NIBS Conference Challenges facing E-Learning Keld Hvam

NIBS Conference Keld Hvam The International Business Academy – IBA The Higher Education Department of the International Business College with students About 1000 students Business courses at under- graduate and post-graduate levels as well as summer school programmes Traditional teaching and e- learning Students from many countries Innovative and progressive institution Keld Hvam Associate Dean

NIBS Conference Keld Hvam E-learning Since 1996 Among the first in Denmark Continuous development Focus on pedagogical development Both pure e-learning and blended learning courses Co-operation with British universities.

NIBS Conference Keld Hvam The effect of the current world economic crisis on international student mobility: challenges and opportunities. Will the current economic crisis make e-learning a preferred choice for many internationally minded students unable to travel physically or will it have a negative effect on e-learning delivery? Conclusions from Online Educa, Berlin – December 2011: More demanding students

What does this require from us ? Students expect: Adaptive learning (learning paths) Availability Being involved (participative learning) Learning through active communication Motivating and modern assessment systems Lecturers who take control and are visible Contents that are relevant NIBS Conference Keld Hvam

NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Why should these students choose e-learning programmes rather than moving to study abroad? Only because of: Higher quality Lower tuition fees Only because of: Higher quality Lower tuition fees

NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Current Student Preferences - in order of priority 1.Studying at home 2.Going abroad to study 3.Studying through e-learning from home location Future Student Preferences - in order of priority 1.Going abroad to study 2.Studying through e-learning from home location 3.Studying at home

NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Students from different cultures require different learning styles Power Distance Uncertainty Avoidance High Low Geert Hofstede, Cultures Consequences 2001

The Nordic Approach to (e-)Learning Low power distance and uncertainty avoidance Students are sceptical and must be convinced through rational and convincing arguments rather than statements of facts. Focus on arguments and discussions Participative learning Inductive rather than deductive learning NIBS Conference Keld Hvam

The IBA’s current e-concept is based on: One-to-one communication Student involvement Structure and variation High academic level The IBA’s current e-concept is based on: One-to-one communication Student involvement Structure and variation High academic level NIBS Conference Keld Hvam

One single learning path – facilitated by lecturer Discussion item 1 Learning Path Discussion item 2 Discussion item 3 Discussion item 4 Etc Information input (written material, video-recorded lectures, webinars, etc) Additional and supportive control activities (interactive learning objects, m/c exercises, assignments, etc) NIBS Conference Keld Hvam

One single learning path – no lecturer involved Item 1 Learning Path Item 2 Item 3 Item 4 Etc Information input (written material, video-recorded lectures, webinars, etc) Additional and supportive control activities (interactive learning objects, m/c exercises, assignments, etc) NIBS Conference Keld Hvam

Combination of separate learning paths Item 1 Learning Path 2 Item 2 Item 3 Item 4 Etc NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Discussion item 1 Learning Path 1 Discussion item 2 Discussion item 3 Discussion item 4 Etc

NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Discussion Strategies In a class room: (the funnel approach) + synchronous e- learning session Start with the general and easy questions Make them more and more specific Direct them at individual students E-Learning: (The upside-down funnel approach) Asynchronous session Start with specific questions to a text Ask them to give examples of personal experience Ask them to comment on each other’s entries Ask them very general questions Ex: 3 e-students generated 157 entries in an online discussion forum over 10 weeks during spring 2012.

Potential Threats for e-Learning Costs Image (esp related to level) Free programmes like: Lack of socialisation NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Learning Space Coursera

How to Meet the Threats Minimize costs through cooperation (eg e-Connect Centre) Outsource e-learning delivery Incorporate the free programmes into lecturer facilitated programmes Cut-and-paste strategies NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Costs:

How to Meet the Threats Increase quality through the use of high-quality material Only use professional lecturers as facilitators have full control of logistics and systems be visible and available NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Image:

How to Meet the Threats ”If you can’t beat them, join them” – or use (integrate) them be better be ”human” Award degrees NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Free programmes:

How to Meet the Threats Meet online (eg discussion groups and webinars) Include initial physical meetings Encourage group activity Be visible and available NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Lack of socialisation (the worst threat):

Focus Areas for e-Learning Perceived higher quality Adaptive learning Increased availability Increased and direct communication Adding elements of e- teaching Technology that fulfils these goals NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Lower costs Pooling of resources Outsourcing Cut-and-paste strategies

NIBS Conference Keld Hvam Thank you for listening Questions ? Keld Hvam Associate Dean IBA Contact: