Here are the questions for this week. Don't feel that you have to answer them all. If you have any questions feel free to ask:
1. Based on the articles you read, what is your definition of eLearning? Have you seen eLearning used in the educational setting and if so how?
2. What are some benefits of eLearning? What are some disadvantages of eLearning?
3. What are some examples of eLearning and would you use eLearning in your classroom?
4. After exploring the eLearning for kids website under tidbits on our schedule do you think this is a useful tool to use in the classroom? If so how would you use it and are there any specific courses your viewed that you thought you might consider using?
5. What do you think of the free education that is portrayed in the article "Get and MIT or Yail Education Free" from under tidbits? Are there any benefits of this for professors and/or students?
6. After exploring the Adobe eLearning site with its tools and related video what do you think the implications of eLearning are for higher education?
7. After exploring the eLearning showcase under tidbits and looking at some examples of eLearning do you think that these could be useful tools for higher education? Pick one and explain how it could be used?
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In response to question #7, I think some of these eLearning showcases are great and would really work in higher education. For examples, the showcase on recorded lectures from Gresham College would be a useful tool for students to listen to if they either missed the class or wanted more detailed notes. I think I would even benefit from them. I also see that there are many podcast examples. I also think these are great because you can even load them onto your iPod so it becomes portable. I think most of these are great examples but I also think some of them would be better off taught in a more interactive way. I think this is a great to start implementing education into technology.
In response to question #3, I think I would really consider using eLearning programs in my classroom. I would review each activity and make sure that it is suitable for the age group and the topic we are or have discussed in class. I think that eLearning programs are great for students because they can interact with the material and be in control of how much they do and learn. The one program/activity that I found to be suitable for students and would make a great visual tool is Calculating With Fractions in this website: http://www.e-learningforkids.org/courses.html#math.
Question #1: eLearning has many parts to its definition. In a simple definition, eLearning is just learning. It is also defined as, "the convergence of the internet and learning, or internet enabled learning". I particularly like the definition, "The use of network technologies to create, foster, deliver, and facilitate learning anytime, anywhere" This definition describes exactly what we are doing in class now. Yes, I have seen eLearning used in the education setting. An example of this would be in my 3rd grade student teaching placement. We used educational websites that offered learning experiences for the students in computer class. This website in particular taught the students about nutrition. It had the students creating the food pyramid on their own, on this website.
I agree with Heather, that recorded college lectures would allow students who missed class to get the entire class that they missed and not just a friends notes which may be lacking. Also, in reguards to this I think it would be a great tool for college students and professors in general. For example, say a professor is teaching a topic in a certain way and his students just are not getting it....he could then go onto a site such as the Gresham College one and look to see if there are any lectures pertaining to the same topic that might be taught in a different way that his students might understand better. With eLearning the possibilities are becoming increasingly endless!
Again I agree with Heather about the use of eLearning in the classroom. I too would consider using eLearning programs in my elementary classroom. However, I would make sure that they are age appropriate as Heather said and that they address the standard that I am trying to teach. I would use eLearning as a way to either scaffold learning of a certain topic so that students could work at their own pace or I would use it to support classroom lessons that I had taught as a way of reinforcing concepts! Looking online I have found many eLearning examples for the elementary classroom that I would consider using! I believe that eLearning is the key to getting the 21st century student engaged in their own learning!
I had a similar experience as Gretchen in my student teaching placement. I used an eLearning program called Brain Pop with my sixth grade students. This program covers all the subject areas and it covers many different topics. It presents the students with a short and comical animated video that introduces a concept to student in a very fun and engaging way and then it present the students with short questions to check their understanding. The video clips were interesting, engaging and my students loved Brain Pop!
In response to question 1, while reading the article I found that there are a variety of definitions for eLearning. The article, "Defining eLearning" defines eLearning as "the use of internet technologies to deliever a broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge and performance." The article also defines it more electronically "covering a wide set of applications and processes, such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration." The electronic definition also includes examples such as audio and video, satellite broadcast, interactive TV, and CD-ROM--not just the internet. The article from Answers.com simply defines eLearning as "computer-enhanced learning." The definitions from the articles appear to all include learning with the use of the computer.
