Looking Forward (Picture by Sarah Hodge)
Bright Future for E-Learning?
Electronic learning has become a more popular trend in the United States and around the world. Nagel (2010) states, “Electronic learning, by dollar volume, reached $27.1 billion in 2009 and predicting this figure will nearly double that by 2014, with academic institutions leading the way (p.1).” E-learning seems to be growing at a rapid pace. So what causes this drastic growth and rise in popularity? Clarke, (2007) expresses, “One major but general benefit is that learning with technology can be motivating. Many people lack confidence, self-esteem and belief in their ability to learn. Several large-scale programmes, such as the Department for Education and Skills' Laptop Initiative, have shown that many adults gain confidence and self-esteem through learning with and about information and communication technology (ICT). The benefit of well-motivated, confident learners is significant and is likely to result in improvements in participation, retention and achievement (p. 14).”
Some of the benefits of online learning also contribute to its rapid growth. Clarke (2007) states, “It can deliver learning at a place and time of the learners' choosing, thus allowing them to fit learning into their lives. It can offer learners considerable opportunities to study at a speed that meets their preferences (p.14).” This flexibility intrigues learners and teaches an entirely new skill of time management in addition to the content being taught. Similarly, Hedberg (2006) also describes the benefits of e-learning by adding, “Students value Asking questions without embarrassment and ‘seeing’what other questions people were asking (p. 274).”
The benefits are great and the popularity of online and e-learning seem to increase with years passing. However, it is important to question the success and results of having these technologies. Hedberg (2006) states, "It is not simply a matter of providing access to technologies. In fact, it requires a careful process of ensuring collaboration between teachers and experts, gaining successful experience in teaching with the technologies and participating in a community that provides continuous support (172).” It is a process. It is also important to continually evaluate better ways to use such technologies. Hedberg (2006) posed a great question regarding this topic. He stated, “The question still remains as to how teachers can use e-learning technologies effectively when many of the obstacles are part of the organizational structures in which technology-based teaching is used. (p.173).”
In conclusion, although e-learning is growing at a rapid pace, is it being used effective.
Resources
Clarke, A. (2007). The future of e-learning. Adults learning. 18(7). Retrieved from the ERIC database on July 13, 2010.
Hedberg, J. (2006). E-learning futures? Speculations for a time yet to come. Studies in continuing education. 28(2). Retrieved from the ERIC database on July 13, 2010.
Nagel, D. (2010). The Future of e-learning is more growth. Campus Technology. Retrieved on July 13, 2010.
Sarah,
One possible reason for the increase in e-learning is flexibility and pacing. For adults who work full time and then have families to tend to after work, it is very hard to find time to attend class lectures at a traditional school. So, e-learning gives those kinds of people a chance to further their education without having to place work or family on hold. So, to be able to learn anything at any place one desires, and the ability to work at any pace is a good combination for busy people.
Sunday, July 11, 2010 - 03:10 AM
Some of the benefits of online learning also contribute to its rapid growth. Clarke (2007) states, “It can deliver learning at a place and time of the learners' choosing, thus allowing them to fit learning into their lives. It can offer learners considerable opportunities to study at a speed that meets their preferences (p.14).” This flexibility intrigues learners and teaches an entirely new skill of time management in addition to the content being taught. Similarly, Hedberg (2006) also describes the benefits of e-learning by adding, “Students value Asking questions without embarrassment and ‘seeing’what other questions people were asking (p. 274).”
The benefits are great and the popularity of online and e-learning seem to increase with years passing. However, it is important to question the success and results of having these technologies. Hedberg (2006) states, "It is not simply a matter of providing access to technologies. In fact, it requires a careful process of ensuring collaboration between teachers and experts, gaining successful experience in teaching with the technologies and participating in a community that provides continuous support (172).” It is a process. It is also important to continually evaluate better ways to use such technologies. Hedberg (2006) posed a great question regarding this topic. He stated, “The question still remains as to how teachers can use e-learning technologies effectively when many of the obstacles are part of the organizational structures in which technology-based teaching is used. (p.173).”
In conclusion, although e-learning is growing at a rapid pace, is it being used effective.
Resources
Clarke, A. (2007). The future of e-learning. Adults learning. 18(7). Retrieved from the ERIC database on July 13, 2010.
Hedberg, J. (2006). E-learning futures? Speculations for a time yet to come. Studies in continuing education. 28(2). Retrieved from the ERIC database on July 13, 2010.
Nagel, D. (2010). The Future of e-learning is more growth. Campus Technology. Retrieved on July 13, 2010.
Sarah,
One possible reason for the increase in e-learning is flexibility and pacing. For adults who work full time and then have families to tend to after work, it is very hard to find time to attend class lectures at a traditional school. So, e-learning gives those kinds of people a chance to further their education without having to place work or family on hold. So, to be able to learn anything at any place one desires, and the ability to work at any pace is a good combination for busy people.
Sunday, July 11, 2010 - 03:10 AM
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