• elearning Courses
• Informal learning
• Blended learning
• Online Communities
• Knowledge management
• Networked learning
• Work-based learning

elearning Courses

Unfortunately, most people and institutions just put their course in a presentation program (Powerpoint, Impress) or convert it to PDF and label it as "online content". But in order to benefit from this new media rich environment offered by elearning, the content must be tailored for it.  The flow is different from a "classical" course and the structure must be tailored to it. Replace physical models with virtual 3D simulations!. Switch  demonstrations with animations. Use interactive material instead of conversational explications. That in order to convey better the message of the course.

Informal Learning

The least recognized form is also the most dynamic and versatile aspect of learning. Our need for information  drives our search. Exchanging an email, swaping a PDF and case pictures or just searching on the web qualify for that.. Jay Cross (2003): states that: “At work we learn more in the break room than in the classroom. We discover how to do our jobs through informal learning -- observing others, asking the person in the next cubicle, calling the help desk, trial-and-error, and simply working with people in the know. Formal learning - classes and workshops and online events - is the source of only 10% to 20% of what we learn at work.”

Blended Learning

Blended learning involves classroom (or face-to-face) and online learning. This method is very effective for adding efficiency to classroom instruction and permitting increased discussion or information review outside of classrooms. The rallying cry of educational techno-prophets of the late 90’s (“soon we won’t need instructors, we’ll learn everything online on our own time”) has given way to the reality that learning is a social process, requiring instructor direction and facilitation. Blended learning utilizes the best of classrooms with the best of online learning.

Online Communities

Yesterday’s solutions don’t always work today. Problem solving requires different perspectives to create an  understanding of potential solutions. Online communities allow people to stay current in their field through dialogue with other members of the same specialty, or the larger community. Communities strongly contribute to the flow of tacit knowledge. (Ex. RxRoots).  Communities typically form around a particular goal, concept or theme.

Knowledge Management

Involves the process of identifying, indexing, and making available (in various formats) knowledge generated within the daily activities. Managing content, mining emails, and creating communities of practice.

Learning Networks

A learning network is the loose, personal coupling of communities, resources, and people. It is the cornerstone of personal knowledge management. Vaill (1996) states that: “The permanent white water in today’s systems is creating a situation in which institutional learning patterns are simply inadequate to the challenge. Subject matter is changing too rapidly” (p. 41). The utilization of personal learning networks allows someone to remain current in their field.

Work-based Learning

Learning content into the actual point of need. This style of learning can be seen in many computer applications (context-sensitive help). Requires a significant investment in resource creation and usability planning (in what situation will a learner want to know this? How should it be presented? What will they search for so they can find it?). Work-based learning is generally and enterprise-wide initiative.

References

Cross, J. (2003, May) Informal Learning – The Other 80%. Retrieved on October 15, 2004 from http://www.internettime.com/Learning/The%20Other%2080%25.htm

Driscoll, M. (2000). Psycology of Learning for Instruction. Needham Heights, MA, Allyn & Bacon.

Dürsteler, J. C. (Undated) Information Hunters. Retrieved on October 15 from http://www.infovis.net/E-zine/2004/num_153.htm

Siemens, G, (2003) The Whole Picture of Elearning. Retrieved on October 15 from http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/wholepicture.htm

Vaill, P. B., (1996). Learning as a Way of Being. San Francisco, CA, Jossey-Blass Inc.