E-learning, distance learning
Contents:
Introduction
I created my first e-learning system in 2005 as part of my master's thesis. The system consisted of two parts: a Learning Mangement System and physics e-learning course (mechanics). The course was dedicated to 12-14 years old pupils and was based on programmed teaching method. That time I thought (and I still do) that properly designed, developed and used, e-learning was very powerful teaching approach.
From that time I have developed more e-learning tools and have taken part in creating e-learning courses as a consultant, an architect, a project manager, a designer (strategy, functionality, system's architecture), an instructional designer, a software developer and a tester.
Distance learning (distance education, E-learning)
It is quite difficult to precise what e-learning is because its complexity. Hearing about e-learning almost everybody thinks about something different. To precise what e-leanirng is, it is wise to use its general definition that is also true to the most detailed ones.
E-learning stands for distance learning by means of modern information technology systems and tools. These systems and tools are used to design, develop, process, transmit and show data, information, courses and knowledge. From the learner's point of view e-learning usually means developing professional skills and endless learning process (lifelong learning) or timely, short-term ones (just in time learning).
E-learning does not only mean the technology. E-learning is an interdisciplinary idea which links (information) technology, logic with humanistic approach to learning (didactics, instruction, pedagogics and social science). The technical part of e-learning lets us answer the question how to prepare and conduct the course technically. The humanistic part deals mainly with efficiency of the learning process.
There is also third side of e-learning which is related to its economical aspects: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Return On Investment (ROI). The e-leaning sollutions can save time and money comparing to traditional approaches to teaching and that is why it becomed so popular recently.
E-learning does not mean the end of the more traditional approach to teaching. On the contrary it can be used as its complement (blended learning). In fact it works best with conjunction with other more traditional and stationary teaching methods.
Instructional design
Instructional Design (ID) is the practice of arranging media (communication technology) and content to help learners and teachers transfer knowledge most effectively. The process consists broadly of determining the current state of learner understanding, defining the end goal of instruction, and creating some media-based "intervention" to assist in the transition. Ideally the process is informed by pedagogically tested theories of learning and may take place in student-only, teacher-led or community-based settings. The outcome of this instruction may be directly observable and scientifically measured or completely hidden and assumed.
It is very important (if we want to succeed) that an e-learning course is prepared by a team of individuals with different backgrounds and skills. In most cases the overal responsibility belongs to an instructional designer who should know and use instructional design methodologies. If there is also a piece of software to build as part of the project one of the most important person taking part is an e-learning software application developer.
As a consultant or a creator of an e-learning solution I always take into consideration good practices of instructional design and make effort to put it into practice.
Experience
To really understand what e-learning (distance learning) is an individual has to take part in at least one e-learning course (prepared by others) and then try to create one on her own. It is not so easy as it seems at first sight. There are a lot of critical decisions to make and issues to deal with.
My experience in the e-learning field is mostly related to designing, creating and developing e-learning tools. I also have E-Learning By Design Certificate.
Since 2006 I am The eLearning Guild's Assosiated Member.
Suplements
Below there is a list of suplements which may be interesting to follow-up:
