IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science

Introduction to e-learning BSU Networking and Planning WorkshopHotel Comwell Roskilde27-29 August - 2012

Michael RytkønenProject Managermiry@life.ku.dk

IT Learning CentreFaculty of ScienceUniversity of Copenhagen

IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science

What is e-learning?

The term “e-learning” refers to teaching and learning activities mediated by Information and Communication Technology (ICT)*

*Source: Dohn, N., Larsen, S., Thorsen, M. (2012, in press): E-learning. In: Rienecker, L., Dolin, P., Stray, P., Wichmann-Hansen, G.: University Teaching. Samfundslitteratur, Copenhagen.

IT Supported education Blended learning Distance education

Example

IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science

MSc course: Basic Surgery Skills

• 180 students, app. 10 teams of 18 students• 4 days e-learning + 4 days in operation theatre• Before e-learning was introduced, several repeated theoretical lectures

were eating up the time…

3

Why use e-learning in BSU?

Many universities in developing countries face problems in responding to the local needs and the global challenges…

• A massive and uncontrolled intake of students, not accompanied with sufficient funds, leading to a degradation of the quality and relevance of the educational programs

• High dropout rates, and • Brain drain at all levels of the universities

E-learning has the potential to address these challenges…

IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science

Why use e-learning in BSU?

Online material is detached from a specific time and place…

•Increase the access to education •Increase the recruitment area, and thereby the access to new markets •Increase the personal flexibility for students and teachers•Improve the opportunities to develop joint courses and programs

But also the quality of teaching can be improved by e-learning…

•Supports the students’ self-study, preparation and repetition before, between and after the f2f lectures •Questions from online discussions can be used as input in f2f teaching, making the lectures more focused on the students’ actual needs•Written communication is suitable for reflection •The quiet students are more confident to participate in written online discussions compared to f2f lectures

IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science

How?Implementing e-learning is much more than digitizing the lectures…

IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science

Source: Anderson, A., Grönlund, Å. (2009): A conceptual framework for e-learning in developing countries: A critical review of research challenges . EJISDC Vol. 38 (link)

Individual challenges Course challenges

Student:1.Motivation2.Conflicting priorities3.Economy4.Academic confidence5.Technological confidence6.Social support (from home/employees)7.Gender8.Age

Teacher:1.Technological confidence2.Motivation and commitment3.Qualification and competences4.Time

Course design:1.Curriculum2.Pedagogical model3.Subject content4.Teaching and Learning Activities5.Localization (culture/language/religion)6.Flexibility (mode of delivery)

Support provided:1.Student support2.Faculty support (staff/teachers)

Contextual challenges Technical challenges

Organisational:1.Knowledge management (e-learning unit)2.Economy and funding3.Training of teachers and staff

Cultural:1.Role of teachers and students2.Attitude towards e-learning3.Rules, regulation, copyright

1. Access2. Cost3. Software and interface design4. Localization (culture/language/religion)

IT Learning Centre – Faculty of Science

Any questions?