Exploring E-Learning Models and Best Practices

1. Teaching in e-learning environment Nataša Hoić–Božić natasa.hoic@ri.t-com.hr University of Rijeka (Croatia)

2. Agenda • Introduction: What is e-learning? • Major characteristic, technology, benefits, drawbacks • Models of online learning and blended learning • Role and activities of online teacher 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

3. “E-learning” term • The "e-" prefix = electronic • e-business, e-commerce, e-banking, e-government, e-marketing,… • e-school, e-university, e-campus, e-library,… • e-teacher, e-student • e-learning = both learning and teaching: • Learning - the process of acquiring knowledge or skill through study, experience or teaching 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

4. What is e-learning? • Different definitions of e-learning: • “Technology-oriented” - emphasis is on “e-”: “E-learning is any kind of learning, training or education that is enhanced by the use of information and communication technologies (ICT).” • “Pedagogical-oriented”- emphasis is on learning: “E-learning is an interactive process between teacher and the learner through the electronic media.” 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

5. E-learning continuum • E-learning as a continuum of teaching: Source: CARNet E-Learning Academy - ELA learning materials 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

6. E-learning and technology

7. Basic e-learning approaches • Blended (mix-mode, hybrid) learning: • some face-to-face (f2f) elements are replaced by technology mediated teaching • Pure (online) e-learning • without any f2f meetings • asynchronous (e.g. web courseware, e-mail) • synchronous (e.g. videoconferences) 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

8. Benefits of e-learning • Flexibility: learning anytime and anywhere • Learning customized to student’s needs: individual learning style and self-paced learning • Better access to content: 24/7 online delivery • Online learning material: up-to-date, relevant, multimedia, interactive • Improved communication between students and tutors 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

9. Drawbacks of e-learning • Reduced social and cultural interaction between students and teachers • Students should be motivated to learn and with great deal of self discipline • High students' drop out rate • Technology issues 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

10. Didactic triangle Educational components Teacher Didactic triangle Learner Content 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

11. Pratt's General Teaching Model Content Learners Ideals Teacher Context 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

12. Socialization and gaining attention • Socialization process: students talk to each other, ask questions, and “enter” the learning environment • “Attention gathering”: students leave their work or home, enter a classroom, and are motivated by a teacher 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

13. Two models of online learning • Community of learning - uses real-time synchronous or asynchronous communication technologies to create virtual classrooms • Independent learners - work by themselves and at their own pace through the course of instruction 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

14. Blended learning approach • Blending or mixing various elements: • Online and traditional learning environments • Technology and media for learning content delivery • Different teaching and learning methods (both online and traditional) • Group and individual learning activities • Synchronous and asynchronous interactions 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

15. Role of online teacher • Designing and organizing the online learning context – establishment of the learning community • Facilitating online discussion and interaction • Provision of direct instruction • Assessment and certification of student learning 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

16. 1. Designing and organizing the online learning context • Construction of the course content, learning activities, and assessment framework • Learning activities should encourage both independent study and community of learning models • Stimulating, guiding and supporting students • Teacher and course content: • works with learning materials created by others • creates all of the content as “lone ranger” 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

17. 2. Facilitating online discussion • Learners develop their own thought processes through the discussion with colleagues • Developing a sense of trust and safety within the electronic community • Teacher regularly reads and responds to student contributions and questions • Teacher posts question or discussion items relevant to course content • Discussion groups led by student moderators 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

18. 3. Provision of direct instruction • Teacher is not only “e-moderator” - facilitator of learning • Subject matter expert who provides direct instruction • Sharing the subject matter knowledge with students not only by lecturing • Interjecting comments, referring students to information resources, providing technical help 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

19. 4. Assessment of student learning • Explicit and detailed criteria on which student learning will be assessed • Timely and detailed feedback to students • Usual forms of online assessment: • Online tests • Assignments, (essay type) projects • Participation in online discussion 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

20. Qualities of e-teacher • Excellent e-teacher is an excellent teacher: • Knowledge of the subject domain • Pedagogical and methodological knowledge • Motivation for dealing with learners • Possesses technical skills • Must have a kind of innovativeness, flexibility and determination 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria

21. References • AHyCo e-learning portal (in Croatian) http://AHyCo.ffri.hr/ • Anderson, T. (2004). Teaching in an Online Learning Context.http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/ch11.htm • Pratt, D. D. Good teaching: one size fits all?http://www.one45.com/teachingperspectives/PDF/goodteaching.pdf 6th Workshop "SE Education and Reverse Engineering", Bulgaria