Chrisp’s e-learning expriences

I have stumbled across the term ‘ALN’ or Asynchrous Learning Networks and a paper/ case study conducted in the subject. Makes for an interesting read. It seems ALN may be something of a generic term covering of on all sorts of e-learning. However of particular interest to be are the sections in relation to web conferencing or ‘webinars’. Included in the passage is an example of a effective case study con one organisation. This i intend to examine in finer detail possibly as a webinar case study.

Following is a passage from the paper describing ALNs;

Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs) provide the capability to learn anywhere and at any time. The acronym ALN might just as well be used to represent the term Anywhere/Anytime Learning Networks1. Both interpretations reflect and emphasize that ALNs are different from traditional distance learning methods (e.g., video broadcasting) because the learner can be anywhere and can learn at any time. While an ALN might be a correspondence course or a course offered by recording messages on answering machines, most modern interpretations link ALN with on-line or world-wide-webbased learning. The key ingredient of an ALN is the capability for learners to learn anywhere and at anytime and to be part of a community of learners. Modern implementations of ALN systems utilize conferencing systems and on-line reading materials and exercises. In many curricula, the traditional classroom experience is best characterized as a “sage on the stage” (Bourne et al. 1997, p. 1) 

It is interesting to note that not all users of e-learning define it and its uses the same. Much like anything in life , as ‘they’ say. Whilst strolling through the colourful landscape that is weblogs i came across the following passage that kind of grabbed my imagination;

‘The very first point Richardson makes is that “this may look like a book about technology, but it’s really a book about …connections” (p.vii). With a nod to Jonassen, the author discusses “cool tools”, “collaborations and conversations” and “creatively motivating students to learn more deeply” using a teaching and learning “toolbox” (p.9). He’s obviously talking about e-learning, but does not see the need to define what it is. So, e-learning has become a common if imprecise term used to refer to technology-enhanced learning’ .

The elearning ‘industry’ appears to be set for continued growth as the methods and techniques gain popularity and prove there effectiveness. The following news article bares witness to this reality.

“E-learning giant creates 450 Dublin jobs – €350m investment in R&D

10.09.2008
E-learning global player Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) – formerly known as Riverdeep – is to create 450 jobs at a new R&D headquarters in Dublin, it emerged today.

Tags: http://siliconrepublic.com/news/article/11403/business/

Seems there are a  smorgasbord of different e-learning providers offering varied services online.

Choosing a good course could be challenging.

Following is a passage from one provider that may be of some value.

“ABOUT THE COURSE
The technical competencies essential or desirable for virtual reference librarians to acquire or to improve on are the foundation of virtual reference service provision. Virtual reference service is built on a technical infrastructure. The Internet, the World Wide Web, e-mail, Web chat, Instant Messaging, and all the associated supportive technology and software are the environment in which virtual reference librarians work. In “Virtual Reference Competencies: Acquire and Improve Technical Skills and Knowledge,” participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion to acquire and improve the technical competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
·         assess and improve your ability to type on a computer keyboard and make use of other related input devices (mouse, trackball, touchpad, etc.)
·         assess and improve your work with multiple software applications on a computer with multiple windows, to move appropriately between windows/applications, and to move quickly and mindfully between multiple activities chatting, searching print or electronic sources, etc. (minimal multi-tasking)
·         evaluate and add to your detailed functional knowledge of how to access the Internet, use Internet e-mail, connect to Web sites
·         increase your detailed functional knowledge of at least one Web browser
·         cultivate your awareness of the basic technologies that any given virtual reference service user may or may not be using, have access to, or be limited by
·         develop awareness of the chat software specifics for a given system you are going to be using then develop detailed functional knowledge of the specific chat software used by your library or other organization for chat reference
·         cultivate awareness of how to connect to and chat through Web-based chat software, Internet messaging, etc.
·         add to your awareness of the options for document or information delivery”

The following posting is directly from the ‘gynesis’ Web confernece site. It is a little feedback from the Siemans organisation in realtio to their exprience with the webinar format. Although not exactly a case study it is intersting in light of my webinar enquiries.

‘At a time when we have to control travel costs generally under the Move 25 initiative, Siemens Meeting Centre, provided by Genesys Conferencing, is an immediate fix. There is still much to be said for face to face meetings, but we use Siemens Meeting Centre as a strategic tool, for example as we try to ensure that businesses are involved in policy development. The use of Siemens Meeting Centre is exactly in accordance with the SSS Vision and Values and will help us achieve our short and medium term objectives. From a team perspective, I hope that my colleagues would agree with my assessment that in an increasingly complex business arena Siemens Meeting Centre has improved the spread of knowledge and support available.’ <http://www.genesys.com/sg/Company/customers.html>

Tags: Add new tag

Well i continue my research into e-learing i extend my knowledge through the process. I suppose you could say that just ’surfing the net’ is a form of e-learning. I have much to say about my exprience of e-learning through the engagment of the method by my own employing orgaisation. We use elearning and have for some time. In the form of online static content; webinar style presentation sessions; LMS or Learning Management database systems and through the provision of video feed of new information. These methods, as far as i can ascertain have, over time proven effective in imparting  learning. With in the next few weeks, on this weblog i intend to elloborate on my expriences within my organisation and relate them to the expriences of others within other organisations. Although as mentioned i have had quite exprience with the method my excitment about understanding its potential continues to grow with research.

I started my research into webinars and have uncovered some interesting information.

The word webinar is derived from a combination of both web and seminar. It is most commonly used to describe or denote a form of online conferencing, where participants interactive live using both telephone and online or internet technologies. The term is now commonly used inplace of web conferencing.
“A key feature of a Webinar is its interactive elements — the ability to give, receive and discuss information. Contrast with //Webcast//, in which the data transmission is one way and does not allow interaction between the presenter and the audience” <http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/Webinar.html>

Not that till now i was aware of it but i have been using webinars for training in my own work place for some time. We use a form of training that we refer as virtual classroom. The platform is provided to us by an outside organisation called ‘genesis’. They provide the service and manage the accounts. As we provide technical training in automotive new model technology, the webinar approach proves an effective means of providing staff throughout our franchise dealer network a quick overview of the new model technologies. For the dealer staff the advantage is that there is no need to leave their workplace and attend a face to face session elsewhere. The sessions are quick and to the point. And they can be delivered when and where it is most convient to do that. Our exprience has been for the most part positive, with the approach generally well accepted. At first we exprienced some resistance as the technology was first introduced and we had initial ‘bugs’ to ‘iron out’ however in time it has worked well for all involved.

After much procrastination i am now begining my journey into e-learning and discovering the extensive world connected. I find it useful to start with exprimentation. And no better way to expriment then change the look of things. So i have tried some different themes to my blog site. Also conducting extensive serchs on the subject on the web. Information overload ! there is so much to learn and know and as usual so little time to do all of this. Also beginning research into webinars as a e-learning speicality. Seems they are quite popular and gaining acceptance in all areas of business.

This week has been very busy. University study amoungst other things has been challenging.

Some difficulty with passwords but i think i am under way. Lets see how we go ?

There can be many advantages to e-learning but there can also be some hurdles.

One challenge inplicit in e-learning, i think is the fact that operation of the medium has to be established and learnt before the learner can become engaged in the content.

This is mainly a time issue and i suppose that this implicit learning can also be an advantage.

Tags: Add new tag

Hello world !

 E-learning is mostly associated with activities involving computers and interactive networks simultaneously. The computer does not need to be the central element of the activity or provide learning content. However, the computer and the network must hold a significant involvement in the learning activity.