Chrisp’s e-learning expriences

Well, I have undertaken a short course online. In a ‘nutshell’, the experience has been productive. Actually it has been so productive in fact that I intend to continue the process. As there are no set times, objectives and outcomes with the course and as I can continue at my own pace in my own time at leisure there is no reason for me to stop.

 The course is a music course and as music is major recreation activity of mine it has been a pleasure to be doing something like this. Actually before doing the e-learning experiences course (UTS) I would not have known about the existence of such courses.

I also see potential to this approach. The course or courses are run of a regularly updated website. They are free unless of course you decide to participate in one of the pay courses. They are posted to the website and can be attended or participated in at any time. Different courses come under different headings and are offered at different levels. The online environment is perfect for this application. Access it from anywhere at any time.

However, there are some inhibiting factors if a direct comparison is drawn between having a ‘real teacher’ and this virtual application. First, there is nobody to ask questions to. You either use it for what you can get out of it or you look for a teacher. Fortunately for me a do have a teacher so this combined with ‘face to face’ works well. Secondly, you need to have the right hardware. It requires a good sound card and operational speakers. This however is an issue for any online or e-learning environment. Thirdly there is no structure to this course. It really is self paced learning. You require the motivation to continue and the commitment to achieve result. Fourthly and for here finally there is no assessment process and your progress is not monitored. This again is really up to the learner.

I believe e-learning is an area of broad scope and great potential. In relation to my own work environment I feel that this potential that e-learning offers is yet to be realised. Completing the UTS e-leaning experiences along with participating in the online music course has opened my eyes to this fact. I have experienced first hand the potential inherent and the possibilities available from e-learning. This has opened my mind to opportunity and I see no reason for not making use of this potential in my own professional area.  

In conclusion I found the course worthwhile. It served the purpose I intended. I was able to access the information relative to my interest and was able to develop tools useful to my endeavours. As stated above I do intend to continue to use the service although I have finished the e-learning course. And to gain any type of serious benefit from the service I really require much more research and practice.

The e-learning approach could be readily applied to the training programs we offer. As it  provides educational access at any time, at any level and from where ever you like. For me it has great appeal and I believe used thoughtfully and in conjunction with other methods of education it can certainly generate much value.    

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