Motivation for E-learning

Motivation for e-Learning

eLearning, mLearning, online learning, web learning…

Weblog, webquest, ePortfolio, …

WHY?
 Globalization

 Contribution of communication technology

 An inter-networked world, which allow massive
transmission of text, sound and images across
physical boundaries
 The advent of a border-less world as distance and
time are no longer an issue
 The cross-influence of cultures and lifestyles all
over the world
 Globalization - Results

 Information revolution: Information becomes

cheaply available and easily disseminated
(provided that digital divide is not a problem)
 The rapid transmission of information – text,
sound, images – makes the knowledge
economy a global one from the start
 Knowledge-based Economy
 The world is witnessing a major transition towards a
knowledge-based economy
 Traditional economy: Possession of physical and
financial assets confer on their owners a
competitive advantage
 Knowledge-based economy: Ability to apply and
create new knowledge is the key factor for success
• Intellectual capital becomes the key for ones to
gain and retain a competitive edge
• Intellectual capital is “grown” through education
and this necessitates changes to the education
system
Global 20 Top World Companies
(from Business Week Magazine, July 2004)

Traditional

Knowledge-base
(partial)

Knowledge-base
Shifting Paradigms in Education
Old paradigm
• Knowledge is presented objectively to
students.
• Students study at an educational
institution, isolated from the wider
community.
• The education process is timetabled by an
institution and controlled by a teacher.
• Students are largely dependent on their
institution to guide them through their
study.
• Face-to-face teacher/student interaction
predominates.
• Learners and educators are print oriented.
• Learning in isolation
New paradigm
• Knowledge is constructed by individual
according to his or her context, but
involving others.
• Students study wherever it is most
convenient: home, work, or in the
community.
• Learning is accomplished at a time and a
place that is convenient to the learner.
• Students are independent and enjoy
greater choice when they study.
• Technologically mediated forms of
communication predominate.
• Learners and educators are multimedia
literate.
•Learning occurs with others
 What Changes e-Learning will
Bring Forth?
 Exam-based assessment  Performance based
 Classroom  Anytime, Anywhere
 Paper  Online
 Physical training site  Network environment
 Time frame  Real time
(year, month, day) (hour, minute, second)
Potential Benefits of e-Learning
 Low delivery cost: Less instructors, less traveling,
less classroom , less… (but higher initial setup cost)
 Fast content updates on Internet
 Scalability: Allows large number of users
 Flexibility: round-the-clock learning
 Community building: Virtual learning community
 Online feedback: shorten turn-around time
Ten Ways Online Education Matches, or
Surpasses Face-to-Face Learning

Summary in next slide…..

 Ten Ways Online Education Matches, or
Surpasses Face-to-Face Learning
 Kassop (2003) lists 10 ways in which he believes that online
education excels:
1. Student-centered learning
2. Writing intensity
3. Highly interactive discussions
4. Geared to lifelong learning
5. Enriched course materials
6. On-demand interaction and support services
7. Immediate feedback
8. Flexibility
9. An intimate community of learners
10. Faculty development and rejuvenation
Kassop, M. (2003). Ten Ways Online Education Matches, or Surpasses, Face-to-Face Learning The
Technology Source, May/June. Retrieved 30 September 2003 from http://
ts.mivu.org/default.asp?show=article&id=1059