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e-Learning

  • 1.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-19-2000 21:09
    I have been away from this list for a year or so and only recently
    subscribed again.

    I'm interested in e-Learning topics. Has this topic been discussed in this
    discussion group or should I be looking elsewhere?

    Regards

    Andrew Smith
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    Contact Information: E-mail:andrew@apt.co.nz Postal:PO Box 33-385
    Takapuna,Auckland 1309 New Zealand. Tel:64-9-486-2879 Fax:64-9-486-5588
    Website: http://www.apt.co.nz (Accelerated Business & Project
    Planning)


  • 2.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-21-2000 19:53
    In response to Andrew Smith's

    "I'm interested in e-Learning topics. Has this topic been discussed in this
    discussion group or should I be looking elsewhere?
    Regards
    Andrew Smith"

    I would very much like to participate in a discussion of e-learning that
    led to a research agenda of the important questions, a common conceptual
    vocabulary, development of models of e learning and to bibliography of
    material that addresses these issues.

    A lot of researchers are addressing e learning and it would be helpful to
    bring the research together. I am looking forward to the MED division
    programs at the AOM meetings for a better assessment of the stage of
    research.

    I have been working on a list of evaluation criteria of computerized
    learning support systems (CSSL) in preparation to my PDW at the Academy
    meetings. This and related issues are going to be discussed at the PDW.
    I have posted our broadside below.
    I hope some members will be up early Sunday morning to participate.

    At Seton Hall we use Lotus Learning Space. It has changed significantly
    and we are reviewing the new version along with Webct, Blackboard,
    ecollege, etc. I would find helpful a discussion of strengths and
    weaknesses, ah-ha's and disappointments.

    I am also interested in some immediate research questions. Although these
    questions have been addressed, I think most of us would agree that they
    remain unresolved.

    What are the characteristics of successful e learners? Psychological?
    Demographic?
    Experiential? Workforce characteristics. Others?

    What are the situations/environments that promote successful use of e
    learning?
    Instructor based? Physical facilities?

    What are the measures of success? Student satisfaction? Love for the
    e-oppressor? Alienation? Participation? Content mastery? Enhanced social
    (communication) skills?

    That's a start.
    Leigh Stelzer (stelzele@shu.edu)

    Announcement

    Know time just-in-time:

    A computer mediated learning para-time.

    A Professional Development Workshop presented at the Academy of Management
    meetings, at the Sheraton Conference Center/Hotel, Room E, Toronto, Canada,
    Sunday August 6th, 2000 at 8:30 AM (concludes 10 AM). AOM Event #637

    Introduction Computer mediated instruction defies time and place
    constraints associated with the traditional classroom. Learners no longer
    have to be "on time" for lesson or even "have time" to take a lesson when
    learning can take place "anytime". A learning revolution based on the
    connectivity of the Internet and the world wide web is at head and hand.
    The power of online just-in-time instruction is just beginning to be
    harnessed in industry and in academia. New computerized modalities are
    enriching instructional communication to achieve better learning outcomes.
    The workshop will bring together examples of the latest technologies to
    improve computerized learning environments and achieve "in time" learning.

    Computerized Learning Support Systems: What to Look For.
    Leigh Stelzer, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Management, Stillman School,
    Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, 07090; stelzele@shu.edu; Voice:
    973-276-4881; fax 908-276-4981.

    A Framework for Driving Computerized Learning Support Decisions
    Raquel Benbunan-Fich, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management Information
    Systems, Stillman School, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, 07090;
    Benbunra@shu.edu; Voice: 973-275-2958; fax 973-761-9217.

    Developing Learning Solutions for the Telecommunications Industry.
    Patricia L. Farley, Director, Integrated Learning Solutions, Telcordia
    Technologies, Piscataway, NJ; pfarley@telcordia.com; Voice: 732-699-5359;
    fax 732-336-2710.

    Evaluating a Learning Management System: The Lotus Learning Space Example
    Catherine Kelley, Ph.D., Senior Faculty Consultant, Teaching, Learning and
    Technology Center, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, 07090,
    kelleyca@shu.edu; Voice 973-275-2931.

    Creating Content for Computerized Learning Support Systems
    Ellen Cleary, Marketing Manager, Irwin McGraw Hill, 1333 Burr Ridge
    Parkway, Burr Ridge, IL 60521; ellen-cleary@mcgraw-hill.com; Voice :
    630-789-5222.


