elearnspace

Learning Focus

One of my favorite themes is the role of education theory in online learning. This is what initially drew me to elearning. As I started exploring, the theme seemed to focus on technology, not learning...the tools, not the learner...learning objects, not learner needs...cost effectiveness, not the greater role of learning in a society...etc. This is not to say that components like technology and learning objects are not relevant...simply that the learner, the purpose of learning, and the process of learning should be central. A sustainable, effective model must be built from the learner outward. Some things to consider in designing and developing elearning:

• Learning styles. Every learner learns differently. Some prefer active hands-on involvement...other like to think things through...and others like to socialize the learning experience. Course design and instruction should accomodate various styles.
  
• Multiple Intelligences. Apparently many different kinds of intelligence exist (visual/spatial, verbal/linguistic, musical/rhythmic, logical/mathematical, etc. For more info see: MI Explained
  
• Brain compatible learning (I'll post more on this in the next several weeks). The brain is an organ that functions more effectively under certain conditions. By recognizing and designing according to these conditions, learning quality is increased.
  
• Learning happens at various levels - (Bloom's Taxonomy) - knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation.
  
• Evaluation should be authentic. Skills and concepts taught should be evaluated in the situations in which they will be used. Exams and tests are fine for certain evaluations...but other approaches need to be explored - performances, reflective journals, projects, simulations, demonstrations...
  
• Learner performance should inform instruction. Courseware should not be too rigid. Adjustments are part of teaching/learning.
  
• Learner motivation is the responsibility of both learner and teacher. See ARCS Model and ICE-PAC