Online Courses Not So Distant
I came across this article on Wired.com (see link below) in one of my RSS feeds (see other articles in this weblog) and thought it to be thought provoking. Some of you already know what I think about e-learning or rather this and other HE institutions belief of what it is. I've already started experimenting with podcasts and web-logs and hope to have a demo to show you all soon.Have a read of this article and post your comments below.
The leadin to Wired.coms article:
More and more, college courses offered over the web for distance learners are being snapped up by students who live close to campus. Some schools allow it only with a legit academic reason; others say fine, as long as it helps them graduate.
Read the full article>>>
posted by Mark VB | 9:13 pm
4 Comments:
Is our, and by our I mean University of Northamptons definition of e-learning simply Blackboard with a few powerpoint slides loaded up, or a CD with said same material on it posted to the student really distance learning? Me thinks not!
Some US universities tempt their students to sign up with them by offering a free Apple iPod which is preloaded with institution type information, of course they can use it for music tracks too.
Bought en-masse, perhaps even in partnership with Apple as Duke University did, represents a cheap tempter - could be a good carrot for our IS based degrees.
I need to to do some testing with relevant hardware (money needed) - Julia indicated I might be able to get some funding from the learning and teaching council?
Sue Bailey said (via e-mail!)
Interesting it is. Dave Alcock is the man to contact it is more than Blackboard Regards Sue
My response, is that yes, I was making a generalisation because that's what most people seem to think it means. We are technologists after all but when do we ever get asked for our opinions on such matters, erm, I could count on a severed hand.
There are also lots of opportunities to apply for funding through JISC and other agencies for similar schemes (perhaps not the iPods idea)
At the University of Northampton we have previously experimented with providing management students with their own PDA's preloaded with reading material and E-Books. It was a success in terms of kudos for the course team but the students didn't like the reading material on a small screen.
Tablet PC's are an excellent example of how to encourage students to be more interactive with material (including material on Blackboard) There is a case study and a video of a project at UCE that may be of interest....
UCE
Hi Rachel, I watched the video with interest but much of it didn't strike me as that new, discussion board type systems have been around for a while and are ok but not all that engaging. Their mention of the 'virtual validation simulation' was interesting but I suspect is very bespoke (read expensive and time consuming to implement). One of the chaps suggested ditching lectures for recordings and having longer practical sessions - this is something our students always ask for; longer practicals - that might be worth a thought. 'Trojan horse' - I couldn't agree more, it certainly makes me think a little more.
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