Friday, February 15, 2008

E-learning - How can we use it more effectively and what are the critical success factors?

E-learning is a computer-enhanced learning, and deals with both the technologies & associated methodologies in learning using networked and/or multimedia technologies. E-learning has grow over the years. It has been used for higher education purpose, and a way for companies to provide training for their staff.

Citeria of effective e-learning

1) Interaction
Interaction is the ability to communicate with people who are interested in the same topic/are using the same online resources. It allows one to speaks to their schoolmates or instructors. E-learning is often thought as a pre-packaged course or instructional program. These learning matrials are useful for starters.
Interaction provides human content. It gives people an opportunity to communicate, and to help each other. This creates a deep layer of the learning content.

2) Usability
The greatest usability experts are in the design labs of Yahoo! and Google. This is because the common key factors of usability found in these two are: consistency and simplicity. Simplicity is the feature that strike user first, and consistency is the color and words are same throughout the site. The advantage of having consistency and simpicity is speed, as this would make the downloading faster.

3) Relevance
Relevance is obtained through precision and simplicity. Making each bit of web content about one and only one thing greatly increases the chance that a reader will find the resource being sought. Placing the relevant content in the exact right context at the right time is an art, and few e-learning companies have not succeeded in attaining this combination. This involves both aspects of effective content design and aspects of dynamic search and placement. The placement will depend on the precise nature of the request sent by the software/tool. In addition, the ability of a piece of content to respond to that success.

Critical success factors of e-learning

1)E-learning should not be positioned or perceived as a cost cutting activity
Cost-cutting sets the wrong tone for successful motivation to learn. This is frustrating where it may never have been the intention – but suspicion has fuelled the perception of cheaper.

2) Investment in human resources to create and run virtual learning programmes
The support of the tutors, facilitators and technical team are critical success factors.

3) Initial impressions last a long time
The users need to have the right approach from the start. By helping out team members to get to know each other, and feel comfortable working together. An open mind and grasp of ownership for their own learning success is needed.

4) Takes time for people to become comfortable in the online environment
Early activities are important to generate confident. This may need to take a few runs before users fully participate in it.

5) Progression by participants in the quality and depth of learning
This is demonstrated by penetrating questioning, discussion intensity, taking responsibility for sharing information, taking control of the learning process, and through positive qualitative feedback comments.

The summary below shows the success of e-learning by the three-way partnership between the organization, learner and supplier.

Personal
Team focus
Ownership of learning
Time management
Motivation
Past experience
Adaptability to new learning paradigm
Realistic support requirements

Provider
Resources
Academic standards
Technological capabilities
Suitability
Learning stimulation

Organisation
Business needs
Internet business environment
Technological capabilities
Corporate expectations

References:
http://www.downes.ca/cgi-bin/page.cgi?post=13
http://mitchellpalomares.com/resources/pdf/4%20Success%20in%20elearning%20(final).pdf

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