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Online Learning News and Research
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Saturday, December 27, 2003
Beyond Virtual Field Trips: Collaboration and m-Learning - Rentoul, R.M.S, Hine, N.A., Specht. M., Kravcik, M., NAWEB 2003
Abstract: Developments in technology have reached a level of capability that enables more sophisticated and thought induced applications to be contemplated than were previously possible. E-Learning and m-Learning are maturing and the users of the technology are more familiar with the concepts involved. The RAFT (Remote Accessible Field Trips) philosophy is, therefore, to employ such systems to produce an integrated, interactive system to link, in real-time, field trips and classrooms. It is being designed to make appropriate use of technology to improve and enhance the educational experience of students. The primary driver for this development is the fact that it is becoming increasing difficult in many countries to organise field trips for reasons including finance, staffing levels and health and safety issues. The RAFT approach offers a viable solution as only a few students will go to the field but the remaining students interact in real-time with the students in the field. Web based interaction tools, including video conferencing and wireless wide area networking are used to achieve this. The design of the technology reflects best practice in collaborative and cooperative learning principles. (0) comments
From eLearning on Handhelds to eSurveys - Phillip D. Long, Syllabus
Just when you think a technology has been surpassed by the next big thing, it sneaks up on you again. For years there have been various attempts to do interesting things with PDAs in the classroom. PDA manufacturers have funded grant programs to seek out creative applications that demonstrate why you should consider using PDAs for your students, or, encouraging or requiring them to make the purchase. But the general sense is that the value of the PDA is in its name: a digital assistant, doing assistant-like things well, such as keeping track of your schedule, phone numbers and the occasional restaurant look-up in a foreign city. Committing to a technology in search of applications is generally a high- risk endeavor. Various schools have tried, and the results have been interesting. Medical students at Harvard, for instance, all seem to have PDAs because scheduling time is a critical activity. For them, it’s worth the cost, especially given their income potential. For the rest of us, keying in on the ‘assistant’ attribute also shows some promise. Using PDAs as programmable data collection devices has proven useful (http://www.concord.org/research/ handhelds.html). (0) comments
Dubai's e-learning market to grow to USD 24 million by the end of 2008 - Christine Haugseth, AME Info
Dubai's e-learning market, estimated at USD 6 million in 2003, is set to grow to USD 24 million by the end of 2008, boosted by government-led education initiatives and a knowledge-conducive environment, according to a new report on 'Dubai Knowledge Economy 2003-2008' published by Madar Research Group, Dubai. According to the study, while Dubai is at the forefront of e-learning, it spends a larger percentage on delivery solutions, compared to the global trend where the market has shifted the focus to content. However, several new developments are set to change the situation and Dubai is on course to join the rest of the world in delivering world-class e-learning programmes. (0) comments Friday, December 26, 2003
Blended Learning: Gradual and Simple Changes to Incorporate ICT into the Classroom - Anita Pincas, eLearning Europa
Across Europe, national governments have been spending billions of Euros on providing ICT tools and infrastructure for education. Nevertheless the extent to which ICT has become embedded into teaching and learning so that the pedagogic approach is altered and enhanced, is low relative to the investment made. Yet, computer-based delivery is expanding the continuum of learning environments, especially the “blended” courses. Since many campus-based instructors are sceptical of wholesale shifts, this short paper suggests gradual and simple changes to lighten the new instructor’s ICT learning load and improve student learning. The article is based in the Online Education and Training (OET) course from the Institute of Education, University of London. (0) comments
eLearning Programme - Maruja Gutiérrez Díaz Interview by David Segarra, eLearning Europa
“Over the next three years, we are going to ensure that 30,000 European schools are twinned over the Internet.”.... The European Commission is going to dedicate almost half of the programme’s budget to this section, some 7 million euros per year. This is a very ambitious project. The twinning of schools will help us foster a European dimension to education. And it is in this area that we are able to see once more the value of the new technologies as elements of change. What will the twinning of schools involve? It will involve using information and communication technologies to establish cooperation relationships between school centres located in different countries. Our aim is that no child leaves school without having participated in some European project of this type. But at the moment, we are proposing that at least 30,000 European schools are twinned over the Internet before the year 2007. (0) comments
Flexibility through online learning: At a glance - Australian Flexible Learning Framework
