Talk:Current events/Archive

CONTENT THEME "ROLE OF E-LEARNING IN ASSESSMENT" Developing competent e-learners: the role of assessment

Janet Macdonald A1

A1 Open University in Scotland 10 Drumsheugh Gardens Edinburgh EH3 7QJ UK j.r.macdonald@open.ac.uk

Abstract:

We know assessment plays a major formative role in driving student learning appropriately, but what implications does this have for online courses? Is it more important than in a face to face context, or less so? Should we reconceptualize the ways in which we assess students, or are existing methods, tried and tested in conventional teaching and learning situations, appropriate? This paper discusses the practical implications of implementing these online pedagogies and illustrates the powerful formative effects, both intended and unintentional, of assessment on student learning and behaviour. It draws on examples from recent research on two e-learning courses at UK Open University.eLearning & Applications eLearning and online learning applications are changing the way we think about and approach learning. eLearning offers flexiblity and accessibity - you can have access to learning when you want, where you want it and in a way that suits you.

As well as elearning, Academee has developed a huge range of web-based learning tools and applications which provide learners with a range of options, giving individuals control over their own learning paths - resulting in increased buy-in from learners and learning which is progressively more embedded in the workplace. When integrated with face-to-face learning, a rich, blended learning environment can be created - one which precisely meets your needs.

eLearning has removed the geographical barriers of learning. It has enabled organisations to integrate learning with work, recognising the fact that most learning takes place on the job. eLearning offers 'just-in-time' training opportunities so that you can find out information, facts, figures, methodologies and learn new skills exactly when you need to.

eLearning empowers you to take charge of your learning and provides learning in different ways to accommodate different learners. It makes learning exciting, engaging and compelling. Difficult or dull subjects can be made more interesting, easier and more appealing. It is an engaging, active experience with the emphasis on interactivity and 'learning by doing'.

Online communities and networks make elearning a social activity, which means you will experience a powerful and enduring learning experience. Blended programmes can integrate elearning with face-to-face workshops, coaching, action learning and a huge range of other learning methods to cover a range of needs, styles and approaches.

eLearning is cost effective - it can help organisations to save money through improved competencies and skills and reduction in learning times. eLearning and blended learning bring numerous unique benefits to organisations, employees and customers. eLearning empowers you to take charge of your learning and makes learning exciting, engaging and compelling. It is an engaging, active experience with the emphasis on interactivity. Learning & Development Learning is an experience. Our consultants and facilitators seek to make it an exciting, challenging and highly effective experience on the hundreds of learning days we deliver every month.

The Academee learning experience is something of which we are proud, and which we are always seeking to improve in order to continue to stand out in our clients' minds. It is engaging, stretching, often unusual, and very supportive.

We want every participant on one of our learning programmes to go away brimming with enthusiasm to make a difference back at work, to be confident in new skills, committed to new ways of working and conscious of how to handle challenges as they occur.

Our coaches adopt a similarly focused approach in face-to-face or telephone coaching. We help people develop a new mental model for themselves, clear on how to achieve what they are seeking, and comfortable to take risks sometimes necessary to achieve real change. The Academee learning experience is engaging, stretching, often unusual, and very supportive. We want every participant on every one of our learning programmes to go away brimming with enthusiasm.