courseware Authoring Tips for success – Decide on a courseware development option early in eLearning strategic plan – Form a development team with requisite skills Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 11 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—Courseware Authoring Courseware development plan – Developed in-house – Developed in collaboration with other educational institutions – Developed in collaboration with commercial organizations – Bought from publishers (e.g., open universities) – Obtained free from OCW Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 12 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—Courseware Authoring Development teams:3 to 12 people consisting of: – Subject matter experts (SMEs) – Instructional Designers – Graphics and Web Designers – Computer Programmers – Editors Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 13 June 23, 2011

Technologies for eLearning—LMS Learning Management System (LMS) – a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of training programs, classroom and online events, e-learning programs, and training content (Ellis 2009) – Also known as CMS (course management systems) or IMS (instructional management systems) Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 14 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—LMS Supports organization for different course material – Different lessons, syllabus, calendar, handouts,etc Tracks student progress and performance – Time on task, sections completed, scores from on-line quizzes or tests, etc Provides communication tools – Discussion board, , live chat, wikis Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 15 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—LMS Some open-source LMSs – LRN – Moodle – Sakai Some commercial LMSs – Blackboard – Desire to Learn – eCollege See details: Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 16 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—LMS – Questionnaires and surveys analyses CCP exam (one module only) – Electronic submission of assignments CA tests (only 2 or 3 courses) Limited students’ collaboration—seminar group formation Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 17 June 23, 2011

… Technologies for eLearning—LMS challenges – Infrastructure—availability – Lack of technical support – Lack of students’ skills Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 18 June 23, 2011

eLearning Readiness Considerations Several issues should be considered carefully before leaping into the eLearning world – Institutional – Student-related – Facilitator-related Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 19 June 23, 2011

… eLearning Readiness Considerations Institutional – Planning – Funding – Change management & oversight – Buy-in campaign to all stakeholders Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 20 June 23, 2011

… eLearning Readiness Considerations Organizational readiness issues (John Wiley, 2004) – Has your organization budgeted enough for the project? – Are the right people with the right skills already available, or will you need to find additional employees or contractors? – Does the company have the hardware, software, and technology infrastructure it needs, as well as enough IT support? – How will additional resources be gained if needed? – Are learners ready? Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 21 June 23, 2011

… eLearning Readiness Considerations Learner – Belief and enthusiasm in the online learning paradigm – Motivation and self-discipline – Good language skills – Time and workload management skills – Computing skills and computer ownership Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 22 June 23, 2011

… eLearning Readiness Considerations Critical learner readiness issues – Do learners have access to the right equipment and software? – Do they have the computer and Internet skills they need to find and use learning materials online? – How motivated are they to learn in a new way? – What do you need to do to get them on board and ready? Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 23 June 23, 2011

… eLearning Readiness Considerations Facilitator issues – Belief and enthusiasm in the online paradigm – Technology savvy – Mentoring, Reach out and Handholding – Incentives, e.g., ITA,WEHEITAWEHE – Training, e.g., training on online facilitationtraining on online facilitation Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 24 June 23, 2011

Recommendations Add detail to eLearning strategy to include – clear rationale for subscribing to eLearning – target eLearning delivery option and courseware development strategies – specific targets and measurable outcomes for the eLearning initiative – specific timelines for assessing outcomes – specific infrastructure and personnel requirements – deliberate eLearning promotion campaign Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 25 June 23, 2011

Summary Brief on eLearning Technologies for eLearning Courseware Development Content Management Learner-facilitator Interaction Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 26 June 23, 2011

… Summary eLearning readiness considerations Institutional Learner Facilitator Provided some recommendations for improvement Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 27 June 23, 2011

The End Together, we shall make ABU greater though effective eLearning! Use of Information Technologies for Effective eLearning 28 June 23, 2011