Introduction to e-learning

1. IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science Introduction to e-learning BSU Networking and Planning Workshop Hotel Comwell Roskilde 27-29 August - 2012 Michael Rytkønen Project Manager miry@life.ku.dk IT Learning Centre Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen

2. IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science What is e-learning? • The term “e-learning” refers to teaching and learning activities mediated by Information and Communication Technology (ICT)* IT Supported education Distance education Blended learning *Source: Dohn, N., Larsen, S., Thorsen, M. (2012, in press): E-learning. In: Rienecker, L., Dolin, P., Stray, P., Wichmann-Hansen, G.: University Teaching. Samfundslitteratur, Copenhagen.

3. IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science 3 Example • MSc course: Basic Surgery Skills • 180 students, app. 10 teams of 18 students • 4 days e-learning + 4 days in operation theatre • Before e-learning was introduced, several repeated theoretical lectures were eating up the time…

4. Many universities in developing countries face problems in responding to the local needs and the global challenges… • A massive and uncontrolled intake of students, not accompanied with sufficient funds, leading to a degradation of the quality and relevance of the educational programs • High dropout rates, and • Brain drain at all levels of the universities • E-learning has the potential to address these challenges… IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science Why use e-learning in BSU?

5. Online material is detached from a specific time and place… • Increase the access to education • Increase the recruitment area, and thereby the access to new markets • Increase the personal flexibility for students and teachers • Improve the opportunities to develop joint courses and programs • But also the quality of teaching can be improved by e-learning… • Supports the students’ self-study, preparation and repetition before, between and after the f2f lectures • Questions from online discussions can be used as input in f2f teaching, making the lectures more focused on the students’ actual needs • Written communication is suitable for reflection • The quiet students are more confident to participate in written online discussions compared to f2f lectures IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science Why use e-learning in BSU?

6. Implementing e-learning is much more than digitizing the lectures… IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science How? Source: Anderson, A., Grönlund, Å. (2009): A conceptual framework for e-learning in developing countries: A critical review of research challenges . EJISDC Vol. 38 (link)

7. IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science Any questions?