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E-learning in Higher Education
Professor Paul BacsichSheffield Hallam University
Ramkhamhaeng University27 February 2002
Topics• Definition of e-learning• SWOT analysis of e-learning• Examples of UK activities• Issues in e-learning
Definition
• The use of Internet and communications technology to deliver and support learning by students both at a distance and on campus– includes use of e-content– but is more than that
E-learning commentary
• Not “pure” use of print materials
• Includes television and video (technological convergence)
• Does not exclude f2f (blended learning)
• Has many uses on-campus and near-campus (residences)
E-L compared with f2f
• Strengths:– Any time any place (Martini)– Less pressure on performance skills– Potential lower institutional costs
• Weaknesses:– Much higher development costs– Higher technology costs for
institution and students– More need for pedagogic planning
E-L compared with f2f
• Opportunities:– Allows more diverse groups of
students– May reduce need for f2f contact for
routine questions, advice etc– Gets students used to Internet– Encourages team working (employers)
• Threats:– Change; but– US entrants may take e-students
UK HE examples
• University for Industry• eUniversity• Open University• Consortia of universities
(Universitas 21, World University Network)
• Virtual Campus operations
E-courses - examples
• Use of e-content to speed up the learning of IT
• Use of collaborative tools in MBA
• Computer Assisted Language Learning
• Master class lectures
E-content and IT
• Learning of Microsoft systems (Word, PowerPoint, etc)
• Several suppliers have packages that train students (and staff) in these packages
• Reduces need for specialised instructors
• Allows individualised instruction
E-courses - MBA
• Use of collaborative tools in MBA• Much syndicate work can be done
not f2f but over the network• Can use asynchronous tools
(computer conferencing) if done over several days
• Or synchronous tools when time-limited simulations are needed
E-courses - collaboration
• Use of collaborative tools• Also useful for discussing ethical,
medical, philosophical, legal or regulatory issues
• especially in situations where “there is no right answer”
• allows students to learn from each other and differ from instructor view without an overt challenge
E-courses - CALL• Computer Assisted Language
Learning• useful for areas of rote learning
– e.g. alphabet, grammar etc
• but also for “situated” learning (video) especially in real-world situations
• use of text chat to embed learning and develop social skills in language
E-courses
• Master class lectures• Allows use of “remote” experts
– in other universities or industry or not resident in Thailand
• and use of Thai experts to disseminate expertise– to industry etc
• Need not be a long linear video
Issues in e-learning• Technology is soluble/buyable• Staff development:
– how to use the packages– why to use the packages
• student support• management understanding of
the issues that concern staff:– training, rewards, time and cost
Time and cost issues
• Developing content takes time and concentration
• but teaching using e-content may save staff time (eg in IT skills)
• Different kinds of time• e-learning may save costs but
more normally changes the pattern of costs
Thank you for listeningPaul Bacsich
p.bacsich@shu.ac.uk
Sheffield Hallam University
www.shu.ac.uk/cnl/
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