TVET and e-Learning

E-Learning

E-learning most often means an approach to facilitate and enhance learning by means of personal computers, CDROMs, and the Internet. This includes email, discussion forums, and collaborative software, e.g. BSCW or CSCW (computer supported cooperative work). Advantages are seen in that just-in-time learning is possible, courses can be tailored to specific needs and asynchronous learning is possible. E-learning may also be used to support distance learning through the use of WANs (Wide area networks), and may also be considered to be a form of flexible learning. Often, but not always, e-learning will also attempt to be a student-centred learning solution. Some view e-learning as a means to effective or efficient learning, due to its ease of access and the pace being determined by the learner, but to date little research has reinforced this.

The term e-learning is not very precise, and it should be pointed out that learning is just one element of education. So, the term online education should cover a much broader range of services than the term e-learning. One may also claim that e-learning companies often focus on course content, while online education institutions cover the whole range of educational services.

Not every e-learning resource, usage or provision is necessarily 'exclusively e-learning', sometimes a hybrid 'blended learning' solution is available, either combining distance learning with direct contact 'close at hand' human educational resources, or combining software driven resources with human intervention (whether remote or local, computer mediated [such as through email or chat] or non-computer mediated [such as face to face or telephone] or combining software driven resources with any other educational resource [TV, radio, books, tapes, etc.])

On the practical side some e-learning is about organizing the topics to be taught and creating multimedia CDROMs or web sites. An important advantage is generally seen in the fact that hyperlinking is possible and having interactive parts illustrating difficult things or for doing exercises. In higher education especially, the increasing tendency is to create a Managed Learning Environment (MLE; also called a Virtual Learning Environment, VLE) in which all aspects of a course are handled through a consistent interface, using specialised software that is standard through an institution so gives students a consistent user interface.

Often a design approach is implemented which involves creating or re-using Learning Objects. These are self contained units properly tagged with keywords, or other metadata, and preferably stored in an XML file format. These are put in a database and creating a course requires putting together a sequence of learning objects.

One important point is to help teachers organize their pedagogical perspective. Some institutes for Higher education are devoted to this mission (training, counselling, funding, development, etc.).

More recent approaches focus on dialogue, interaction and collaborative activities - courses still contain content but it is of secondary importance or is generated by the students. An open source course management system that makes this approach easier is Moodle. This advocates Social-Constructivism as a pedagogical perspective, whereby learners construct their knowledge through discussion, thereby enhancing their thinking skills [1] (http://www.wordiq.com/definition/E-learning)

Online Resources

• Flexible Learning Toolboxes, Australian Flexible Learning Network (http://toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au)

Toolboxes are high quality resources featuring scenarios, images and interactive activities that simulate real life. They are designed for use by training providers, industry and business and support online delivery of recognised training packages for the vocational education and training sector. Toolbox materials come in two formats:
1) an integrated learning program incorporating a number of units of competency. These programs are available on a CD-ROM for installation on a server or for use on a stand-alone computer.
2) a learning object format allowing users to download smaller self-contained components of content for free. Learning objects generally support an element or unit of competency.
Flexible Learning Toolboxes provide users with options to attract new learners and markets with online resources at a fraction of their development cost.
Most Toolboxes are under Au$400.00; the purchase allows the provider to use the Toolbox with as many learners as desired regardless of where learners are located.

Events

• ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN 2010 (http://www.online-educa.com/)

The largest global e-learning conference for the corporate, education and public service sectors, is the key annual networking event for the international e-learning and technology-supported learning and training industry, attracting and bringing together experts in the vanguard of technology-enhanced learning from around the world.

• e-Learning Africa (http://www.elearning-africa.com)

eLearning Africa is the most comprehensive conference on ICT for development, education and training on the Continent. Its mission is to bring people together who are actively engaged in education and in the implementation of learning technologies in schools, universities, corporate training as well as in education in the public sector. Participants are high-level decision-makers such as Ministers of Education, representatives from government agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), development agencies and international organisations, senior executives from businesses, as well as practitioners from all fields of education.

Further Information

• See UNEVOC e-Forum discussion: Good examples of ICT use for TVET (http://www.unevoc.unesco.org/forum.php?show=451)
• E-learning briefing note (http://www.skillsdevelopment.org/pdf/e-learning%2013.pdf)- City & Guilds Centre for Skills Development

Category:e-Learning