Laura Moll
Implementing E-learning Solutions for an Online Learning Experience
Professor Heather Caldwell
EDU 655: Trends and Issues In Instructional Design
May 5, 2014
What is E-Learning?
E-learning is the art of incorporating instructional design principles into the world of technology and online learning. The term E-learning is an abbreviation for the term electronic learning, therefore by it’s name claiming that the practice of learning is done through an electronic source, via a computer or other electronic device. This method of instruction system has been incorporated into all sectors of learning from as early as elementary school, all the way to professional development seminars. E-learning provides the mobility, creativity and flexibility to reach a large number of people globally, often asynchronously to provide a collaborative and interactive professional or academic network. Essentially the concept has several different applications and can be incorporated into instructional procedures to reinforce concepts or simply provide the structural foundation, lesson and assignments to prove learning took place, all in one Location.
The internet, over the past three decades has revolutionized how students and educators receive and respond to information. According to the Salem Press Encyclopedia, E-learning over the internet covers a wealth of information and traditional methods of instruction by incorporating online presentations, interactions and in class presentations ( 2013). However, this technique, the use of technological tools to support online learning should not be confused with distance learning, as that term only refers to the ability to learn from a distance but has no resonance regarding the instructional tools that are used to create, enhance and stimulate learning in an online environment.
The tools that are associated with e-learning instruction have helped to increase the functionality, usability and creative characteristics of both students and instructors alike. With increasing popularity and widespread use among employers and educators, future generations will begin to expect that e-learning methods be incorporated into their educational experience or training for a new position.
What tools are used in E-Learning design?
E-learning is trend that is revolutionizing training campaigns as well as school districts and universities. As a result of frequent use, and a demand for interaction among peers on a global scale ( at it’s highest potential) several tools have developed on the internet to integrate the need for asynchronous learning and interactive technologies. Web 2.0 technologies, those that enable read and write capabilities, have made much of what we know as e-learning, possible. Web 2.0 technologies allow basic internet users to modify and change the website that they are on, with little or no knowledge of HTML protocol. There are several different e-learning tools that are used for instruction and training including blogs, wikis, screencasts and shots and social media.
Blogs are an interactive online journal where anyone can write their thoughts about the world, and post links to other sites according to Wisegeek.com (2014). According to the Open Education Database, “..blogs are becoming a means for educators, students and education administrators to interact more effectively than ever before”(2014). Students, teachers, writers, journalists or anyone interested in writing down their thoughts can do so on a blog. This tool allows users to create their own blog, add links and comment on other users blogs possibly providing links to other websites. This collaborative tool is used in many aspects, and can be used to provide information about upcoming events, assignments or links to important websites that are course and content related. Some free blog hosting sites are listed below:
- Weebly- This site is easy to use. To sign up you simply enter your full name, e-mail address and a password to get started. Once you have created an account you began blogging. This site has both free and paid accounts, with increased storage capacity for paid accounts.
- Blogger- This is also easy to use and easy to access. The convenience of blogger is enhanced because it is linked to your Google account. If you have a google email address you can get started with a blog by creating a user name and posting a blog.
Wikis are a relatively new, and innovative tool used to incorporate cooperative learning techniques among peers that may need to collaborate internationally, across time zones or simply across town. Wikis provide a site where users respond to a prompt, typically assigned by the instructor or group leader and edit the page immediately. With a wiki, learners can see each version of the revisions and go back to a previous state if needed. Instructors have access to seeing all of the editing history including who edited what information and when the information was added. For many, Wikipedia is the most well known, and one of the first wikis. This site allows people to seek information and change the information to modify the listing (Wikipedia, 2014). For instructional purposes, wikis could be used for group projects and interactive groups. The amount of storage, users and features will vary based on the program that is used and whether or not a subscription is paid for, or if a trial/free version is being used. Some examples of wikis include PBworks.com, wikispaces.com and wiki.com.
Screencasts and screenshots are simple tools that can be incorporated into various lessons with simple software installation. Jing is a download that allows users to take a “picture” of what is on the users computer screen to use in a presentation. Jing, in collaboration with Screencast.com, Camastia Studios or Adobe captivate will allow user to create and share videos of collaborative screencasts. These screencasts can be posted to blogs or wikis for instructional guidance or remedial work. Students can also use the software to post assignments to express learning.
Lastly, social networking sites can be used to interact with students, colleagues and students regarding assignments, functions and projects for the company or school for which you are affiliated. Social networking sites include Google+, Myspace, Facebook and Twitter. Each member of the social media site can interact, ask questions and obtain information by viewing the instructors site.