  • 3.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-21-2000 22:39
    Your working on the wrong questions

    There is significant research in computer based learning--read the
    literature-forget the current hype.

    Look at horizon.unc.edu/TS/ for starters


  • 4.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-23-2000 11:44
    Dear Colleagues,

    My contribution to this exchange follows below.

    >On 07/21 Leigh Stelzer wrote:
    "What are the characteristics of successful e-learners? Psychological?
    Demographic? Experiential? Workforce characteristics. Others? What are the
    situations/environments that promote successful use of e-learning?
    Instructor based? Physical facilities? ...."

    >And on 07/21 Charles Morrissey responded:
    "Your working on the wrong questions. There is significant research in
    computer based learning--read the literature-forget the current hype."

    I've only been working on research in this area for about 3 years now, but
    I have read a great deal (though certainly nowhere near all) of the
    literature. While I think there is much to be learned from existing
    literature, I'm not sure we should be so quick to dismiss questions like
    those that Leigh suggests. Much of the existing literature has focused on
    students working in higher education (or in laboratory experiments). The
    learning opportunities afforded and challenges presented by computer
    technology and the Internet are numerous and varied -- should we assume
    they are the same for students as for employees? Should we assume they are
    the same as they were 5 years ago? For me, the fun in this area comes when
    we test these assumptions....

    So my thought on this exchange is not to dismiss the hype or the questions,
    but to use them as an opportunity to extend our knowledge of learning and
    transfer in natural contexts. I think we should try to apply what we
    already know about learning and technology to the emerging landscape of
    technology-mediated learning, and use the changing landscape of training as
    a chance to explore and extend our knowledge. The questions posed by Leigh
    are good ones to begin this application and exploration. Based on my own
    research, I would add the following questions:

    "What are the key psychological and pedagogical features of "e-learning?"
    Which theories and findings from past research apply and (just as
    importantly) do not apply to learning situations that carry these features?
    How can we employ these theories to develop more effective e-learning
    applications?"

    To examine these questions, I have found early educational research on
    learner control and "guided" learning to be particularly thought-provoking
    (e.g., Tennyson), and the thoughts of Richard Clark on differences between
    delivery mechanisms to be very grounding. I am actively trying to apply
    current theories of motivation toward understanding who participates in
    computer-mediated learning, to what extent, and to what end.

    Other questions, theories, thoughts, or descriptions of research
    activities? I'm very interested to hear how members of this community view
    the "technology" trend in education and training, and what research
    activities it has sparked!

    Ken


    ~~~~~~~~~

    Kenneth G. Brown, Ph.D.
    Dept of Management and Organizations
    108 Pappajohn Business Building
    University of Iowa
    Iowa City, IA 52242
    PH: 319.335.3812 FX: 319.335.1956
    HTTP://www.biz.uiowa.edu/faculty/kbrown
    ~~~~~~~~~


  • 5.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-23-2000 12:51
    response to Ken Brown::

    Good observations--my frustration comes from a continuous flow of articles on
    e-learning which fail to acknowledge the research issue-

    The classis phrase "Since we don't know much about the learning impacts,
    ... " (meaning I didn't take the time to look!) is intellectually dishonest-

    We must understand what we are trying to do with this powerful resource
    before we proliferate any more spending.

    Chuck

    Chuck


  • 6.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-23-2000 15:22
    Thanks for the input on this topic.

    I have a specific observation about e-Learning that I would some comments
    from members of this list.

    From my observations, a large percentage of e-Learning programs follow a
    computer based training model that requires screen based learning.

    However I did a survey a two years ago and some 60% of those that responded,
    indicated that they had a preference to print to paper some or all of the
    material they had to study. Many indicated they did not like quantity
    reading from a computer screen.

    Any comments/opinions on this.

    Regards

    Andrew Smith


    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    Contact Information: E-mail:andrew@apt.co.nz Postal:PO Box 33-385
    Takapuna,Auckland 1309 New Zealand. Tel:64-9-486-2879 Fax:64-9-486-5588
    Website: http://www.apt.co.nz (Accelerated Business & Project
    Planning)


  • 7.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-23-2000 19:03
    I have taught on-line accredited college courses for over 3 years.

    I find that the computer history and literacy of the person correlates to
    their desire for print copies. Those that have used computers for years
    and are accustomed to working right on the computer, especially those that
    can export to a PDA or palmtop for mobile reading, do backups but don't
    print their course material.

    Those that are unaccustomed and/or not mobile print their work. Many
    instructors have headers on their syllabi advising students to print them
    ... none advise the student to do a backup.

