This document discusses e-learning tools and their benefits. It defines e-learning as learning facilitated through information and communication technologies. Key benefits identified include connectivity, flexibility, interactivity, collaboration, and extended learning opportunities. Specific e-learning tools are also outlined, such as online discussion boards, wikis, blogs and virtual lectures. The document notes that e-learning can personalize learning and extend classroom activities through opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and automation. However, it also acknowledges that implementing e-learning may require more time from instructors and a re-evaluation of teaching practices.

1. E-Learning Tools
- an overview
David Jeckells

2. elearning: JISC’s Definition
• eLearning can cover a spectrum of activities:
– supporting learning
– blended learning (the combination of traditional and eLearning
practices)
– learning that is delivered entirely online.
• Whatever the technology, however, learning is the vital element.
• Defined as 'learning facilitated and supported through the use
of information and communications technology', eLearning
may involve the use of a range of technologies.
(JISC: Joint Information Systems Committee)

3. Attributes of eLearning
JISC identifies benefits to learners in six key dimensions:
1. Connectivity - access to information is available on a global scale.
2. Flexibility - learning can take place any time, any place.
3. Interactivity - assessment of learning can be immediate and
autonomous.
4. Collaboration - use of discussion tools can support collaborative
learning beyond the classroom.
5. Extended opportunities - eContent can reinforce and extend
classroom-based learning.
6. Motivation (?) - multimedia resources can make learning
engaging, participative, fun.
7th? Personalisation - Adaptable Learning Pathways

4. Learning or e-learning?
• The first five of these dimensions can be considered as attributes of
eLearning
• Motivation is a quality of good educational design what ever mode
of delivery is selected.
• Key difference between eLearning and traditional learning using
other forms of information technologies:
– the distributed network (mobile or computer) that
eLearning is conducted on.
• In accepting this, eLearning as a method of learning, can be
distinguished from learning conducted on stand-alone systems.

5. Tools & Resources
eLearning is a method of learning delivered on a distributed or mobile
tele/communication technology platform and conducted using:
•information technologies
•eTools/services
•eResources
for learning purposes.

6. Alternative e-tools to the traditional F2F
• Class Notes
• Lectures
• Lab work
• Small group work/In-class discussion
• Class-based group work
• Journals/Diaries
• Portfolio of Evidence/Achievement
• Face-to-face meeting
• Boards & Flip-charts
• Class-based role-play
• Workbooks
• Classroom show-of-hands
• Exams & Tests
• Class voting
• TV, VHS & DVD video
• Academic Referencing
• Course-Work Hand-ins
• Manual Plagiarism Detection
• Re-usable Learning Objects
• Virtual Lecture
• Simulation
• Online discussion boards
• Wiki’s (collaborative learning)
• Blogs (reflective learning)
• ePortfolio
• Video or phone conferencing
• IWBs/Real-Time text/Mind-mapping
• Virtual role-play/simulation
• Online Self-assessment
• eVoting
• e-Assessment & Quizzes
• Online Surveys/Polls
• Online Audio and Video
• Reference Managing Software
• E-submissions
• Plagiarism Prevention/Detection

7. elearning tools & resources
- What can they bring to a class?
What added value?
Student:
• Interaction
• Extending Classroom Activities
• Reinforcing Ideas
• Repeated practice
• Self-assessment
• Peer-to-Peer
Learning/Collaboration
• Reflection
• Personalisation & Flexibility
Staff:
• Automation (Scalability)
• Feedback
• Intervention
• Informal (& Formal) Assessment
• Automatic Remediation
• Peer-to-Peer Learning
• Tracking
Bloom’s Taxonomy

8. The eLearning Big Questions
• Will e-learning take more of my time?
• Will students stop attending lectures?
• How do I manage/choose the technology?
– JISC: Pedagogy Case Studies Templates – Mapping Specific Activities to
appropriate tools & techniques Technologies (doc)
(LTSN Generic Centre, 2003)

9. eLearning Technologies - 1
•Re-usable Learning Objects – NOW Content (instruction) & LR
•Virtual Lectures – Captivate, Flash & PowerPoint, SlideShare
•Online Group Work - Self-enrolled Groups/Group Folders*
•Online discussion boards – NOW Discussions*
•Wiki’s (collaborative learning) - PBworks*
•Blogs (reflective learning) – Blogger, WordPress
•Simulation / Virtual role-play – Flash (Captivate)/Second Life*
•IWBs/Online Pinboards – SmartBoard, Scrumblr*, CorkboardMe*
•Real-Time text/Mind-mapping – OpenEtherPad/MindMeister*
•Social Resource Sharing/Curation – Twitter* Pinterest*
Bold = available through NOW * = Collaborative

10. eLearning Technologies - 2
•Online Self-assessment – Self-Assessment, Checklist, QuestionMark
•eVoting – ARS (TurningPoint), PollDaddy, PollEverywhere
•Quizzes & e-Assessment - Assessments / QuestionMark
•Online Surveys/Polls –Surveys & Survey Monkey/Gizmo
•Video or phone conferencing - Skype
•Online Audio and Video – Hosted AV & Found Video (YouTube)
•Reference Managing Software - RefWorks
•E-submissions – Dropbox (TurnitinUK opt.)
•Plagiarism Detection/Academic Misconduct – TurnitinUK
Bold = available through NOW * = Collaborative

11. eLearning Advantages – 1
Learning
Aim/Activity
Established practice
Example of
elearning practice
eLearning
advantage
Negotiate
learning goals
Discussion with
tutor face-to-face
identifies learning
goals and
appropriate options.
Practitioner consults
with and guides
learner in identifying
the most
appropriate options.
Online learning
activities can
provide an
extended, cross
institutional choice
of learning options.
Practitioner
facilitates learning
pathway chosen by
learner.
Learners have
increasing choice
over their
pathways of
learning. The focus
of control moves
towards the learner.
(JISC: Joint Information Systems Committee, 2005)
JISC: Pedagogy Case Studies Templates – Mapping Specific Activities
to Technologies (doc)

12. eLearning Advantages - 2
Learning
Aim/Activity
Established practice
Example of
elearning practice
eLearning
advantage
Evaluate facts and
concepts
Practitioner-led
face-to-face
sessions are
supported by print-
based and audio-
visual resources.
Practitioner as
academic advisor
creates face-to-face
activities and
provides resources
to develop higher
order thinking skills.
Discussion forums
provide
opportunities for
peer-to-peer
evaluation of online
resources outside of
classroom sessions.
Practitioner as
facilitator stimulates
and mediates
discussion
generated by
learners in reaction
to online resources.
Every learner
engages actively in
constructing their
own meaning, as
peer-to-peer
discussion
develops learners’
evaluative skills
beyond classroom
sessions.
(JISC: Joint Information Systems Committee, 2005)

13. Summary
Benefits
• Personalised Learning
• Extended Classroom Activities
• Opportunities for Peer-to-Peer
Learning
• Automation
– Feedback
– Intervention
• Progress Tracking
Downside
• Re-evaluation of Teaching
Practice
• eLearning takes time to develop
skills & Resources

14. Elearning Tool Survey
Poll.fm/48kbh