My definition of eLearning includes a little bit of the all the articles' definitions. I define eLearning as the knowledge acquired electronically. My definition of eLearning includes examples such as: audio, video, web-sites, and computer software/programs.
While subbing I have seen eLearning being used in the classroom. For example, in one particular fourth grade classroom, students use a web-site to practice their math facts interactively. In primary grade classrooms audio and video tapes are popular sources that students use to gain knowledge in a certain subject area. For instance in the second grade classroom I was in this week, the students watched a video on how communities are similiar and how they are different. In kindergarten classrooms students listen to books on tape to improve their reading skills (sound to print). I have also been in many classrooms where students use a computer program to learn how to type.
In response to question 2, there are many advantages and disadvantages for using eLearning. According to the article on Answers.com, advantages of eLearning include "flexibility, convience, and the ability to work at any place where an internet connection is available and at one's own pace." Many of us today are juggling more than one thing at once with school, our jobs, and our family and friends. It is very difficult to find enough time in one day to do all the things we need to do. ELearning makes it possible for us to get at least one thing done easily. One of my favorite eLearning tools is on-line courses. I have taken a couple in the past and I loved how it gave me the flexibility to work according to my schedule. It was less stressful and I was able to work at my own speed. The on-line classes also saved me time and money from having to drive 45 minutes to Cortland.
Disadvantages of eLearning include the lack of interaction with people which leads to the feeling of isolation. Human have a need to communicate with people face to face. Communicating with others electronically is very difficult for some people especially when you're working/collaborating with a group of people. It is definitely much easier, in my opinion, when you can communicate with everyone face to face so you know everyone's ideas/thoughts without having to wait for their e-mail or posting on a wiki or web page. Goals and tasks often get done a lot quicker too when you are meeting one on one because the lag time for responding to one another is obviously eliminated.
Question #2: The advantages of eLearning include flexibility, convenience, and the ability to work anywhere you please as long as an internet connection is available. eLearning classes allow one to participate and complete the coursework along with other daily commitments. For example, if one needs to take care of his/her family, they can still do both! eLearning allows us to “juggle” more than one thing. Another advantage is if you own a computer, you will not be spending money on gas to drive to and from campus to attend class. Although I do not live far from campus, if given the chance, I would definitely prefer to stay in the comfort of my home. eLearning also allows you to communicate with your classmates or teacher no matter how far away you are from each other – even across the ocean! Back in high school, we had a debate program that allowed us to actually view students in another part of the world in their class. We were able to interact back and forth and hold discussions. The biggest disadvantage of eLearning is the lack of face-to-face interaction between classmates and the teacher. I know I have had this problem in the past. If something is particularly confusing to me, it is much easier to talk to somebody in person, rather than trying to explain myself over a computer, let alone understand the response back.
In response to Lauren’s post, I would agree with her on the advantages and disadvantages with online courses. I have not taken one myself but I can only imagine what it has to offer. I enjoy working at my own pace as well and I think this would be an advantage as well. However, I also see it as a disadvantage to others. There are those people who are procrastinators and in this case, online classes would not be the answer for them. I also agree with Lauren on the idea that it’s hard to communicate and complete tasks through eLearning. Our culture is ever changing and we have to keep up. Instead of phone calls, people are emailing and texting. By doing this, there is room for errors and miscommunication to occur.
In response to question 5, while reading the "Get an MIT or Yale Education Free" I was very surprised that it was free. I became very skeptical about it because it seems too good to be true. i also began to think that it seems like all you're really doing is reading books from the library on certain subjects which is exactly what you could've done all along. The only difference I see is that lecture notes would provide a more in-depth explanation on a certain topic that wasn't discussed in as much detail in the book. However, you could also do a search on-line to find more information on a certain topic.
