E-learning:
an overview
Michael Rowe
Department of Physiotherapy
University of the Western Cape

The Net Generation
Understanding the target audience
They live, work and play
online
Always connected regardless
of time / place
Both consumers and creators
of content
Social networks are their
frames of reference

Education as it is
...and why it won't last
Teacher is source of
knowledge (didactic
paradigm)
Mon-Fri / 9-5
One way stream of content /
knowledge (creation and
dissemination)
Social networks are
disregarded

Education as it will be
Implications for teachers
Use the Internet as a source of
knowledge *
Be available 7 days a week
Multiple streams of content
adding to richness of knowledge
Leverage network effect *
July, 2008: 1 trillion pages, 100 million sites
Network effect – measure of how the value of a
product increases with each user

On social media
web 2.0 characteristics
Internet based tools
Sharing and discussion
Digital multimedia
Community building / network
effect
Decentralised publication
Distinct from newspapers,
books, TV and film (traditional
media)

Why is this important?
Managing expectations
Students
Teachers
Software
Not just about putting content
online
Context important

Wikis
Editable websites (content
creation)
Freeform text / semantic web
International collaboration
across time / space
Peer review process /
evidence based practice

Blogs and RSS
Informal monologue
Content broadcast to students
Automatic updates (e.g. changes in
course readers, test dates, class times)
Podcasts
Video / audio
Hearing impaired students
Education anywhere

Online office suites
Google Docs / Groups, Skype
More efficient workflow (e.g. RSS
for change updates)
Undergraduate research projects
Access anywhere
Monitor progress / provide
feedback

Challenges in e-learning
Hardware (cost, inequitable
distribution of resources)
Software (proprietary vs.
open)
Time it takes to change (e.g.
content, skills)
Traditionally poor IT literacy

The way forward
Personal learning systems
Students control learning environment, process and content
No formal classes
Education anywhere on mobile devices

Why use this...
Big and heavy / immobile
Geographical limitations
Too powerful for most needs
Cables (power, mouse, network)
Long boot times / switched off

When you can use this...
Small and compact / mobile
Use anywhere
Suitable for:
Email / browsing
Photos / video
Office applications
Wireless
Always / instantly on
It's also a phone, IM client, MP3 player,
PIM
Location and position aware

Conclusion
E-learning is not an option
Everybody is already online
Will we join them, or become
increasingly irrelevant?

Contact
http://www.mrowe.co.za/blog
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/michael_rowe
email: mrowe@uwc.ac.za