Post-secondary education would benefit from a Pan-Canadian plan to assess the impact of e-learning initiatives.
It is important that instructional design match the goals and potential of e-learning.
Research is needed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of such things as learning objects and multimedia applications.
Properly implemented computer mediated communication can enrich the learning environment; help reduce low motivation and feelings of isolation in distance learners.
E-learning appears to be more effective in distance education, where technology use is required than in face-to-face instructional settings. (Abrami, et al., 2006)
Implications for policymakers include the "effective and efficient implementation of e-learning technologies represents new, and difficult challenges to practitioners, researchers, and policymakers." (Abrami, et al., 2006) it will be further necessary that administrators of schools "balance the needs of all stakeholders, and the cost-benefit ratios of technology tools" not only in making decisions as to what technologies should be used but as well as to when and how the new technologies should be implemented. Moreover, the school administrator must make sure that teachers...
Administrators, educators and policymakers must work in close collaboration toward this end to ensure that e-learning has a positive impact upon not only the pedagogy of teachers but also upon the learning of students.
Bibliography
Bedi, K and Lange L (2007) the Impact of Faculty Interaction on E-Learning at U21 Global - Some Preliminary Evidence. U21Global Graduate School for Global Leaders. March, 2007. Online available at http://www.u21global.com/PartnerAdmin/ViewContent?module=DOCUMENTLIBRARY&oid=157372
Abrami, Philip C. et al. (2006) a Review of e-Learning in Canada: A Rough Sketch of the Evidence, Gaps and Promising Directions. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology Vol. 32(3) Fall. 2006. Online available at http://www.cjlt.ca/content/vol32.3/abrami.html
Curriculum Sharing