A benefit for students would be the flexibility it offers. Students can work at their own pace on on their own time. Another benefit for students is the option to learn according to their specific needs. Students can choose to listen to lectures (for auditory learners) or read material and watch lectures on the material (for visual learners). However a drawback would be for students who learn best by doing (textile learners). Textile learners could be given an activity to try on their own if they decide to take on of the on-line classes, however, it might be difficult if they don't have the ability to get the appropriate supplies.
The new on-line courses does have advantages and disadvantages. So depending on the type of learner a student happens to be the advantages may outweigh the disadvantages.
I think that the experience that Gretchen had in high school where she was able to debate with and actually see students from another part of the world is amazing. Could you imagine if students in your class were able to have a so called "electronic" pen pal in some other area of the world with whom they could come online and talk to and maybe even see them in real time. THis would allow students to see that children all over the world are very similar and yet at the same time very different. I also think it would be cool if students from different parts of the world were able to interactively work on a project together such as designing and maintaining a wiki about a certain topic! This would be great because students from differnt parts of the world have different experiences and would have different things that they could contribute to the project and the students would be able to learn from each other!
1. According to the Ageless Learner website, "E-learning is the unifying term to describe the fields of online learning, web-based training, and technology-delivered instruction." Which leads me to believe that e-learning is any type of learning done with help of online resources. I have had first hand experience with e-learning as I have been in a course that is done through the internet. This was an online credited course which I needed to comeplete my undergraduate course work. Everything from assignments, quizzes, exams, readings, etc. was done online and through discussions.
2. I think eLearning is great way to learn for me personally. When I was part of an eLearning course, my scheduale was busy and it allowed me to kind of explore on my own time (of course there were deadline, etc.) but you knew what was expected right from the beginning and when it was due and you kind of just worked through it on your own. Like it says on Answers.com, advantages of eLearning include "flexibility, convience, and the ability to work at any place where an internet connection is available and at one's own pace." And this definition is exactly why it fit perfectly for me.
I have to agree with Lauren in that a disadvantage of eLearning is that it could take away from the interaction that some people require.
Like anything with the internet- there are several advantages and disadvantages.
6. One of the greatest implications I found from the Adobe video is the connectivness in the technology programs. The video showed just how flexibile learning through the internet and this adobe program is-- if there are questions, a click of the mouse can get you the answers, you can collaborate and share information- One of the speakers in the video said that "eLearning is a way more engaging experience..." which is something I completley agree with. With so many tools and capabilities, students of all levels and at all places can engage in learning that was never possible before.
amyh said in response to Q1. You asked what is the definition of eLearning. Before I took his class I probably could never have answered the question. I am going to answer the second part first. Have I seen it in the classroom and the answer is no. The schools that I have worked in have been very poor. We barely had up to date textbooks. So as far as any eLearning there wasn't any. Even in the schools that I sub in now there is no eLearning going on. For the poorer schools, we barely had any money for anything extra. My first year teaching my art budget was $50. the second year was $0. There was no extra money for anything. Whe I went to the public schools they had computer labs, but no one with any type of training in computers. Since I have moved back to NY it has basically been the same thing, no one with computer skills to teach. The Elementary students get on the computer and basically play games or else they type a paper. There is no elearning going on which is sad.
Now as for part 1 of the question what do I think the definition of eLearning. I had an idea and it was very similar to the reading so here goes: eLearning is using the Internet for educational learning . It is designed to help educate people no matter where they live. It is also to used to communicate ideas and knowledge. Plus it helps people who use eLearning to grow as a person and give them a competetive edge on society. That is basically my idea of what eLearning is. I would love to see free or cheap workshops for teachers to receive knowledge in eLearning so that they can take information and use it in schools. I feel that the reason eLearning is not used in public schools is because of fear and being uneducated in eLearning.
amyh responding to Lauren's Q1 I was interested in your definition, that eLearning is learning electronically. When I think of eLEarning I think of computers. But with your definition I can see other "electronic" devices. But how far back would you go. Electronic devices would include things like typerwriters, ditto machines,the telegraph, radio, would you consider the telegraph as eLearning? I am now doubting that the telegraph was electrical... but do you see my point, where do you think eLearning begins? Hmmm.....
amyh responding to gmarion. I would love to hear more about the food pryamid! If you have the website that would be great to post!