Instructional Design Models and E-Learning
While the e-learning revolution has taken both the educational and training departments to a whole other dimension of online learning, it is still important to incorporate traditional instructional design methods into e-learning lessons. Like traditional classrooms, lessons in an e-learning environment must have a purpose for learning, and objective, a procedure and an assessment. As an online instructional designer,it is important to be cognizant of traditional learning philosophies, to incorporate them into online learning instruction. Incorporating instructional design models will provide a structure for the procedures and expected outcomes of the lesson. Below is a synopsis of the various instructional design methods, adapted from Reiser’s, Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology (2014), and their corresponding implications for e-learning instruction.
Learning Theory
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Description
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Implication for E-learning
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Behavioral Learning Theory
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This theory is commonly known as Behaviorism, devised by B.F. Skinner. Skinner believed that learning occurred as result of consequences, both positive or negative. If positive feedback is given the behavior will most likely reoccur, and learning will take place.
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This theory can be incorporated into e-learning design by incorporating blogs and social networking. These tools can immediately provide feedback on performance, address possible issues and make possible changes to instruction as it suites the learner.
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Cognitive Information Processing Theory
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This theory is commonly known as cognitivism. This theory states that learning happens in series of steps for information processing. Those steps exist within the memory and include sensory, short term and long term memory. When information is seen repititiously, it will be stored in the long term memory. Instructors must introduce information, provide feedback, then assess the learning.
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This theory can be incorporated into e-learning by using several different tools. Podcasts and screencasts can introduce information, while the use of Wikis to collaborate, discuss and synthesize information would help to store information in the long term memory.
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Schema Theory and Cognitive Load
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This theory states that learning takes place in a series of steps. Learning can be restricted if too much information is provided at one time.
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The nature of e-learning is useful, regarding this theory. When implementing an e-learning design curriculum course work should be broken down into sections that are workable, and reasonable terms of theme and time to complete the tasks.
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Situated Learning Theory
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This learning theory epitomizes the concept of e-learning and expresses why it become so prominent in learning in the 21st century. The situated learning theory focuses on the social implications. Students that have learned the techniques and procedures for the class work to transfer their knowledge and abilities to newcomers in the group.
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This theory would work well in group projects that could be aligned on wikis, blogs and social networking sites.
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Gagnes Theory Of Instruction
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This theory of instruction includes three components including learning outcomes, internal and external motivation and events of instruction including attention, objectives, accessing prior learning, presenting a stimulus, providing guidance, independent work, feedback, assessment and retention.
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This theory is perhaps the most comprehensive and can incorporate many of the different e-learning tools, depending on which stage of learning you are in.
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Best Practices and How to Teach E-Learning Design
When designing e-learning instruction, there are several different elements to incorporate. Most importantly however, it is important to follow a few simple guideline that will help the incorporation of e-learning into the classroom or organization. David Boggs, founder of Syberworks defined some best practices for creating an effective e-learning environment. Following this criteria will help to ensure that all of the instructional design, program implementation and planning will be effective and useful in conveying the concepts that were meant to be taught. Some practices to remember are as follows:
- Remember that documents are not the only source of information. Incorporate videos, podcasts, powerpoint presentations and other media to communicate thoughts and ideas.
- Be sure to understand the goal of the company or the school’s mission statement before designing e-learning instruction.
- Conduct a needs assessment to determine what needs to be taught.
- Ensure compliance with CBT and SCORM.
- Create an effective way to communicate with students regarding course material, questions and grading criteria.
- Remember that not all topics are appropriate for e-learning. Be sure that the topic that is chosen can be effectively taught online.
- Involve stakeholders in the development of e-learning curriculum.
Conclusion
Incorporating an e-learning curriculum is a new and innovative way to reach a small group of students or a large group of students with similar effort, preparation and materials. For modern students, technology is a way of life and incorporating it into learning enhances retention, creates interest and allows the learners to be active participants in their own learning. When designing e-learning instruction it is important to meet all criteria discussed in this paper including, but not limited to, incorporating meaningful tools, aligning lessons with instructional design models and incorporating best practices into planning and assessment.
References
(2014). What are blogs?. Wisegeek: clear answers for common questions. Retrieved from
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-blogs.htm on May 5, 2014.
Boggs, D. (2010). E-learning Best Practices. Syberworks. Retrieved from
http://www.syberworks.com/articles/bestpractices.htm on May 5, 2014.
Camastia Studios. Retrieved from www.camastiastudios.com
Jin-Hua, S., Chun, W., Hui, W., & Shumei, C. (2009). Design of an e-Learning System for
Technical Chinese Courses Using Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Electronics & Communications In Japan, 92(8), 1-10. doi:10.1002/ecj.10204
Lundin, L. L. (2013). E-Learning. Salem Press Encyclopedia, September 2013.
Richardson, W. (2012) Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and other Powerful tools for classrooms. 4th
Edition. Corwin Press.
Staff Writers (2014). Top 100 Education Blogs. Open Education Database. Retrieved from ‘
www.oedb.org on May 5, 2014.
