What works in e-learning

Overview

Interest in e-learning has grown rapidly over the years. However, there are several barriers and challenges to e-learning in developing economies. These barriers may be related to economy, technology, psychology and pedagogical processes. We view e-learning as digital strategy for distance, blended and classroom based learning which caters to flexibility and diversity of learners and also has potential for research. If utlised properly, we feel it may be helpful in not only in enriching classroom transactions but also in building capacities of learners and teachers. It would also enable us to look to focus on preparing for the future. Hence, the project attempts to identify the various barriers to e-learning in developing economies and to find ways to remove the barriers and thereafter motivating ‘learners’ (both teachers and students) for e-learning.

Objectives

• To identify various barriers to e-learning in developing economies.
• To find ways of removing these barriers to promote e –learning .
• To explore strategies for motivating ‘learners’ (both teachers and students) for e-learning.

Project Outline

1. Identification of barriers by use of following tools:
   • Interview of Teacher Educators and prospective teachers (Brainstorming) to study their perception regarding barriers to e- learning.
   • Time line:During the workshop and conference, teacher educators, student teachers would be asked about their perceptions regarding barriers to e-learning.
   • Within a month, a literature on barriers to e-learning will be reviewed and dimensions of barriers will be identified.
2. To find ways of removing these barriers to promote e –learning
   • Success stories (Case studies) of institutions who have successfully implemented e-learning in developing as well as developed economies will be explored and analysed. These case studies will be collated to identify factors resulting in removing barriers to e-learning.
   • These factors will be posted on wikieduactor for scrutiny and peer review. Modifications in the remedial measures may be undertaken based on suggestions received via wikieduactor.
   • Time Line: 6 Months
3. To explore strategies for motivating ‘learners’ (both teachers and students) for e-learning.
   • After analyzing the peer review and related literature we would try to explore various strategies that may be implemented in Indian context for motivating ‘learners’ (both teachers and students) for e-learning.
   • Time Line: 6 Months