eLearning Perspectives

Brenda Mallinson

Virtual Collaboration

Rhodes University IS Hons 2014

Outline

Current Environment

Global Trends

Blending Learning

Dimensions

Reflection & Discussion

The emerging(ed) Networked Education Environment

Next Now

Fast trends: Driving change over next 1-2 years Growing Ubiquity of Social Media Integration of Online, Hybrid, & Collaborative Learning

Mid-range trends: Driving change over next 3-5 years Rise of Data-Driven Learning & Assessment Shift from Students as Consumers to Students as Creators

Long-range trends: Driving change over next 5+ years Agile Approaches to Change Evolution of Online Learning

Key Trends Accelerating HE Tech AdoptionThe NMC Horizon Report: 2014 Higher Education Edition

http://www.nmc.org/publications/2014-horizon-report-higher-ed

Solvable: Low Digital Fluency of Faculty Relative Lack of Rewards for Teaching

Difficult: Competition from New Models of Education Scaling Teaching Innovations

Wicked: Expanding Access Keeping Education Relevant

Significant Challenges Impeding HE Tech AdoptionThe NMC Horizon Report: 2014 Higher Education Edition

http://www.nmc.org/publications/2014-horizon-report-higher-ed

Near-term horizon – within the next 12 monthsFlipped Classroom, Learning Analytics

Mid-term horizon – 2-3 years out3D Printing, Games & Gamification

Far-term horizon- 4-5 from widespread adoption Quantified Self, Virtual Assistants

Important Developments in Ed Tech for HEThe NMC Horizon Report: 2014 Higher Education Edition

http://www.nmc.org/publications/2014-horizon-report-higher-ed

How can we take advantage of this potential?

http://coachfederation.org/blog/index.php/78/

Does one size fit all?

What is blended learning?

What elements

would we like

to blend?

Blended Learning

Spatial

ICT

Mediation

Synch vs Async

Devices

Pedagogy

Three dimensions

No digital support Digitally Supported Internet-supported Internet-dependent Fully online

OfflineOnline

Face to face (F2F) Mixed Mode Distance Education

On Campus Off campus

Spatial or geographic distribution of teachers and learners

Extent of ICT support

Independent Learning Mixed Mode Interactive Learning

Low mediation High mediation

Pedagogical approach / level of mediation

What else are we blending?

Semi-synchronous flow: • students do some parts of the course at their own pace and do other

parts of the course on a fixed schedule. – Instructors release course materials on a fixed schedule, student can work on

it anytime after– Live events, such as live Q&A sessions with the instructors, happen at a fixed

date and time. Students can also watch archived versions.– Assessments are due by a fixed deadline.

Google CourseBuilder- https://code.google.com/p/course-builder/wiki/CourseFlow

We can even blend the way we access our Virtual Learning Environment …

• Offline version of virtual learning environment• Enabling access to

– Full course with learning pathway– Identical structure and functions– Resources & materials

• Go online or synchronization for:– Uploading assignments– Communications e.g. forums

Blended learning – academic approach

Concluding Remarks• Blended mode

– An infinite number of ways to blend

• Influencing factors– Learner demographics– Class size– Pedagogical approach

• Dimensions– Spatial separation (geographic)– Temporal (asynchronous & semi/synchronous)– Extent and manner of digital support (ICTs)– Level of mediation

Re-examine core

assumptions for the

changing environment

Reflection

• Who are your stakeholders?

• What is the potential impact of online / blended course provision for them?

• How can you develop or enhance processes at your institution to address the challenges?

User Involvement

Executive Management Support

Clear Statement of Requirements

Thank You!Questions?

Brenda Mallinson brendam@saide.org.za

Slideshare - http://www.slideshare.net/brenda6

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported License.

• Bower, M., Dalgarno, B., Kennedy, G., Lee, M. and Kenney, J. (2014) Blended Synchronous Learning – A Handbook for Educators. Office for Learning and Teaching, Australian Government. Available online at: http://blendsync.org/handbook

• CoICT (2011) ‘Poodle Becomes Panacea To Internet Connection’. Issue 02, eLearning Newsletter, Centre for Virtual Learning, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

• EasyFilms™ (2011) EasyFilms explains Blended Learning. Available online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjYOajMCnkQ

• Google CourseBuilder. Course Flow. Available online at: https://code.google.com/p/course-builder/wiki/CourseFlow

• Hilton, D. (2014) Blended Learning. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lEDjPMKtWk • Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Estrada, V., Freeman, A. (2014). NMC Horizon Report: 2014 Higher

Education Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium. Available online at: http://www.nmc.org/publications/2014-horizon-report-higher-ed

• MAF Learning Technologies (2012) Poodle: A Portable Moodle Solution. Available online at: http://www.maflt.org/products/poodle

• Mallinson, B. (2014) ‘Using Off-line Solutions for Online Learning’. Presented at 9th eLearning Africa Conference, Windhoek, Namibia.

• Mallinson, B. (2014) ‘Exploring Modes of Education Delivery in the Digital Age’. African Virtual University Journal. 1st Edition. In Press.

• Young, R.C. and Chamberlin, M.A. (2006) Ready to Teach Online? A Continuum Approach. Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Conference on Distance Teaching and Learning. Available online at http://www.uwex.edu/disted/conference/Resource_library/proceedings/06_4310.pdf

References / Bibliography