Response to question #1
My definition of eLearning is the learning that takes place via technology used in the classroom or can be used by the student and teacher to help facilitate the learning process. This can include anything from technology that presents information or can manipulate information. This also includes "on-line" learning.
amyh responding to Q2. In any thing there will always be two sides. The same is true with eLearning. In the article answers.com they have strong arguements for and against eLearning. SOme of the arguements for are ......Higher learning It is great for those students who have a long distance to travel. They can take classes on line. You can select a degree, you can be advised on line, you can register on line......and for anyone who has ever stood in lines for hours appreciates it done electronically!!!!! for children it can offer worksheets and interactive exercises. It is great for home schooled children. You can work at your own pace anytime anywhere.
As far as the negatives go... You miss the face to face contact. as the article said "it is no longer "educational" in the highest philosphical sense. there is isolation especially for home schooled children and there is a lag time in feed back.
As with everything you can have two view points. When I think about our class and if I had to take it from home I think about the many times I have laughed at what my NEW friends have said. I would have missed so much if I had to just read their electronically sent messages. Some things I would have gotten perhaps quicker but perhaps not. I am still I guess in the age of wanting to be face to face. Although with the price of gas I do cheerish the nioghts I can work without going to school. So there are many pluses and minus'.
amyh in response to goaliegurl responding to heather.. It really would be great to take your porfessors lectures and be able to go back and look at them especially for medical students ect. but when i think about missing classes I think of my old college days when education was lets say not a priority. We would have a good time and then struggle to class. I am so sure that many students still practice the OMG I have a class in 15 minutes, crawl out of bed wearing the same thing as the day before and stumble with sunglasses on to class. Imagine how many students would actually attend class if they had the options to get it on line. What about the professor who has prepared a lecture only to have one or two students. I would be pissed if I were that professor. But I really do see the benefits of having classes so that you could review classes.
Response to Q#5. i think there is a tremendous advantage of MIT and Yale giving free e-learning through their colleges. Although they don't give credit for their classes, this can be an advantage for high school students as a model for what's expected at a higher institute of learning. Students may take classes that they might be interested in to get them thinking about what skills they will need to focus on in doing an online class or just simply getting students ready to handle college level material. This can be an advantage for the college because the professors don't have to grade the work because the students are not getting credit for it.
Response to Q #1. eLearning is any type of electronic base information that can be used for educational purposes. The most common form of elearning in a public k-12 setting is distant learning, pod casting, wikis, blogs, etc.. I have been doing elearning with certain chapters in history. One activity is doing a PowerPoint slide about Greek gods and goddesses. Before they actually put the slides together they have to do research on their particular god or goddess using certain websites. After obtaining the information they must have a picture with the information as well as put each slide in particular order. Even though this is a simple way of elearning (internet website)it is nonetheless intense at times.
Q# 2. The benefit of elearning has tremendous advantages. The student is getting educational information in a non traditional way(this method is on the rise in the college world). eLearning is at anytime, anyplace. elearning gives students the flexibility of learning at a pace he/she feels comfortable with(in a reasonable manner).No traveling.
The disadvantages of eLearning is; not for non-motivated students, eLearning takes away from the interaction(face-time) of teacher to student. Not all subjects will be suitable for elearning..YET(ie Sciences with labs).
Response to Question #2
A couple of benefits of eLearning are blogging which can recieve responses from all over the world and give insight and perspective that would otherwise never be considered. Another benefit is access to a greater amount of resources. A third benefit of eLearning is that it allows "The use of network technologies to create, foster, deliver, and facilitate learning, anytime and anywhere."
Disadvantages of eLearning is that it is hard to get all of the parents, administrators, students and fellow teachers on board. A second disadvantage is that it takes time to train those using the eLearning technology. A third disadvantage is the cost.
In response to everyone who answered question #1...
