E-Learning

Welcome to my blog site!

How is e-learning presented /considered or thought about within your own context? 

 

The Virtual Learning Platform is very well promoted in my school for both students and staff with lots of resources placed on the platform by the I.T staff who is solely employed for the purpose of maintaining and updating the Learning Platform.  This dedicated staff is responsible for  issuing to both staff and students the log-in details and making sure the e-safety regulations are complied with. The Learning Platform is an avenue for students to do some of their regular lesson activities. It is also used for revision towards examination and most of the homework set for students are now e-learning based.

Are there any concerns or issues you have about it? 

 

The only concern I have about the present arrangement is the number of pupils whose log-in details have had to be blocked because of unauthorised activities they have carried out on the Platform like the use of Facebook and MSN when they should be working on scheduled activities.

My school is putting in place appropriate software that will filter off unauthorised sites on all school computers.

 

Do you have a particular ‘vision’ for e-learning within your own professional context?

 
My teaching subject is mathematics and numeracy and it is my belief that there are lots of opportunities that can be created to make the subject fun through e-learning with suitable software most of which now come free and simple to download. My background in technology, having obtained my MSc in Internet and Multimedia Engineering stands me in good stead to encourage the use of technology and e-learning to raise attainment and make progress in learning.

 

Are there any particular anomalies or inconsistencies between what is espoused as 'good practice' and what actually happens in reality?

My answer to this question is an affirmative yes. One of the QTS standards  is the demonstration of effective use of ICT to enhance pupils’ learning. However many believe that deploying the interactive whiteboard and using  presentation software in their lesson epitomises good practice. My understanding of good practice as it affects use of technology is giving pupils opportunity to develop and demonstrate their ICT skills which I believe is better achieved through e-learning.

 

What are the 'things' that interest you most about e-learning within your own context?

The fact that pupils who ordinarily will not hand in homework are most often the first to complete homework online. Moreover there are lots of software that we use at the moment that carry out Assessment, Recording, and  Reporting  Achievement(ARRA), thereby saving us lots of marking and record keeping time.

 

What are the 'things' that  you find puzzling about e-learning in your own context?

 

Personally I do not find anything puzzling about e-learning in my own context. Based on my background I see the use of e-learning as opportunity to use timely technology to achieve the timeless truth of teaching and learning.

The Pedagogy of E-Learning

Advanvantages of e-learning

Class work can be scheduled around personal and professional work

Learners may have the option to select learning materials that meets their level of knowledge and interest

Learners can study wherever they have access to a computer and Internet

Self-paced learning modules allow learners to work at their own pace

Flexibility to join discussions in the bulletin board threaded discussion areas at any hour, or visit with classmates and instructors remotely in chat rooms

Different learning styles are addressed and facilitation of learning occurs through varied activities

Development of computer and Internet skills that are transferable to other facets of learner's lives

Successfully completing online or computer-based courses builds self-knowledge and self-confidence and encourages students to take responsibility for their learning

Disadvantages of e-learning

Unmotivated learners or those with poor study habits may fall behind

Lack of familiar structure and routine may take getting used to

Students may feel isolated or miss social interaction

Instructor may not always be available on demand

Slow or unreliable Internet connections can be frustrating

Managing learning software can involve a learning curve

Some courses such as traditional hands-on courses can be difficult to simulate