1. e-Learning Brian Mulligan, BE, MED, MIEI Chartered Engineer Institute of Technology Sligo Irish Learning Technology Association www.ilta.net

2. e-Learning The need. What is it? Is it any use? What’s in store for us?

3. The Need.

4. Importance of Education and Training Increases productivity. –Industry specific. Staff retention.

5. Problems in Providing Education & Training Availability –Where? –When? Time Cost Impact

6. What is it?

7. What is e-learning A definition –Use of Information Technology to enhance learning

8. Types of e-learning Multimedia –Computer Based Training Simulation Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Internet Supported Distance Learning

9. Multimedia (Computer Based Training) Text, graphics, video, audio, animation Interactive –‘private tutor’ –make the student think –Must assess and react to their understanding

10. Simulation To reproduce the real world within the computer –The natural world –Technology –Human interaction Allows the student to experiment

11. Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Interaction between students. –Collaborative working tools group project work –Asynchronous Discussion Very simple, very successful “I do and I remember”

12. Internet Supported Distance Learning Access to materials –Notes, e-books, websites, self assessment Support and Feedback –Tutor, peer Virtual classrooms –And laboratories Simulated or remote control

13. Is it any use?

14. Advantages Availability –Location –Time Pace Cost Less interuption of work. Traceability

15. Dis-advantages Can be badly done. Can be isolating Difficult to teach certain things: –Highly practical subjects –Very complex topics Can be expensive –Unusual topics

16. Does it work? “No significant difference” any training succeeds when.. –They want to do it –It is useful –It is available –They are able to do it.

17. Misconceptions about e-learning Electronic Texts –Documents on the Internet (books are still of great use) –Electronic page turning Multimedia CBT –Only interact with computer Suitable only for low level skills –Simplistic multimedia –Automated assessment Isolating activity Cheaper

18. What’s in store for us?

19. The Future Global market –Global brand name institutions –Smaller Institutes specialising in niche markets IT sligo – quality management Blended learning –Internet courses with local tutorials –Regional courses with internet support –Independent learning with IT support “Only early days yet.”

20. Issues in Sourcing e-Learning Finding a course Assessing its suitability –Level –Type of learning –Quality –Supervision –Assessment –Accreditation www.ilta.net