I think that it is rather interesting that there is no single definition. We have all incorporated different aspects of eLearning. I got to thinking that maybe there should be one definition because that would help make the concept more clear. I have often questioned what it is that eLearning is EXACTLY, but there really isn't an answer to that. Should there be though?
In response to Amy's comment about professors being pissed because students choose to just wait to see their lectures online. As a professor I would first off ensure that the lectures were not available until after I had finished all of my classes for that day. Additionally, obviously attendance is part of a students grade so their grade would suffer if they chose not to come to class. Also, by the students choosing to listen to the lectures online and not come to class would miss the social learning about the topics that occurs in class. I support the use of online lectures to refer back to after class if a student missed something or for a student to review past topics. I don't support students using online lectures as their only method of learning!
Wow in response to Neal's comment about the benefits of MIT and Yale posting their classes/lectures online for free. I had never thought of that benefit of high school students being able to survey college courses to see what they had to look forward to and getting and idea about what and how they would be learning in college. Also, these online courses/lectures could be a great way for teachers to encourage advanced highs chool students to further their learning before college or prepare for college courses that they would be taking in the future!
Question #1:
After reading the articles, I developed my personal definition of eLearning to be: any educational experience having to deal with any technology, not only utilizing the computer but also various other technology tools.
I have seen the use of many different types of eLearning within the classroom settings. At this point, I don't agree with many of the teachings taking place with the technology because the teachers in our district haven't really had to appropriate training to successfully teach lessons incorporating the technology they choose to use.
Question #2:
As I previously stated, teachers who implement technology into various lessons and do not really know the technology's complete capabilities is a disadvantage to eLearning.
But, there are many advantages to eLearning, and it all begins with the students. They become so engaged! Learning becomes fun and exciting again! :o) More lessons can be effectively taught due to the technology having many more resources attached to it. The benefits definitely out-weigh the disadvantages! :o)
Gretchen posted a comment above having to do with a debate program through eLearning. I woul dhave loved to do something like that! That's sounds so interesting! If you have any further info on that program, would you mind sharing??? THANKS! :o)
After reading the articles about e-learning, and the various definitions, I would say that my definition of e-learning is basically the use of the internet to help facilitate learning. ("convergence of learning with the internet") E-learning can incorporate many different elements, but the use of the internet for learning purposes is the obvious definition of e-learning, but it can definetely be broken down into more "sub-categories".
I agreed with Amy when she said that a possible downfall to e-learning is that student will often times not even come to a class if their porfessor posts the lecture materials online. I guess this could be seen as a positive or a negative aspect depending on whos viewpoint you take. For the teacher, this may allow him more free time, however the individual/face to face meetings with the students (which are very important) would be lacking. And for the student, he/she would probably love the fact that they dont have to get out of bed and go to class, however, students definetely miss "the little things" when they dont attend classes and have personal interactions with instructors.
"A learning environment supported by continuously evolving, collaborative processes
focused on increasing individual and organizational performance."
I also tend to agree with this defintion given on the managersforum webpage. As long as the learning continues to evolve and change accordnig to learner needs and preferences, then e-learning is taking place. The fact that they consider the e in elearning to be either "evolved, everywhere.." is different from other groups who consider it to stand for electronic. Depending on how you want to look at it and narrow it down, e-learning can mean and encompass a variety of things.
Many of the advantages that are associated with elearning were included on the managersforum webpage also. Dynamica, user controlled learning. thia means that the user is in control of the interactions, it is not simply set in stone (static) how things will go.
#1
My definition of elearning would be internet enabled learning. This class as well as many other classes offered incorporate elearning into their curriculum. Cortland uses red dragon as a way for students to communicate, gain access to class materials, and submit assignments online. In my experiences with younger children we have used blackboard as an elearning tool. Blackboard is very similar to the cortland student online site. The students were able to log on and see all the classes they were taking (6th grade and up) or they were directed to their teachers site(5th grade and under). Here they could get help on lessons, see what assignments were due, and post answers to discussion questions. There were also external links to educational websites like funbrain where students could play educational games, and links that related to the lessons/subjects they were learning about.
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