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eLearning: a Technological and Scientific Perspective

Michele MissikoffIASI-CNR

LEMAIA, Closing ConferenceRome, 11 april 2008

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AGENDA

Introduction to eLearning

Main Issues

3 Main Areas eLearning Standards

eLearning Methodologies

eLearning Platforms

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Introduction to eLearning

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e-Learning

eLearning is learning (and thus the creation of a learning context) where the internet plays an important role

It concerns Authoring, delivery, access of learning

resources Support, administration and assessment

of learning processesDifferent Perspectives: Instructor, Learner, Administrator

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Some Definitions

Learning Objects “any entity, digital or non-digital, which can be

used, re-used or referenced during technology supported learning.” [IEEE definition]

Examples: instructional content, instructional software, persons, organizations, or events referenced during technology supported learning.

Learning Management System software application that enables the

management and delivery of learning content and resources to students.

Usually web-based Examples:

OSS: Moodle, WebCT, BlackboardProprietary Sw: Docebo, EduPlone, ATutor

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Open Issues

Standardization of learning resources and applications moving courses from one Learning Management

System to another (Interoperability) reusing content pieces across different courses

Adopting the most effective methodology e.g., F2F and Computer-based (Blended

Learning) Finding best available technology for the

given instructional objective e.g., Learning Management System

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Three Possible Solutions

Standard SCORM

Methodology Integrated eLearning

Platform Moodle

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SCORM*

Sharable Content Object Reference Model

* http://www.adlnet.gov/Scorm

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Standard ADL SCORM

SCORM a set of rules that learning management systems

(LMS) and learning content should follow to be compatible with each other

E.g., how to structure a course or to package it collection of standards and specifications derived

from multiple pre-existing proposals They enable the achievement of interoperability,

accessibility and reusability of Web-based learning content, even if coming from different sources

Metadata format, modeling the characteristics (e.g., ref to format and content) of the resource

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SCORM – Key Issues

SCORM enables content sharing by defining:

Content Type Assets: Elementary eLearning content (e.g.,

Web-page, Text, Image, Movie, Sound) SCOs: Sharable Content Object. A single unit

of eLearning content, typically including several assets

Content Aggregation guidelines to aggregate content

Content Packaging how content should be packaged

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Metadata

They describe what a content object or package contains (learning objects annotation)

They specify properties of a content object such as language or level of difficulty

They enable meaningful searches for content

In SCORM, they concern resources type (e.g., course, lesson, survey)

supporting an LMS in visualizing and storing Learning Objects

resources content (e.g., French Revoultion, II World War)

supporting the retrieval, accessibility and re/use of LOs

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SCORM adoption benefits (1/2)

Durability the ability to withstand technology

changes over time without costly redesign, reconfiguration or recoding

Interoperability the ability to take instructional

components developed in one system and use them in another system

Accessibility the ability to locate and access

instructional components from multiple locations and deliver them to other locations

SCO: Sharable Content Object

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SCORM adoption benefits (2/2)

Reusability the ability to use instructional

components in multiple applications, courses and contexts

Maintainability the ability to withstand content

evolution and changes without costly redesign, reconfiguration or recoding

Adaptability the ability to customise the

content to satisfy different user needs

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Integrated eLearning

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Integrated eLearning Methodology

It consists of merging different eLearning approaches the technology-based approach the pedagogy-based approach the organization-based approach

Integrated eLearning achieves a balance between them

IntegratedeLearning

Pedagogy

Organization

Technology

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The LEMAIA Approach

IntegratedeLearning

LEMAIAeLearningOntology

An ontology gathers a hierarchy of concepts (concerning entities, attributes, processes, etc.), together with their definitions and inter-relationships.

TechnologyPedagogy

Organization

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Learning Management System

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Moodle Main Features

Social constructionist pedagogy (which includes collaboration, activity-based learning, critical reflection, ..)

Suitable for online classes as well as supplementing face-to-face learning

Simple, lightweight, efficient, compatible, low-tech browser interface

Categorization of courses Most text entry areas (resources, forum postings,

journal entries etc) can be edited using a capable, embedded WYSIWYG HTML editor

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Main functionalities learning-content management

Designing, for Instructors (learning-objects sequencing)

Execution, for Learners Monitoring, for Admin and Instructor

users management (e.g., user profiles, track of learner progress)

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Moodle elements (1/2)

Courses different formats (by week, by topic)

Assignments grading electronically submitted material or 'offline'

submissions Chats

real-time synchronous discussion via the web MultiChoice Questions Forums

different formats, attachments Glossaries

the entries can be searched or browsed in many different formats

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Moodle elements (2/2)

Lessons usually multiple pages, ending with a multiple choice question navigation through the lesson can be straight forward or

complex Quizzes Resources

prepared files uploaded to the course server pages edited directly in Moodle external web pages made to appear part of this course

SCORM Packages collection of specifications that enable interoperability,

accessibility and reusability of web-based learning content Surveys

provide instruments to evaluate what students are doing and “thinking” in classes

Wiki collectively authored documents

Workshops

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Conclusions

Technology is today mature But Technology is not everything An effective solution requires the synergy of:

Technology Pedagogy Open mind towards (culture of) innovation

Pedagogy for long time disregarded technology Today, a converging trend is taking place The culture of eLearning is still immature LEMAIA achieved a step forward towards an

effective and widespread adoption of eLearning

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The End