1. e-Learning: Promise and Pitfalls
EDUC 391 Web-based Technologies in Teaching and Learning Assignment 1
Sonia Yu

2. Definition and Features of e-learning
Definition: Training or instruction delivered on a computer (including CD-ROM, Internet, or Intranet) that is designed to support individual learning or organizational performance goals.
Features:
What: Includes content relevant to the learning objective
How: Uses instructional methods such as examples and practice to help learning
How: Uses media elements such as words and pictures to deliver the content and methods
Why: Builds new knowledge and skills linked to individual learning goals or to improved organizational performance

3. What about?
Hybrid forms of e-learning? i.e. combine classroom in-person teaching with “e-learning” where instruction is conducted via computer medium

4. What about? Learning community?
How different is e- learning community from a classroom community
Learning in virtual community?
E.g. Second life?

5. What about?
Coursework, websites, blogs, chatboards?

6. What about?
Search engines,
Wikipedia

7. What about?
Social network sites
Facebook, friendster

8. e-learning Promises Practice with feedback Collaboration in self-study
How “tailored” and how relevant is the feedback vs. classroom instruction?
Collaboration in self-study
Risk of self-study is the student might lack direction and might go down the wrong path without teacher pulling him/her back
Collaboration is good, but hard to coordinate
Use of simulation to accelerate expertise
True, but maybe situation specific and more performance (esp principle) oriented

9. e-learning Pitfalls Failure to define job knowledge and skills
True for all forms of learning?
Failure to accommodate learning processes
Maybe some day technology can take care of that? Will we have robots to replace teachers in school?
Attrition
Drop out rates may be higher, but e-learning can also be more convenient for continuing education candidates
Technological hindrance
Computer performance, internet connection etc