E-learning: the strategy continuum
Dr Alejandro ArmelliniUnit for the Enhancement of Learning and
TeachingUniversity of Kent
12 June 2003
E-learning: quality, markets, revenue?
Working definition for e-learning: Learning facilitated and supported through the
use of information and communication technologies.
E-learning could enable institutions to:• Enhance existing services• Avoid costs of expanding physical infrastructure• Transcend geographical and time boundaries• Reach new student markets
E-learning dimensions (1)
• Technological– Usually salient in e-learning initiatives– Led by technologists or technology-inclined
teachers– Technology-driven decision:“Technology is available it will be
incorporated”
• Economic– Often overlooked or underestimated– It is usual to start with low-risk pilots led by
a few innovators
Need for larger numbers of teachers and courses involved + significant investment.
E-learning dimensions (2)
• Pedagogical
– Significant dependence of pedagogical strategies on technology and technical skills
– Teaching strategies, among other decisions, often exceed teachers’ expertise
E-learning dimensions (3)
Technological
Economic Pedagogical
E-learning dimensions (summary)
A needs analysis
• What the institution offers• Which services it aims to improve or what
new services it aims to launch• Can e-learning be used to achieve the
above in a technologically, financially and pedagogically effective way?
In other words:What questions is e-learning the answer to?
The strategy continuum (1)
The strategy continuum (2)
At Kent today…
• 81 active courses• 74 teachers• 3040 students
The strategy continuum (3)
A two-dimensional approach (1)
A two-dimensional approach (2)
A two-dimensional approach (3)
A three-dimensional approach
A possible strategy?
Final thoughts: appropriate technologies as agents of change (1)
• E-learning is not limited to 'new forms of distance education'.
• It enables a spectrum of models that combine f2f & online learning.
• Each tool, old and new, should be used for what it does best for teachers and learners.
Final thoughts: appropriate technologies as agents of change (2)
• The Internet is here to stay and will develop further: research-based teacher education programmes are needed to understand, adapt and incorporate new technologies as and where appropriate.
• Appropriate e-learning models as agents of change and innovation in educational systems.
• Clear rules needed by all: where is this institution going on the e-learning front?
Thank you
Dr Alejandro ArmelliniUnit for the Enhancement of Learning and
TeachingUniversity of [email protected]