What is e-Learning? Why is it important? Why now?

Jane Langfield

eLearning Manager

What is it?

“eLearning means using new multimedia technologies and the Internet to improve the quality of learning by facilitating access to facilities and services as well as remote exchanges and collaboration. European ODL Liaison Committee,

"Distance Learning and eLearning in European Policy and Practice: The Vision and the Reality“

Published 17/11/04

What is it?

“Network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge.”Cisco.com

“E-learning refers to the use of Internet technologies to deliver a broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge and performance.” Kevin Kruse 2003

What is it?

“–refers to any type of learning that uses electronic media. It means many different things to people but is a popular media buzz word and should be avoided.”Plymouth State University

What is it?

1. Courses 2. Informal learning 3. Blended learning4. Communities 5. Knowledge

management 6. Networked learning7. Work-based

learning

Beyond the categories of e-Learning, it is also important to note:

Ubiquitous computing

Tools and delivery for e-Learning

Planet of Contenteous Planet Instantia

Nomadict Planet Planet of Cafélattia

Planet of Contenteous

Technology as a delivery system;content & learning

management systems,multi media,

DVDs, digital & cable TV.

Planet Instantia

E-learningContinuous, applied,

flexible & instantJust for me, just in time, just for now, just enough

Nomadict

Wearable, portable & embedded

technologies:PDAs, Palms tops,

3rd generation mobile phonesGPS, wireless

interacts with learner’s environment

Planet of Cafélattia

Developed Internettechnologies

as mediating devices& community space,

asychronous &synchronous groupware,

blogging

So what?

Internet technologies are revolutionising every area of our lives. The evolution has taken us through mere enhanced delivery mechanisms to a new phenomenon – the enfranchisement of the individual.

So what?

Shopping>online supermarket>eBay

Travel>booking online>self created itineraries

Publishing>online journals>web logs

So what?

Internet technologies are changing• Culture• Expectations• Capability and Potential• Aspirations

and so call into question the appropriateness of traditional service delivery.

So what?

The central characteristic of such a new system will be personalisation – so that the system fits to the individual rather than the individual having to fit to the system. This is not a vague liberal notion about letting people have what they want. It is about having a system which will genuinely give high standards for all …

…..and, as young people begin to train for work, a system that recognises individual aptitudes and provides as many tailored paths to employment as there are people and jobs. Charles ClarkeDfES 5 Year Strategy2004

Why?

• A 21st Century learning city• A culture of life long learning• A skilled workforce• Enabled citizens• A self sustaining knowledge repository• Transformed services

Why?

The Leader’s Message

We need to consider:-• progress in achieving more efficient use of resources –

financial and human• service improvement – how to deliver improvement, the

challenges and the strengths to build on• continued emphasis on regeneration and transport –

building the city’s skills base and driving up competitiveness

• delivering on the things that matter to residents – a safe and clean city – getting the basics right

• developing a sense of civic pride – building a great city• the way we manage the city – becoming a modern

council delivering efficiently

and cost effectively

eLearning has a significant contribution to make in all areas

Why?NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CITY

FLOURISHING NEIGHBOURHOODS

Diverse & Inclusive

Competitive

Accessible

Learning

HealthyWell housed

Culture & leisure

Safe

Sustainable

Why now?

• Resources – we mustn’t waste

• Knowledge – which should be exploited

• Commitments – we must honour

• Opportunities – which may not be repeated

Why now?European institutions are urged to:

Re-establish the policy momentum for the eLearning Initiative, but with two adaptations: make sure that the new discourse is more based on societal-economic demand and more coherent, linking eLearning closely to the lifelong learning agenda. Try seriously to achieve coordination of resources and actions in the field, to the benefit of effective use of public resources and higher impact and visibility of the implemented actions. Accept intervention of “other” resources and policy concerns to support eLearning - even though that may cost something in terms of autonomy and administrative procedures - because the public benefit will easily justify the procedural complications.Policy Paper of the

European ODL Liaison Committee Released 17 November 2004

Jane_Langfield@birmingham.gov.ukwww.bgfl.org/edevelopment