1. IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science Introduction to e-learning BSU Networking and Planning Workshop Hotel Comwell Roskilde 27-29 August - 2012 Michael Rytkønen Project Manager miry@life.ku.dk IT Learning Centre Faculty of Science University of Copenhagen

2. IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science What is e-learning? The term “e-learning” refers to teaching and learning activities mediated by Information and Communication Technology (ICT)* *Source: Dohn, N., Larsen, S., Thorsen, M. (2012, in press): E-learning. In: Rienecker, L., Dolin, P., Stray, P., Wichmann-Hansen, G.: University Teaching. Samfundslitteratur, Copenhagen. IT Supported education Blended learning Distance education

3. Example IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science MSc course: Basic Surgery Skills 180 students, app. 10 teams of 18 students 4 days e-learning + 4 days in operation theatre Before e-learning was introduced, several repeated theoretical lectures were eating up the time… 3 Online: Read, listen, watch, repeat, prepare E-learning elements: Video, PowerPoint with speak, tests, reflection questionsPowerPoint with speak Face-to-face: Skills Lab - practice Cadavers - practice Research pigs - the real deal Online: Identify, repeat and prepare for exam

4. Why use e-learning in BSU? Many universities in developing countries face problems in responding to the local needs and the global challenges… A massive and uncontrolled intake of students, not accompanied with sufficient funds, leading to a degradation of the quality and relevance of the educational programs High dropout rates, and Brain drain at all levels of the universities E-learning has the potential to address these challenges… IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science

5. Why use e-learning in BSU? Online material is detached from a specific time and place… Increase the access to education Increase the recruitment area, and thereby the access to new markets Increase the personal flexibility for students and teachers Improve the opportunities to develop joint courses and programs But also the quality of teaching can be improved by e-learning… Supports the students’ self-study, preparation and repetition before, between and after the f2f lectures Questions from online discussions can be used as input in f2f teaching, making the lectures more focused on the students’ actual needs Written communication is suitable for reflection The quiet students are more confident to participate in written online discussions compared to f2f lectures IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science

6. How? Implementing e-learning is much more than digitizing the lectures… IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science Source: Anderson, A., Grönlund, Å. (2009): A conceptual framework for e-learning in developing countries: A critical review of research challenges. EJISDC Vol. 38 (link)link Individual challengesCourse challenges Student: 1.Motivation 2.Conflicting priorities 3.Economy 4.Academic confidence 5.Technological confidence 6.Social support (from home/employees) 7.Gender 8.Age Teacher: 1.Technological confidence 2.Motivation and commitment 3.Qualification and competences 4.Time Course design: 1.Curriculum 2.Pedagogical model 3.Subject content 4.Teaching and Learning Activities 5.Localization (culture/language/religion) 6.Flexibility (mode of delivery) Support provided: 1.Student support 2.Faculty support (staff/teachers) Contextual challengesTechnical challenges Organisational: 1.Knowledge management (e-learning unit) 2.Economy and funding 3.Training of teachers and staff Cultural: 1.Role of teachers and students 2.Attitude towards e-learning 3.Rules, regulation, copyright 1.Access 2.Cost 3.Software and interface design 4.Localization (culture/language/religion)

7. IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science Any questions?