eLearning for allOvercoming barriers to online

learning

The aim

Improve access to free and low-cost

educationGive disadvantaged

learners the guidance and structure they need

to obtain meaningful education through free

and low-cost online resources.

Help them use new skills and knowledge to obtain work through or in the

online sphere.

Who are these disadvantaged

learners?High-school graduates in emerging economies who need to obtain further skills but do not have the money or leisure or opportunity to pursue them in a traditional university setting.

People with disabilities who do not have access to traditional education but can use computer.

Learners who lack the time or money to pursue a traditional course, whether employed or unemployed.

The argument

Learning resources exist

Hundreds of free and low-cost educational

tools exist online, and more are added each

day.

Videos, phone and table apps, presentations,

animations, white papers, tutorials,

dictionaries, manuals, interactive tests,

massive online open courses (MOOC)….

We have the tools

Most students drop out of online courses

Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) see huge attrition

Drop-out rate: 92%

Drop outComplete

Most students graduate from

traditional coursesCampus-based courses keep

students on track

Stanford gradu-ation rate: 92%

GraduateDrop out

Why do students drop out of online

courses?And how can we help them stay engaged and gain useful skills?

Barriers to effective online

learning

1. Practical

2. Structural

3. Academic

4. Motivational

5. Personal

6. Linguistic

1. Practical

Learners need access to proper facilities, software and hardware

2. StructuralLearners need guidance on choosing the

best resources for particular subject areas.

They need a structured format for completing the program within a realistic

timeline.

3. AcademicLearners need to learn how to learn – they need some basic level of education and the

ability to study.

Without this foundation it is hard for students to progress.

4. Motivational

Learners need t0 see where it’s all going – there needs to be a job on the other side

5. PersonalLearners need personal attention from

teachers and experts.

They need to collaborate with other students on individual problems.

6. Linguistic

Learners may need help mastering new languages in order to take full

advantage of online resources.

To help disadvantaged

students access education, we do

not need to create more educational

resources

To help disadvantaged

students access education, we need

to use existing resources better

1. PracticalCreate learning centers in colleges, libraries or

small satellite units with computers, IT support, software and hardware.

Centers should be safe and open 24 hours to accommodate out-of-hours learning.

2. StructuralProvide curricula and study paths with set timeframes and deadlines. Use the best of

existing educational resources, supplemented with fresh material.

At the end of each study path there should be a certificate or qualification detailing skills

obtained.

3. AcademicPrecede each study path with remedial

courses where necessary.

Offer workshops and mentoring.

4. MotivationalPartner with local businesses to offer internships and apprenticeships. Hold

networking events and workshops on creating portfolios and resumes and marketing

yourself online.

Have a careers advisor with specific training in internet-based jobs and job seeking

5. PersonalPartner with local professionals and businesses

for in-person mentoring and tutoring.

Partner with international universities and colleges to enhance inter-student collaboration

and professor time.

6. Linguistic

Offer language courses as a pre-requisite (where necessary) to another study path.

Pros and cons of low-cost

eLearningBenefitsCheap – makes use of free or low-cost educational resources

Not reliant upon availability of good teachers

Flexible – any time learning fits in with jobs and other commitments

Makes better use of already existing materials

Challenges

Resources are incomplete – lots of holes in the materials

Might be seen as a quick fix solution, hindering investment in proper educational facilities

Fewer teachers leads to lack of supervision

Can low-cost eLearning help

improve education for disadvantaged

learners?

Monica Guy elearningtransform

s.com