Why E-Learning?

1. Why E-Learning? Willy L.M.Komba Faculty of Education University of Dar es Salaam

2. Content of the presentation In this presentation I would like to share with you some ideas about: • Concepts related to e learning • Trends in education • Changing learning settings • Learning models in transition • Global and local reasons for e learning • Prospects of e learning University of Dar es Salaam

3. Objectives of the presentation After the presentation you will be: • Familiar with the challenges of adopting computer assisted instruction (CAI); • Familiar with trends in education; • Able to explain the value added in e learning; • Aware of the differences between conventional, distance, and web-based (e-learning) teaching and learning approaches. • Ready to apply the principles of good practice in web-based course design in the online courses you are preparing. University of Dar es Salaam

4. E Learning definition • Use of computer based technologies, data communications, telecommunications and electronic message technologies for the dissemination of teaching and learning materials and diffusion of information in an electronic form. University of Dar es Salaam

5. experiencing cases, contributing Learner centered Anytime, anywhere (Asynchronous) Life long learning Online learning Dual mode learners Learning by listening, reading and reproducing Teacher centered Face 2 Face communication Initial programs Onsite learning Full time students Trends in education University of Dar es Salaam

6. Changing learning settings Same place Traditional Courses Same time Different times Open University Online, flexible learning Different places University of Dar es Salaam

7. E learning: Why not? Voice from within • CBE unwise and impracticable choice • Our weak economies cannot sustain it • Lack of adequate technological infrastructure • Cultures do not support it • Superiority of electronic media is questionable, though convenient University of Dar es Salaam

8. Why not? (2) Voice from without • Schools are typically sold a bill of goods, not the goods themselves (cf. Apple Bill, kids can’t wait program, information superhighway idea, in USA). • ‘Mad rushes into the future’ often take schools, teachers, and students along for the ride. University of Dar es Salaam

9. Why not?(3) • Corporate strategies for the market of computer-based education are Chameleon-like, changing their colors to meet the needs of every new educational fad or government invitation or technological innovation that comes along. • Rapid-fire changes: computer-based technology in school is in highly experimental stage (cf. BASIC, LOGO, simulations, databases, hypertext multimedia programs, internet communications etc.). University of Dar es Salaam

10. Why not? (4) • Corporate ventures in CBE exploit the financial crises of schools, thereby turning education’s desperation into corporate opportunities to experiment with unproven wares. • ET research uses schools as laboratories: more of marketing and product development, than an effort to serve schools or students University of Dar es Salaam

11. Why not? (5) • CBE is more about using the education market in the service of technological development and profits than it is about using technology in the service of education, schools, and students. University of Dar es Salaam

12. Why E learning (1)? • There is a demand for • Continuing education • University education • Flexible learning • Getting connected world wide • It is a trend in education delivery approaches • Anytime, anywhere, lifelong learning University of Dar es Salaam

13. Why E learning (2)? • Quality aspects • Traditional/conventional approaches are inadequate • Excellent opportunity for university staff to develop new pedagogies/different approaches for managing online courses • Independent learning; self reliance • Access • To expand educational opportunities University of Dar es Salaam

14. Why E Learning (3)? • Relevance • Need for own relevant programs on the www that are up to standard; • Need for contextualized programs on the www • Competitiveness • We ‘ve got to compete; else we lose identity University of Dar es Salaam

15. Why E Learning ?(4) • We have the capacity to do it; so let’s do it • Infrastructure • Human resource capacity • Willingness and enthusiasm University of Dar es Salaam

16. What does E-Learning Involve?(1) • Human Resources. • Experts in online pedagogy to transform conventional (face2face) to online courses • Experts in technical support • Academics for content development • Experts to assess the quality of online courses University of Dar es Salaam

17. What does E-learning Involve? (2) • Management. • Management of servers on which the online courses are hosted • Effective management of the network • Efficient management of the contents of the courses including updates by a dedicated establishment • Day-to-day running of courses for handling student feedbacks, assignment, tutorials and questions. • Need for quality assurance of on-line courses • 24-hour access to on-line courses and modules. University of Dar es Salaam

18. What does E-learning Involve? (3) • Infrastructure and Technological Tools. • Proper software tools for implementation of on-line courses and/or modules • Required hardware and network infrastructure to support access to the on-line courses • Setting up of a video-conferencing network on Campus. • Setting up of a Multimedia and Video-On Demand Laboratory. • Setting up of DE Centres upcountry with high bandwidth connectivity for decentralised access. University of Dar es Salaam

19. What does E Learning involve? (4) • Technology is a pre-requisite • Install the networks, workstations, and (broadband) internet access. • Choosing existing platforms or experimenting new tools • Installing the support unit for hardware and generic software University of Dar es Salaam

20. What does E Learning involve? (4) • Partnership and strategic alliances • Among university units: AVU-LC, ITRU, CCE, UCC Ltd, regional centers • Among national institutions: OUT, TTCL, TANESCO, etc. • Among international institutions: North-South, South. University of Dar es Salaam

21. Prospects of E Learning (1) • Anytime, anywhere learning • Broad bandwidth connections, shared media, wireless on campus, satellite connections • Tele learning facilities • Multimedia platforms for asynchronous and synchronous communications • Self directed learners University of Dar es Salaam

22. Flexibility of Content Learning models Goals and assessment Learning community New roles for students and teachers Non linearity at the level of Content and pedagogy Users The learning environment Prospects of E-learning (2) University of Dar es Salaam

23. Flexibility of content • Teachers, learners, experts from inside and outside the company’s place, are contributing experiences • Using the communication facilities for asking, finding out and discussing issues. University of Dar es Salaam

24. Flexibility of assessment • Students own their learning process • Institutions may define competencies • Students can take responsibility • Formulating and checking their own learning goals • Students can prove their competencies • By submitting materials showing their competencies, e.g.in electronic portfolios University of Dar es Salaam

25. Are you worried about E Learning? Please do the following assignment Using a search engine (Google.com or Yahoo.com), search the Web for: advantages and disadvantages of e-learning (or WBT). University of Dar es Salaam

26. Thank you for sharing my ideas University of Dar es Salaam