Critical elements of e-learningNathaniel Louwrens

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5 Key elements

Gunawardena & Zittle (1996)› Learner-centeredness› Interaction› Social presence› Collaboration› Cognitive strategies

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Learner-centeredness

Learner› Not a passive recipient› Is an active participant› Has ownership

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Learner-centeredness

Implications for Teacher› Develop resources› Facilitate discussion› Encourage critical

thinking

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Interaction

Develops social presence Begins collaboration Types

› Student-content› Student-teacher› Student-student

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Interaction

Implications for teacher› Structure interactions into

course› Familiarity with communication

tools› Troubleshooter› Mediator and/or counsellor http://www.flickr.com/photos/ableman/

Social presence

Portrayed as a ‘real’ person› Through discussion & interaction

Relationship with perceived learning Key to success

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Social presence

Implications for teacher› Teacher presence› Safe environment› Give prompt responses/

feedback› Planned interactions› Interactive and collaborative

activities

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Collaboration

Development of shared understanding of concepts.

Development of critical thinking and interpersonal skills.

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Collaboration

Implication for teachers› Need to have skills with a

range of communication/conferencing tools.

› Specific interactionsstructured into learning.

› Facilitate/guide thelearning http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikecogh

Cognitive strategies

Help learners to scaffoldcomplex concepts

Steps/strategies to enablea learner to performdifficult tasks

Strategies include usingvideo clips & animations.

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Cognitive strategies

Implications for teachers› Familiarity with content› Good understanding

of the strategy› Expertise in online tools.

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References Garrison, D. R. (2007). Online community of inquiry review: Social, cognitive and

teaching presence issues. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 11(1). Garrison, D. R., & Cleveland-Innes, M. (2005). Facilitating cognitive presence in

online learning: Interaction is not enough. American Journal of Distance Education, 19(3), 133.

Gunawardena, C. N., & Zittle, R. (1996). An examination of teaching and learning processes in distance education and implications for designing instruction. Paper presented at the Distance Education Symposium 3: Instruction, State College, PA.

Rovai, A. P. (2004). A constructivist approach to online college learning. The Internet and Higher Education, 7(2), 79-93. doi: 10.1016/j.iheduc.2003.10.002