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If you are thinking about an “On-line” or “e-learning” course then there a
few thing you will want to consider as you enter into the brave new world.
In order to be successful an e-learner requires a heightened ability to self
manage in the on-line space. There are elements that can be built into
program design to assist the e-learner but ultimately the individual's
motivation and commitment to participation needs to be strong.
Program
design also needs to provide tension to support the e-learner. But before
moving into design principles let's further explore individuals and their
behaviour.
Setting
aside time
Many people
will say they don't have enough time to do the things they already have to
do without the added pressure of including on-line learning into the
plethora of daily activities.
It is
important that e-learners consider participation in the program as part of
their regular daily routine for the duration of the program. This means they
will need to allocate the required time each day that a lesson is delivered
via the email.
There can be
a lot of interruptions in one's day and the onus is on the e-learner to
manage these. The ways of dealing with interference are limited only by the
imagination and ingeniousness of the e-learner. Which means there are
countless ways to combat this as we all know how creative people can be.
On-line learning is a good time to pull out all the stops.
Some people
wear headphones to discourage passer-by chatting. Others have been known to
hang a self-crafted "L" plate, like one uses when learning to drive a car,
over the back of their chair to indicate they are undertaking on-line
learning. What's the special "sign" you could give to others? Now be nice.
It has been
proven that the best time to undertake on-line learning is first thing in
the morning BEFORE the rest of the day has an opportunity to permeate. Get
in, get out and get on with it.
If first up
doesn't suit, then e-learners need to commit to a time, and stick to it.
Make an appointment. Most people wouldn't dream of blowing off an
appointment with someone else without a good reason. E-learners need to put
themselves first, look after their needs and make that appointment with
themselves and their lessons and protect the time furiously.
Reading
It is likely
that reading will be the dominant method of communication in an on-line
learning program and it will be required at a relatively high volume. It is
for this reason that reading will often get a big mention by e-learners
undertaking on-line learning.
It is true,
e-learners will be required to READ each lesson. A lot of people have learnt
to SCAN or SKIM content and now confuse this with reading. But reading for
comprehension and learning is very different.
In order to
learn and retain information in an on-line learning environment, the
e-learner will need to take the time out to read thoroughly. This will, more
than likely, require an adjustment to most people's reading behaviour.
Remember the
words are there to "fatten" and to add "story" and "personality". This is
essential if there is to be any hope of later recall. Adults need triggers
for their brains to retrieve memory. A list of dot points is boring, doesn't
mean much and is very forgettable.
The best
advice to be given to challenges around reading are "stick with it". If
needed there is always the option to print the lessons out, grab a coffee,
tea, water and go to a quiet place to read them.
Tension
Self
directed on-line learning is regularly abandoned even if the course is
deemed to be important. Though in a classroom, e-learners may be bored out
of their heads, but will remain in the space.
Why is it
that people are more willing to stick with face-to-face training?
It is
because there is more TENSION to stay. There are social norms by which
people abide. It could be considered rude to walk out midway through a
lecture. People don't want to be noticed skulking out of a room. They don't
want to have to answer if bailed up, which could easily happen if the
trainer chose to do so.
This tension
does not exist in self-paced on-line learning programs. Who will notice if I
don't show up? No-one.Sure an On-line learning course can add "tension"
through testing but this relies heavily on compliance and fear and is not
conducive to adult learning.
No, good
tension is about letting the e-learner know that someone “is there for them”
and sharing the responsibility to maintain participation. This is
particularly evidenced by the use of daily emails and student journals.
The use of
regular email contact can be used to gently, or bluntly, prompt e-learners
about the requirement for allocating time and reading. The e-learner will
also notice the emails and be reminded they are enrolled in a learning
program. The e-learner might love, or hate the fact that another email is
sitting on their email in-box but if it compels them to participate then
tension is being applied successfully.
Student
journals work in a similar way. E-learners see others making quality
contributions and are influenced to follow suit. This is good tension. It is
not about big stick, retribution. It is respectful and nurturing
communication that treats adults as adults and doesn't insult their
intelligence.
There needs
to be understanding from both the design aspect and the e-learner that there
are challenges which are specific to on-line learning. It is important to
focus on the fact that these hazards are not insurmountable and that
adjustment of behaviour from both sides of the equation can make on-line
learning a memorable and fulfilling experience.
It is easy
to criticise, and many will. It is important to listen carefully to someone
blowing off steam. Remove the emotion and unpack the issue. Is it a design
fault? Or, is that person unable to acknowledge their contribution to a
failure? Often people will denounce an external factor rather than look
within.
Prof.
Marshall G. Hall
Head of School
AIBS Online
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