E-learning
Under construction !!. Don't know how I will write the initial article for this. Either it will be very long or I will factor out different issues. For the moment please ignore this article ;)
- As opposed to the computer-based training of the 1980s, the term e-learning is most frequently used to refer to computer-based training which incorporates technologies that support interactivity beyond that which would be provided by a single computer. Wikipedia:E-learning
- In our view there are 2 kinds of defition, E-Learning is either:
- a conceptually simple form of content-based computer-based-training (and that shows in "e-instruction standards" like SCORM plus addition of some e-tutoring.
- any form of learning that makes use of information and communication technology.
History
See also: educational technology
- If one looks at modern content oriented main-stream e-Learning one can not avoid thinking that e-learning has been invented in the early sixties.
- [Who invented the term ??]
Debates
While e-learning is fairly well accepted in areas where CBT survived well, i.e. low-level training in industry and the military, the value of e-instruction-oriented models are hotly debated. It is interesting to notice that strongest criticism comes from the instructional design community and not from constructivist practicioners and theories who simply tend to ignore this form of educational technology.
E.g. Merril (in press), who always loudly claimed that "Information is not Instruction" makes it a program to ... "avoid enervative, endless, or empty e3-learning (pronounced 3 sub-three learning) and replace it with effective, efficient, and engaging e3- learning (pronounced e to the third power learning)".
References
Merrill, M.D. (in press) E-Learning: Lessons Learned, Challenges Ahead (Voices from Academe and Industry). S. Carliner and P. Shank, Pfeiffer/Jossey-Bass. Preprint: http://cito.byuh.edu/merrill/text/papers/e3%20learning.pdf
Driscoll, M., Carliner, S. Advanced Web-Based Training : Adapting Real World Strategies in Your Online Learning, Pfeiffer. ISBN 0787969796