    It took many years for people to become accustomed to ATMs and other
    electronic replacements for paper-based systems. There are people today who
    still require their bank to return every check to them. Developing habits
    of reading off screens will take time.

    Not to worry, we are growing a whole generation who read off screens as
    their first form of input ... not a new one they are learning.

    Conna Condon
    DBA candidate, Nova Southeastern Univ.
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: "Andrew Smith" <andrewtsmith@XTRA.CO.NZ>
    To: <MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
    Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2000 12:21 PM
    Subject: Re: e-Learning


    > Thanks for the input on this topic.
    >
    > I have a specific observation about e-Learning that I would some comments
    > from members of this list.
    >
    > From my observations, a large percentage of e-Learning programs follow a
    > computer based training model that requires screen based learning.
    >
    > However I did a survey a two years ago and some 60% of those that
    responded,
    > indicated that they had a preference to print to paper some or all of the
    > material they had to study. Many indicated they did not like quantity
    > reading from a computer screen.
    >
    > Any comments/opinions on this.
    >
    > Regards
    >
    > Andrew Smith
    >
    >
    > ------------------------------------------------------------------
    > Contact Information: E-mail:andrew@apt.co.nz Postal:PO Box 33-385
    > Takapuna,Auckland 1309 New Zealand. Tel:64-9-486-2879 Fax:64-9-486-5588
    > Website: http://www.apt.co.nz (Accelerated Business & Project
    > Planning)
    >


  • 8.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-23-2000 20:19
    Re the invitation to comment about "quantity reading from a computer screen"...

    Frankly, I can't for the life of me imagine why anyone would shackle a
    learner to a terminal/workstation for the purpose of reading large amounts
    of material on screen. Download it, print it, read it elsewhere but why
    have them tied to their terminal? Makes no sense at all to me.

    At 07:21 AM 07/24/2000 +1200, you wrote:
    >Thanks for the input on this topic.
    >
    >I have a specific observation about e-Learning that I would some comments
    >from members of this list.
    >
    > From my observations, a large percentage of e-Learning programs follow a
    >computer based training model that requires screen based learning.
    >
    >However I did a survey a two years ago and some 60% of those that responded,
    >indicated that they had a preference to print to paper some or all of the
    >material they had to study. Many indicated they did not like quantity
    >reading from a computer screen.
    >
    >Any comments/opinions on this.
    >
    >Regards
    >
    >Andrew Smith
    >
    >
    >------------------------------------------------------------------
    >Contact Information: E-mail:andrew@apt.co.nz Postal:PO Box 33-385
    >Takapuna,Auckland 1309 New Zealand. Tel:64-9-486-2879 Fax:64-9-486-5588
    >Website: http://www.apt.co.nz (Accelerated Business & Project
    >Planning)

    Fred Nickols
    The Distance Consulting Company
    "Assistance at A Distance"
    http://home.att.net/~nickols/distance.htm
    nickols@att.net
    (609) 490-0095


  • 9.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-23-2000 20:23
    Conna Condon writes...

    >I find that the computer history and literacy of the person correlates to
    >their desire for print copies. Those that have used computers for years
    >and are accustomed to working right on the computer, especially those that
    >can export to a PDA or palmtop for mobile reading, do backups but don't
    >print their course material.

    Mobility, it seems to me, is a key issue. As I indicated in an earlier
    post, I can't imagine people getting accustomed to reading large amounts of
    material from their computer screens -- unless it's an unavoidable part of
    their job. The position is uncomfortable and the ability to skim and
    re-read is limited. It just doesn't seem like a good way of getting
    material from text.

    >Not to worry, we are growing a whole generation who read off screens as
    >their first form of input ... not a new one they are learning.

    I'm not sure that's a good thing. I'm not sure it's a bad thing either.
    --

    Fred Nickols
    The Distance Consulting Company
    "Assistance at A Distance"
    http://home.att.net/~nickols/distance.htm
    nickols@att.net
    (609) 490-0095


  • 10.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-24-2000 00:51
    For the record, I started my computer literate life with the ol' Kaypro CP/M
    based system - a humungous 64K memory...that's pre-DOS for the newbies. I
    have migrated through IT iterations and conduct an internet based business
    and life coach service as well as consult in knowledge and organizational
    system development.

