Recommendations for Best Practice

Best Practice

This section will present an analysis of the literature in the following categories: Organization of e-learning material Integration of multimedia technology Interactivity and Socialization Training for Educators and Instructional

Designers

Organization of E-learning Material

Establish standardized terminology or e-nomenclature: Without a common language, communications

will continue to be an issue With a common language comes a shared

understanding which promotes acceptance, commitment, and ownership for e-learning

Organization of E-learning Material

Establishing a technology management framework for e-learning applications Without an integrated approach, there is a

concern that the ‘technology process’ will drive e-learning and not the ‘instruction design process’

It is important that organizations have the right technology for their needs and the technology is appropriately integrated into a learner-centered environment

Organization of E-learning Material

Develop knowledge sharing strategies: Opportunities for the learner to physically

connect with learning material and resources Dedicated time, space, and computers Supported in the workplace to attend e-learning

while working

Organization of E-learning Material

Opportunities for the learner to cognitively connect with the learning material and resources

Ensure the e-learning is user friendly Ensure the e-learning apply consistent look and feel with

easy to use online support and help features Ensure the learner has the necessary pre-requisite skills

to navigate the technology easily Preventing cognitive overload and increase ability to

concentrate on the learning content ‘Cafeteria-style’ training plan in which choices are

available for the learner that match their learning styles and preferences

Organization of E-learning Material

Develop knowledge sharing strategies: Opportunities for the learner to socially connect with the

learning material and resources: Within e-learning environment

Synchronous, discussion boards, e-mail, chat lines, etc Outside the e-learning environment

Informal communication and sharing Blended learning environment

E-learning combined with classroom, labs, or actual experience Combined with synchronous and asynchronous allows for learning

to be spread over a greater period of time and to reduce learner overload

Best Practice

Organization of e-learning material Integration of multimedia technology Interactivity and Socialization Training for Educators and Instructional

Designers

Integration of multimedia technology

Multimedia Principle Contiguity Principle Modality Principle Personalization Principle

Integration of multimedia technology

Opportunities for the learner to cognitively connect with the learning material and resources: Ensure a variety of learning styles are

addressed Technology or medium used is matched to the

learning material Technology is readily available and not

overpowering the learning

Integration of multimedia technology

Opportunities for the learner to socially connect with the learning material and resources: Create e-learning environment in which learners feel

connected to the class, educator, and the program Forming small working groups Educators presence is evident through discussions

groups, providing timely feedback, etc

Best Practice

Organization of e-learning material Integration of multimedia technology Interactivity and Socialization Training for Educators and Instructional

Designers

Interactivity and Socialization

Interactivity refers to the ability of the learner to use e-learning material to broaden their knowledge of new information and to correct misunderstanding of material they have already learned. Building experiential learning opportunities into the e-

learning design is an effective way for learners to practice essential skills and helps with transfer of the knowledge and skills into the workplace

Interactivity and Socialization

Socialization opportunities with the educator and other learners is an important concept to include: Designing factors that will help motivate

learners to engage in e-learning Providing opportunity for learners to determine

their learning styles and to use this in selecting from a variety of learning options that best suit their unique needs

Best Practice

Organization of e-learning material Integration of multimedia technology Interactivity and Socialization Training for Educators and Instructional

Designers

Training for Educators and Instructional Designers

Training for educators is an important piece to: Aid in the transition from a instructor-centered

style to a learner-centered style Provide the knowledge and skills necessary to

build e-learning courses Train in the delivery of online learning

Training for Educators and Instructional Designers

Educators will need to be skilled in: Computer skills to access the online system Navigational skills within the e-learning system Authoring skills to develop e-learning content

Ability to write well Provides unambiguous directions for learners Personalized, relaxed learning environments

Instructional Design skills integrating the concepts specific to e-learning

Evaluation skills to be able to effective design and administer appropriate tools to evaluate e-learning at various levels such as:

Program Learner Organization

Training for Educators and Instructional Designers

While evidence suggests that the quality of online teaching is a determinant of achievement in e-learning, learner achievement is higher when the educator has received 10 or more hours of training how to facilitate e-learning instruction and design.

(Schweizer, 2004)

Recommendations for Best Practice

If you build it will they learn?

In Summary of Best Practices

It is evident that learning can occur with: the right technology, integrated in a supportive

learning environment Careful analysis, design, development,

implementation and evaluation at the program and organizational level

Integrating theories of teaching and learning, cognitive and social learning theories, and instructional design has had a great impact on the success of e-learning

In Summary of Best Practices

E-learning need to be learner-centered, user friendly, and with reliable technical troubleshooting support

Course design that matches the needs of the learner with the content is essential

Ultimately, it is the learner that will decide if e-learning is the right choice