Synopsis for Global Trends in e-Learning

For any learning approach to be successful, one must have access to the three basic ingredients of learning: learning materials, teacher and fellow students. In distance learning all these three ingredients of learning can be accessed at a distance. We will discuss the basic models for distance learning and the impact of distance learning technologies. Today we have ample evidence that distance learning works with real people and real schools, and there is no significant difference in learning effectiveness. We discuss the business models in e-learning, and survey the trends in delivery technologies. Various high tech approaches are presented, including remotely controlled laboratories, cyber assistants, virtual classroom, SCORM and generalized objects. However, it is the high touch approaches that may ultimately win students over to e-learning. Finally we discuss the concept of residual teaching effectiveness as a way to understand the many aspects of e-learning.

PART I: Introduction (16 pages, 30 minutes)
e-Learning Business Models (10 pages)
Trends in Delivery Technologies (5 pages)
High Tech vs. High Touch (1 pages)

Part II: High Tech (75 pages, 90 minutes)
High Tech in the Classroom (2+3+8cyberlab.pdf+1+5naka.pdf+8+30+18=75 pages)

Part III: High Touch (26 pages, 40 minutes)
High Touch: The Importance of Being Earnest (16 pages)
Residual Teaching Effectiveness (6 pages)
Dual Degree Programs (4 pages) (click on right arrow, then dual degree, then right arrows)

Part IV: Questions, Assignments and Discussion (20 minutes)