Posing questions and addressing challenges about eLearning

Andrew Fluckhttp://www.101future.com/?p=12

Recap

• Instructional design • Online, offline and blended learning • Web 2.0 • Innovation adoption • Extending online learning • Matching eLearning pedagogies to needs• Virtual Learning Environments • Personal Learning environments

Challenge #1

• Does eLearning map to any of the pre-existing learning theories?

Challenge #2• Does eLearning require a new theory of

learning?

Will intelligent tutoring be effective?

Virtual Peers• Chatterbots http://elizabrain.massyn.net/cgi-bin/EBMOD-cgi.pl?bot=ellie

• CSLU Speech Toolkit http://cslu.cse.ogi.edu/toolkit/

Text-to-SpeechSynthetic voice

Speech Recognition

Facial Animation

Challenge #3• Even if a new learning theory emerges, will it suit my

pedagogy, my students and my school?

Challenge #4

• Whatever learning theory or pedagogy suits, what are the driving forces for eLearning adoption?

Barriers

• Not suited to all pupil ages or all subject matter

• Increasing awareness of the complexity of learning and teaching

• Infrastructure (equipment) availability and reliability

Curriculum Relevance

• Are there topics better suited to eLearning than traditional learning?

Benefits of eLearning in schools

• 10%-66% more time on task• Authenticity – world-wide audience• Alternative context for dialogue• Virtual worlds• Economic advantages

Next week…

• eAssessment