    I prefer to read hard copy ... I work on a computer all day and do not use
    it to read...I use my garden for reading. The key to effective e-learning
    is blending the power and potential of technology with a flexible and
    realistic meeting of user needs. While some may resist embracing the
    technology, it is a huge mistake to think that those who prefer choices are
    somehow inadequate. Technology is the servant of the user--when the user
    becomes the servant of technology, we abandon meaning in favour of form in
    education.

    Strongly held view - but always open to dialogue.

    Cheers,
    John

    ____________________________________________________
    John J. O'Brien, CRM, MLT
    ISI Global Coaching
    www.crosswinds.net/~comcepts

    Interactive Strategies, Inc.
    Aligning Vision, Process & Outcomes
    www.crosswinds.net/~isi
    Organizational Knowledge Systems Design & Audit
    Professional Development Education & Executive Coaching

    Regent, Certification Maintenance Program
    Board of Regents, Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM)
    www.icrm.org

    Voice/fax: 1-250-388-7791 ICQ #23282396 "Coach John"
    email: Please reply to isi@crosswinds.net for a timely response.


  • 11.  e-learning

    Posted 07-24-2000 04:23
    With reference to earlier comments, many of us don't have to make "print-outs"
    to read computer-based material in the garden. Also, I find things are easier
    to read on my computer (particularly the morning New York Times) because I can
    (at least in Outlook) go to VIEW and change TEXT SIZE to largest. To stretch
    the letters on a paper form of a newspaper is much less readily accomplished.

    Cybercollegially,
    Charles Wankel
    mg-ed-dv listmaster
    wankelc@stjohns.edu


  • 12.  e-learning

    Posted 07-24-2000 12:12
    On Mon, 24 Jul 2000, wankelc wrote:

    > With reference to earlier comments, many of us don't have to make "print-outs"
    > to read computer-based material in the garden. Also, I find things are easier
    > to read on my computer (particularly the morning New York Times) because I can
    > (at least in Outlook) go to VIEW and change TEXT SIZE to largest. To stretch
    > the letters on a paper form of a newspaper is much less readily accomplished.

    Although I work and play with computers, the reality of screen flicker
    tires my eyes out much faster than hard copy.
    That said, if I want to skim I'll leave it on the computer, if I want to
    reflect on the content, I'll make hard copies (adjusting the type size as
    necessary).

    best regards

    alice

    *****************************************************************
    * Alice Macpherson, TQ, ID phone: (604) 599-2426 vm 9954 *
    * Kwantlen University College email: alicemac@kwantlen.bc.ca *
    * 12666-72nd Ave, Surrey, BC, Canada, V3W 2M8 *
    * "Life Long Learning includes Everyone, All the Time" *
    *****************************************************************


  • 13.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-25-2000 12:05
    "John J. O'Brien, CRM, MLT" wrote:

    > For the record, I started my computer literate life with the ol' Kaypro CP/M
    > based system - a humungous 64K memory...that's pre-DOS for the newbies. I
    > have migrated through IT iterations and conduct an internet based business
    > and life coach service as well as consult in knowledge and organizational
    > system development.
    >
    > [snip]
    > Cheers,
    > John

    Ah, another 'old fouggie'! I actually spent time learning about, and writing,
    early 'computer aided education,' or CAE. Read a paragraph of text, answer a
    question, and based on the answer, the computer puts you to a different
    paragraph, until you have correctly answered everything. It worked for the
    technical stuff I dealt with, but the work load for the instructor/author was
    huge. The schedule/budget had to be prepared for it.

    There must have been a great deal of education research on the effectiveness of
    CAE, and more effective structures. I would anticipate that this research
    would feed into current efforts at e-learning. Don't want to invent, or
    re-invent, any wheels, if possible.

    Jay
    --
    Jay Warner
    Principal Scientist
    Warner Consulting, Inc.
    4444 North Green Bay Road
    Racine, WI 53404-1216
    USA

    Ph: (262) 634-9100
    FAX: (262) 681-1133
    email: quality@a2q.com
    web: http://www.a2q.com

    The A2Q Method (tm). What do you want to improve today?


  • 14.  e-Learning

    Posted 07-26-2000 15:39
    Hello all,

    I have learned that internet and computers were made
    also (and among zillion of things) to cut off the
    traffic of papers inside a company and inside our
    lives....
    I see, it's there to facilitate our lives... but
    sometimes we have to take care not to let "them" make
    us their slaves.
    We have to "e-learn", but we have to bear in our mind
    always, that computers are there for us. We can not
    change our way of living, only adequate a little...
    But I print somethings only not to lose the habit.

    Thanx
    Marina




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