This 'At a glance' consolidates a range of research funded as one of the initiatives of the Australian Flexible Learning (AFL) framework to increase the vocational education and training (VET) sector’s understanding of the pedagogical, technical and managerial aspects of flexible learning. It specifically focusses on issues related to online learning and delivery. (0) comments Thursday, December 25, 2003
Five Drivers That Will Change E-Learning In 2004 - Tony Probert, dot world
As we enter the last month of 2003, what trends and drivers will be shaping our e-learning strategies in 2004 and beyond?.... ‘Blending’ Will Move To ‘Blurring’ Learning Solutions The logical move to mixing e-learning with the classroom and alternative delivery methods will become more creative and ambitious as organisations add initiatives such as; coaching on demand, team collaboration, knowledge management, product encyclopedias, learning communities etc to the mix. Where personal development stops and the organisational infrastructure starts will become increasingly blurred, as learning solutions are integrated deeper into the DNA of the organisation. (0) comments
Assessment Boot Camp - Colleen Carmean, Technology Source
Assessment does not sit easily at the table of higher education priorities. In responding to critical pings on the radar during an accreditation process, campus officials will often scramble for evaluation data. More often that not, however, their attention wanes when the process is over. Assessment comes in like a distant relative that overstays his welcome and disappears until the next visit. How do we fail to sustain a process that creates meaning and improves learning? Differences in understanding, in language, and in institutional commitment to learning outcomes prevent most of us from dedicating ourselves to the hard, meaningful work of assessment. In this article, I outline the various challenges that arose during a particular assessment initiative at my home campus, Arizona State University (ASU) West. I also make recommendations to those who want to establish broad-based assessment programs at other institutions. (0) comments
Global scientific research net starts operation - Nicolas Mokhoff, EE Times
The U.S. National Science Foundation, a consortium of Russian ministries and science organizations and the Chinese Academy of Sciences this week announced the start of operations for a dedicated global computer network ring for joint scientific and educational projects. The Global Ring Network for Advanced Application Development (Gloriad) is a 155 Mb/s ring spanning research institutes in the three countries in the Northern Hemisphere. "This new network serves as both a physical and symbolic reminder of our common goal of solving problems and building a world of peace and prosperity," said NSF Director Rita Colwell in a statement. (0) comments Wednesday, December 24, 2003
Lessons from Launching an Online MBA Program - Michael Hergert, Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration
Abstract: The College of Business at San Diego State University embarked on a pilot project to introduce an online version of its MBA program in the spring of 2000. The College of Business at SDSU is one of the largest in the nation, with over 6,000 enrolled students. The online MBA program was intended to complement the wide variety of on-campus programs in the College. This article summarizes the lessons learned from the planning, implementation, and assessment of the program. In particular, the need to carefully position a new online program in the menu of existing programs is investigated. A successful online program should create synergy (or at least peacefully coexist) with traditional program offerings. This can only occur if the online program has credibility with faculty, serves students needs, and has financial viability. (0) comments
Distance Learning Programs in the Business Disciplines - Dana V. Tesone, George Alexakis, Alan Platt; Online Journal of Dist. Learning Admin.
Abstract: The article presents a comparison of online and on ground instructional techniques focusing on the differences between face-to-face and computer-mediated communication. Lessons are drawn from the authors, who collectively teach online courses at Nova Southeastern University as well as the United States Sports Academy, Baker College, the University of Central Florida, and the University of Hawaii. The initial phases of course development, student feedback, and peer review began the authors’ transition into their current regular practice as virtual professors at graduate and undergraduate schools, while they continued to teach in traditional classrooms in their respective institutions. (0) comments
Is e-Learning possible in Bangladesh? - Faizul A Tanim, Bangladesh Daily Star
Is e-Learning possible in Bangladesh? Dr Badrul H Khan, associate professor and director of Educational Technology Leadership graduate cohort program at The George Washington University, tried to answer that question talking about 'Enhancing Education and Training through e-Learning in Bangladesh' at Prodigy, a centre for human resource development, on December 20. The constituent of distributed learning includes education offered using electronic delivery modes such as CD-ROMs, video conferencing, websites and e-mail that can be otherwise termed as computer-assisted learning. Widely used in distance learning programmes, e-Learning refers to using electronic applications and processes to learn. (0) comments Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Time Will Tell on Issues Concerning Faculty and Distance Education - Angela O. Ansah, James T. Johnson; Online Journal of Dist. Learning Admin.
