E-Learning?

1. E-Learning? Susan Byrne EDU652 – Instructional Design & Delivery Robert Voelkel November 26, 2012

2. Just what is e-learning? “E-learning is the use of electronic technologies to create learning experiences” (Horton, 2012, p1). This can be done a little or a lot at a time from a class completely on line to a teacher sending home homework assignments by e-mail.

3. Standalone Classes Standalone classes are electronically accessed and taken by an individual at their own pace without interaction with classmates or an instructor. These classes can be in the form of a tutorial or self paced learning format program that has been designed for self motivated performance.

4. Virtual-classroom Courses Virtual-classrooms are what we use for Ashford University online learning. We get together in our own timeframes and we challenge each other over distance and time to learn the material we are assigned in each course. With the aid of an instructor we learn without the actual physical classroom of traditional learning.

5. Aids to e-learning

6. Mobile learning Smart phones, tablets, and laptops all allow for mobile learning. These devices allow for the user to participate in conversations, classes, meetings, formal discussions and the like that facilitate e-learning.

7. Social Learning Social learning is a method of learning though social network sites such as Facebook or Twitter as well as blogging and wiki sites. When we interact with others, learning from each other in a social setup, is social learning.

8. Learning Games and Simulations “Simulations are software packages that present the user with a model or situation in a computerized or virtual format” (Lever-Duffy, 2010, p 217). Games and simulations provide an interactive fun method for learning. They can be stimulating and addictive allowing for repetition and practice.

9. E-learning Design Starts with a good instructional design then is paired up with the technology of choice that will work best for delivery of the instruction to meet you goal.

10. Instructional Design The ability to put together a program that will entice, engage and motivate students. Utilizing all of the components needed to create a product that will complete your goal.

11. Design Perspectives Where is the information coming from? Who is actually in charge of the curriculum content? What values are required to be present in the design? Who are the students and at what levels are they really at? These are some of the questions that must be asked before a design can be started.

12. Design Influences Many things influence design. Feelings, ideas, values and requirements of what is suppose to be included in the program. Sad but true you need to understand what the expectations are on you by those who employ you.

13. Alignment of Learning Goals and Objectives Learning goals and objectives cannot be willy-nilly. They must be approached from the point of what is really needed to be learned by the students and how are they going to show they understand the information. Questions must be asked so goals and objectives line up with each other but also with the interest of the outcome of the program in mind.

14. Selection of Teaching Sequences • Bottom up – teaching with the basics and moving up through the information until full understanding has been met. • Sideways – teaching across the information allowing students to question basic information as they go for full understanding of main information. • Top down – teaching the information straight out with the understanding that students have the basics or know where to go to fill the basic gaps.

15. Selection of Learning Activities • Absorb – Students absorb information through reading, listening, or watching. • Do – Students do activities that interest them or involve things they enjoy doing. • Connect – Students connect with ideas that pertain or relate to the world around them.

16. E-Learning • You must know your subject. • You must know your curriculum. • You must know your students. • You must know your forum. • You must know your sequences. • You must know your boundaries. • You must be comfortable with your design.

17. References • Clip Art provided by Microsoft from Office.com • Horton, William.2012,e-Learning by Design, 2nd Edition, 2nd Edition. John Wiley & Sons (P&T) • Lever-Duffy, J. (2010)Teaching and Learning with Technology, 4th Edition. Pearson Learning Solutions.