I can't remember the first course I took that had elements of eLearning. I can't remember the first course that I taught that involved elements of eLearning either. At some point, education began utilizing eLearning in a ways that I could not have imagined just 20 years ago. However, in the last 10 years I began taking part in eLearning in ways that I barely noticed until beginning this program.
And now I can say that the possibilities involving eLearning seem limitless. I am still amazed at the many ways education has evolved due to the inclusion of technology. Whether the course utilizes purely on-line mediums or if some blend of traditional education and inclusion of technology exists, fantastic developments have been made to facilitate education to the learner more efficiently.
The reading stresses the importance of providing communication as a part of an interactive curriculum. This along with the consistency necessary to be effective in the educational process stands out the most to my own attempts to apply eLearning to my own classroom. Having expectations that are consistent is important for both the students and the teacher as it can lead to the overall success or failure of the coursework.
I love your point Aaron! I think it is important to utilize quality eLearning curriculum...not just something to through it in there. I also think it should make us step back evaluate WHICH learning method or environment meets the teaching of that standard best! For example, I am not so sure that teaching some one how to chop down a tree in an eLearning environment is what is best! Could it be done? Yes...would it be as effective...probably not! So while I live in the elearning environment...I see strengths and benefits to the more blended environment verses one way or the other!
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that you could not remember when you first realized that you had taken a class which utilized e-Learning. I think that is an important point to make that if done effectively e-Learning just becomes part of the tools used in the classroom. The technology does not take "center-stage" but the learning and the material does. You also brought up the importance of communication. I think e-Learning has broadened the ability of the teacher to communicate to students in a variety of ways. It is also the communication piece which is important to get the message across when facial expressions and hand gestures are not available.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! I cannot believe how education has changed so much and all the possibilities that we have now. I did not have experience with e-learning until I started the program. I'm glad that I am experiencing it otherwise, I probably still wouldn't have and I would be very behind! What is sad is that in public schools, some areas don't have the ability to even have these opportunities because students and parents don't have access to certain technology due to financial reasons, so they have yet to be introduced to it. I hope this changes one day where everyone will be able to get experience with this new era of education.
ReplyDeleteRob, I cannot believe how fast technology has grown! I've never expected what we are doing today when I was in college. Can you imagine how schools will look different 10 years from now? I am sure it will be innovative!
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