Abstract: Technology-based distance education (TBDE) is increasingly being used to supplement higher education needs and this is raising a variety of concerns in universities. This study examined the differences in the concerns expressed by instructional faculty of three comparable universities that differ primarily in their stages of implementing distance education. The results showed statistically significant differences among the universities’ faculty concerns. The findings were congruent with one facet of the Concerns–Based-Adoption Model which states that “stage or stages where concerns are more (and less) intense will vary as the implementation of change progresses” (Hord, Rutherford, Huling-Austin, & Hall, 1987, p.30). They also reflected the “implementation dip” that postulates that conditions often get worse temporarily before they improve in a change process (Fullan, 1991, 1996). (0) comments
An interview with the president of Western Governors University Robert Mendenhall - Michelle Gamble-Risley, Converge
.... I don't see us currently impacted by policies around technology. One of the issues coming up in higher education reauthorization as Congress considers that next year is a 50-percent rule that basically discriminates against distance learning. It makes students not eligible for financial aid if the institution delivers more than half of its programs through distance learning, which would obviously cut out institutions such as WGU. We've been a part of a demonstration program that was created in 1988 in which Congress provided waivers for that 50-percent rule for a number of distance learning institutions. We do offer federal financial aid to our students; but we believe the 50-percent rule will probably be repealed. It was created in the 1970s to curb abuses in correspondences education -- and I think people today probably feel that it is not the same issue with distance education. (0) comments
Hebraic University tries to stem crisis of Jewish education - Corrie MacLaggan, Cleveland Jewish News
Jewish education in Latin America is facing a crisis, and a small university here is trying to stem it. Mexico City's Hebraic University, the only government-accredited Jewish university in Latin America, is positioning itself to serve communities thousands of miles away through Internet-based courses, traveling seminars and other international initiatives. ``In 10 years, we want to become the center of Jewish academic life in Latin America," university director Daniel Fainstein told JTA in an interview at the school. (0) comments Monday, December 22, 2003
Be an Active and Participative Instructor - Jennifer Hofmann, Learning Circuits
The final critical success factor to creating effective e-learning environments is to include a participative and active online instructor. The instructor is the glue that holds together the other four factors (student motivation, useable technology, opportunities to collaborate and interact, and the program blend). The online instructor plays a vital role in ensuring that learners are successful. Whether delivering a traditional, synchronous, asynchronous or blended approach, participants need to feel as though they have developed a personal rapport with the instructor. (0) comments
BBCi Launches a Series of Online Courses
BBCi are launching a new way of learning. As this is a new service we only have a small (but perfectly formed) list of courses on offer. If you experience any problems with them, or have any suggestions for future courses send us an email. Our list of online courses is always growing, so sign up for our Learning Update if you would like us to tell you when new courses are launched.... Whether you want to build your confidence, learn how to do your own historical research or discover the Internet, you can develop your skills and increase your understanding from the privacy of your own PC. Whatever your subject, learn online at your own pace and get a solid start in an area that interests you. (0) comments
Allegany College growing - Cumberland Times-News
Distance learning is making a college education more convenient for a growing number of tri-state area students, according to Allegany College of Maryland. This is evident from recent figures showing Allegany College of Maryland’s considerable commitment to education technology to be paying off. In the fall semester, 750 ACM students are earning credits through one or more of the various distance-learning methods used — interactive video, telecourses and on line, via Internet. (0) comments Sunday, December 21, 2003
Scalability in Distance Education- R. Dwight Laws, Scott L. Howell, Nathan K. Lindsay; Online Journal of Dist. Learning Administration
Abstract: The decision to increase distance education enrollment hinges on the factors of pedagogical effectiveness, interactivity, audience, faculty incentives, retention, program type, and profitability. A complex interplay exists among these scalability concerns (i.e., issues related to meeting the growing enrollment demand), and any program’s approach usually requires trade-offs. At Brigham Young University’s Department of Independent Study, administrators have recently evaluated the effectiveness of their highly automated distance education classes, determining that more interactivity requires a trade-off with the accompanying demands. This article provides perspectives on these issues and then proposes four models that increase interactivity while allowing for some scalability. (0) comments
We-Learning: Social Software and E-Learning - Eva Kaplan-Leiserson, Learning Circuits
Early e-learning traded technology for human interaction. Now, the personal element is being added back in. New social software tools borrowed from business and the younger generations combine tech and touch for the best of all possible worlds (including virtual ones). In their rush to jump on the e-learning bandwagon, many companies created what is derogatively termed by some as shovelware: text-heavy content dumped online without much thought given to its usability or interactivity. Fortunately, that’s changing slowly. More companies are using real-time learning events, virtual classrooms, and interactive simulations to reintroduce the human (or almost human) element into learning technology. (0) comments
Online college controversy features a link to Liberia - Steve Orr and Gary Craig, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Controversy over the legitimacy of some online learning institutions has spread to a seemingly unlikely place — Liberia, the West African nation now trying to recover from a long, bitter civil war. A key element in the academic fracas is St. Regis University, an online Liberia-based institution once connected to Irondequoit resident Richard J. Hoyer. Many distance-learning experts contend the university is a “diploma mill,” a term for institutions that peddle degrees for money instead of coursework. But St. Regis officials maintain that the university, founded two decades ago but dormant for many years, is now a legitimate institute of learning and was duly accredited by Liberian educational officials in August 2002. (0) comments Online Learning News Blog Archives OTEL - Ray's Home Page - Notebook - UIS Online - U of I Online - UIS Home Fair Use |
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