E-learning can be an isolating experience, but combining it with social learning improves student outcomes. The document describes a pilot course that combined online modules, webinars, assignments, and a learning network. Students completed assignments and gave feedback on a blog. Webinars provided instruction and discussion. The learning network allowed peer-to-peer learning through forums, blogs, and collaborating on assignments. Evaluations found the social approach motivated students and the support of instructors and peers helped with completion rates. The model showed potential for flexible, worldwide training while reducing isolation in online learning.

1. E-Learning Goes Social

2. For many people the
experience of learning
online can be a
particularly isolated and
isolating one.
.....you need to be very self motivated and disciplined

3. In this session we will explore an approach we have
piloted as part of the European iEducate project that:
Provides support
Social interaction
Peer to peer learning
Is motivating and interesting
to learners
Makes learners feel part of a
community
Promotes inclusivity
Encourages student
retention and commitment

4. So let’s start by looking at how do we often learn best?

5. Learning from experts or those with a lot of
experience......

6. Researching......

7. Group discussions to generate ideas or break out
sessions.....

8. Learning from others examples....

9. Evaluating and analysing.....

10. Trying out things and practicing what we’ve learned.......

11. Story telling and reading........

12. Listening........

13. Problem solving.......

14. Any other Ideas?

15. What would happen if we combined all of these ideas for
learning in an electronic format and created a learning
community?

16. ......and got it accredited?

17. Could we create a really exciting and
effective e-learning community that was no
longer isolating and uninspiring?

18. And so we set about designing our pilot
course…
Creating
Evaluating
Analysing
Applying
Understanding
Remembering
Blooms Taxonomy (revised)

19. We created course guides….
8 week course

20. ……and set up a ‘learning network’
Which would form the hub of all of the learning activity

21. The Overall Course
Structure: 2. e-Learning
Modules
1. Webinars
3. Assignments
4.
Contributing
to the learning
community on
the learning
network

22. The webinars

23. The Webinars/ Online Tutorials
What was included:
Feedback on previous week’s
assignments
Once a week for A topic for the week
about 45 minutes Examples
Discussions
Assignments for the following
week
Useful Information
Exercises
Web links

24. E-Learning Modules
Covered key learning content
Learner Management System
(LMS)
Links, Downloadable
Resources and Templates
Easy, step by step format with
interactions
Modules were put on the
learning network each week

25. Assignments
Assignments uploaded onto
learning network often as part
of a blog.
As part of their assignments
students have to give
feedback on other students
work.

27. Contributing to the learning community on the
learning network.....
•Blogs
•Opportunity to get ideas form one another
•Giving feedback on assignments
•Asking opinions and for ideas through
forums
•Giving each other help and support
•Sharing good practice
•Sharing news and events
•Discussions about specific topics of
interest
•Working on assignments together

28. What we learned…….
“One thing I didn't mention in the feedback and meant to was the
level of support you've offered throughout the course. This has
made a real difference and I probably wouldn't have completed the
course without your encouragement. So thank you very much for
that.”- Christina
This method of delivering e-learning enables us be more involved
with students, to help motivate and provide additional support and
guidance when necessary and help keep students focussed and on
track!

29. What we learned…….
•Making sure content was real and relevant in the
workplace was useful and motivating
•Making assignments flexible so students could do the
minimum work or more work if particular topic was
very relevant to their organisation.
•Providing real life examples from both tutors and
students proved very useful!

30. What we learned…….
Allow plenty of time on a regular basis
to:
•Update and reply to blogs and emails
•Write interesting articles
•Comment on forums
•Feedback on assignments
•Plan and prepare webinars
•Reply to emails
•Put e-learning modules on the learning
network and recordings of webinars
each week

31. What we learned…….
•To keep the time commitment required by students to
between 3-6 hours per week.
•We found the learning network tends to promote very
positive responses from all involved but be aware this
may not always be the case and have things in place to
ensure any issues can be resolved effectively.
•To build in some ‘buffer’ time for students to be able
to complete their work.
•An ideal sized group would be about 10-12 students
• We could deliver training all over the world with this
approach but put in place support measures if there
are students whose first language isn’t English

32. What we learned…….
Social Learning through a learning network
works!
We will be using this approach in the future!

33. Nitin Thakrar
nitin@e-learningstudios.com
Tel. ++44 24765 255 50
www.e-learningstudios.com