Final Subject Reflection
This would be the second e-learning subject I’ve come across during my studies and again, I’ve gained more exposure to using various technologies, which may either have enhanced my learning or added to my ponderous nature in wondering what this would mean to my future learning? Right now, it feels like technology and the ways in which we utilise them for education might alienate me from many other learners in the future. Take for example, the current state of web 2.0, social sharing and social networking is the hottest thing right now and in all honesty, I am not a much of a stakeholder in either. Would I be missing out on a lot of learning if everyone around me started using it and I didn’t?
Throughout this subject, the emphasis to me has been on generating creative ways to implementing technologies that can be delivered in an e-learning context and overcoming the obstacles and challenges in doing so. However, I’ve realised that it would be extremely challenging to create an e-learning course that would be able to cater towards all the different learning styles of its users. It feels that the direction educators are taking towards e-learning is that it could be used to potentially replace existing traditional methods of learning delivery. As society and technology progresses, I can well imagine the possibilities of future primary school kids holding their m-learning devices and connecting to a virtual classroom at home.
I personally see that the major challenge lies in balancing a certain type/number of technologies to be integrated into a learning course. Much like how universities are quickly experimenting and adapting with such technologies as podcasts and virtual worlds the likes of Second Life. This creates a hybrid of learning involving e-learning and non e-learning components. That’s why I very much appreciate the activities and theories discussed in class because it is very relevant in overcoming this ‘major challenge’ (as I see it). Not all learners may be comfortable with various e-learning components. Would it be financially possible or time-wise effective to create a learning course that caters to every single learning style?
The classes themselves have been structured and prepared fairly well. The added support of Brett was very welcome as it provided an opportunity for students to showcase possible solutions to this exact challenge I am describing, by bridging the learning experience between e-learning, non e-learning, the elderly, the young, the technical, the non-technical and so forth.
On another note, I’ve always wondered whether it would be possible to develop an online virtual world game (the likes and popularity of World of Warcraft) and integrate HSC subject information, so that high school kids would be actually simultaneously addicted to learning and playing.
And of course, a big thank you to Anne and Brett for their time and efforts in teaching and supporting the subject =)
Filed under: ELD
