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/