Reusable Learning Objects

 Articles, Digital content, Learning Objects, Techniques  No Responses »
Jul 182010
 

The idea behind Learning Objects originates from Object Oriented Programming in computing. In Object Oriented Programming objects are created to represent real world entities such as products and customers. These objects encapsulate information about the object and the operations that may be performed with it.

The key benefit is that objects can be re-used in different applications. Rather than every programmer developing their own customer objects, a few programmers develop very good ones and these are plugged into future applications involving customers. Continue reading »

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Distance, Open and Blended Learning

 Articles, Distance Learning  No Responses »
Jul 152010
 

By Distance Learning I mean learning in which learners and instructors are not physically present in the same time at the same place.

By Open Learning I mean learning which is not part of a formal course of instruction. Learners dip in and out of learning, choosing what, when, where and how they study.

By Blended Learning I mean learning which combines traditional face-to-face education with distance or open learning. Continue reading »

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Learning Management Software

 Articles, Assessment, Digital content, Software, Support  No Responses »
Jul 152010
 

Learning Platforms – What is a Virtual Learning Environment?

The (synonymous) terms “Virtual Learning Environment” (VLE), Learning Platform, Learning Management System (LMS) and Learning Content Management System (LCMS) are frequently used in education and training, but what do they mean?

A VLE is an integrated set of computer software tools to support learning. The name is somewhat unfortunate as it tends to imply the learning (rather than the environment) is somehow virtual or unreal. Continue reading »

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Assessment

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Jul 152010
 

The only way learners can really know whether they have understood the concepts they have studied is by trying to apply those concepts, ie through some form of self assessment. Instructors too need to gauge learner understanding of course content in order to tailor review and revision activities and ultimately to award certification.

Computers are very efficient at administering a wide range of assessment types, eg multiple choice, multiple answer, numerical and short answer questions. Short answer questions require a word or short phrase as an answer and are marked by pattern-matching learner input against required answer(s). Continue reading »

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e-Journals and Digital Libraries

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Jul 152010
 

Many professional and academic journals are now published in electronic form.

These have the advantage of being searchable. Additionally they may be used by any number of simultaneous users and cannot be lost or damaged.

Institutions generally purchase a subscription providing password authenticated access and/or access by IP address, this means resources may be accessed from particular computers or networks. Continue reading »

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Sychronous Conferencing in Distance Education

 Articles, Distance Learning, Support, Techniques  No Responses »
Jul 152010
 

A major drawback of distance education is the isolation experienced by learners. In traditional education it’s easy to seek the guidance of instructors and fellow students. Students often form informal study groups and merely being present in an academic institution can boost motivation.

e-learning technologies can help overcome the isolation of lone learners by enabling communication with instructors and peers.

Such technologies can be asynchronous, ie essentially bulletin boards where users post messages for others to view and respond to in their own time; or synchronous, ie communications take place in real time. Continue reading »

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Games and Simulations

 Articles, Digital content, Multimedia, Techniques  No Responses »
Jul 152010
 

Games and simulations are employed on the basis that learners learn best by doing.

“Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll understand.” (Confucius)

“People remember 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, 50% of what they hear and see, 70% of what they say and write, and 90% of what they say and perform at a task.” (Edgar Dale’s “Cone of Experience”) Continue reading »

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Multimedia Learning Resources

 Articles, Digital content, Multimedia, Techniques  No Responses »
Jul 152010
 

Multimedia technology allows concepts to be explained and illustrated in a variety of ways.

Technologies such as Macromedia Flash and streaming video and audio permit material to be viewed again and again, anywhere, any time.

Animations can be used to demonstrate continuous change over time in situations ranging from the building up of graphs to the workings of a machine or the human body.

Video can bring otherwise dry theory to life, eg footage of the collapse of a poorly designed bridge can greatly enhance understanding of the equations describing the failure. Continue reading »

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Recorded Lectures

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Jul 142010
 

The formal lecture has long been at the heart of university education. Large numbers of students form the audience while the professor holds center stage imparting his/her wisdom.

That lectures have remained for so long as a major method of education is testament to their effectiveness, however, the traditional lecture does have certain disadvantages. Continue reading »

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PowerPoint Lectures

 Articles, Lectures, Techniques  No Responses »
Jul 142010
 

The use of PowerPoint and other digital media CAN greatly enhance a traditional lecture.

Pre-preparing visual aids in PowerPoint allows the instructor to select the best possible aids to support his/her message.

And once prepared presentations may be re-used or re-purposed. Use of colour, animation, sound, video clips etc can provide a highly stimulating experience for the audience. Continue reading »

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