E-learning Modules
Overview
E-learning is learning that utilizes electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. E-learning permits interactive communication with your teachers and other students in your class. E-learning can be delivered live, referred to as synchronous e-learning, where you can “electronically” raise your hand and interact in real time. It can also be delivered asynchronously, for example, when a lecture has been prerecorded or through an e-learning module. A module is an independent, self-contained unit or item. An e-learning module is an online tool that provides course materials in a logical, sequential, order, guiding students through the content and assessments in the order specified by the instructor.
E-learning is learning that utilizes electronic technologies to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. E-learning permits interactive communication with your teachers and other students in your class. E-learning can be delivered live, referred to as synchronous e-learning, where you can “electronically” raise your hand and interact in real time. It can also be delivered asynchronously, for example, when a lecture has been prerecorded or through an e-learning module. A module is an independent, self-contained unit or item. An e-learning module is an online tool that provides course materials in a logical, sequential, order, guiding students through the content and assessments in the order specified by the instructor.
Teaching Ideas
Idea 1- Prior Learning Review
Idea 2 - Have Students Create an Online Module
Idea 3 - Break Content Into Smaller Parts
Idea 4 - Use Modules For Substitute Teachers
Idea 1- Prior Learning Review
- For many courses, a base of existing knowledge or prerequisite courses are required. An e-learning module allows students to review what they have forgotten or to learn the knowledge necessary to proceed. A module could also be used as a mini-preparatory course for college or university. This would ensure that all students have the same information or knowledge base entering the school.
Idea 2 - Have Students Create an Online Module
- Divide the class into groups. Have each group develop an online module for a subtopic and share it with the class. Students will learn their subtopic in depth and the principles of online design at the same time.
Idea 3 - Break Content Into Smaller Parts
- Many students have trouble with one particular aspect of a subject. Having an e-learning module for each subtopic allows the student to focus on that particular area of study. Students can also re-watch, pause, rewind, or seek assistance on any aspect of the module.
Idea 4 - Use Modules For Substitute Teachers
- If a teacher is away or sick, students can use the modules in class individually or in groups, and the substitute teacher can help guide students and provide technical or educational assistance as necessary.
Guidelines for Use
Tip 1 - Align To Learning Outcomes and Assessments
Tip 2 - Keep Them Short
Tip 3 - One Central Repository
Tip 4 - Make it Interactive
Tip 1 - Align To Learning Outcomes and Assessments
- E-learning modules should be directly related to the assessments in the course which should lead to meeting the learning outcomes. For e-learning, more assessments are better as it will ensure that students understand the material independently. Students will also be encouraged to keep up with the work if there are frequent assessments. It is important to have a schedule of when the assessments are to take place as well as to send reminders.
Tip 2 - Keep Them Short
- The longer the module, the more likely a student is of losing interest and not completing it. A series of short modules is better than one or two long ones. Students are easily distracted these days with all their electronic devices, so if the modules are short, it will be easier to keep them focused on completing the unit.
Tip 3 - One Central Repository
- Have one central repository, for example, a website or cloud storage, where students can access all course materials and online modules. Students may get confused and discouraged if multiple websites or tools are required to access the course materials. It is also easier to understand and follow if someone has to take over the course or joins late. Keeping statistics on users is easier as well as log files are centralized rather than compiling them from different sites.
Tip 4 - Make it Interactive
- An interactive module increases student engagement and understanding of the material which in turn will improve retention. Having a feedback mechanism is also vital. Students need to know that there is support if needed and that their questions will be answered promptly.
Benefits and Challenges
Benefit 1 - 24/7 Anytime, Anywhere Accessibility
An e-learning module can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection. Posting modules online also allows them to be accessed any time of the day and without concern for which timezone someone is in. If the material is not part of an educational institution that requires tuition, then the module can be accessed by anyone regardless of their economic status.
Benefit 2 - Easier to Collaborate
Synchronous e-learning modules allow teams to collaborate on problem-solving challenges in real time. Meeting online rather than in person eliminates travel time and accommodation costs. Students that are shy or hesitant to participate in class can be more forthcoming and more confident about contributing to the discussion online. Having online sessions also allows for subject matter experts to link into the classroom in real time for brief lectures and question and answer sessions.
Benefit 3 - Micro-learning
Students can learn subjects one block at a time to ensure they understand before proceeding to the next step. This reduces cognitive overload. Also, e-learning modules allow learners to progress at their own pace; they can pause, rewind or even re-watch. Teachers can supplement class activities with links to other websites and activities to help either the learner that takes a little longer or for the advanced learner. E-learning modules are also better for mobile learning as it is easier to follow a 10-minute lesson on your phone than an hour long one.
Benefit 4 - Consistency
An online module provides consistency of quality and content as the instructor is the same for everyone. The module can be used across multiple sections and can even be used in subsequent semesters as long as the material is current.
Challenge 1 - Creating Effective Modules
A diverse set of skills is needed to create an effective module. Not all instructors know or want to learn how to build a module. If the instructor does not possess the required skills, some parts of the module creation may have to be outsourced to third parties which can be expensive.
Challenge 2 - Equal Accessibility
Not all students have high-speed access to the internet or access to the internet at all. This creates inequity if only part of a class has reliable access. Even though there are public spaces like libraries or school computer rooms that have free internet access, it is not as easy for students that don't have home access to the internet to have the same time available online as other students.
Challenge 3 - Not For Everybody
To be successful at e-learning, learners need to be independent, self-motivated and require little direction. Not all students possess these traits; some need more in-person guidance like they would get in-class. International students may not be as familiar with online learning or understand the language or culture well enough to be successful without the assistance they would get in a classroom setting.
Challenge 4 - Health Concerns
Too much e-learning or screen time can lead to eye strain, back and neck issues, carpal tunnel syndrome and mouse finger. People of all ages spend a significant amount of time online these days and adding to this by having e-learning modules will only exacerbate whatever health issues they may already have from being online so much already.
Benefit 1 - 24/7 Anytime, Anywhere Accessibility
An e-learning module can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection. Posting modules online also allows them to be accessed any time of the day and without concern for which timezone someone is in. If the material is not part of an educational institution that requires tuition, then the module can be accessed by anyone regardless of their economic status.
Benefit 2 - Easier to Collaborate
Synchronous e-learning modules allow teams to collaborate on problem-solving challenges in real time. Meeting online rather than in person eliminates travel time and accommodation costs. Students that are shy or hesitant to participate in class can be more forthcoming and more confident about contributing to the discussion online. Having online sessions also allows for subject matter experts to link into the classroom in real time for brief lectures and question and answer sessions.
Benefit 3 - Micro-learning
Students can learn subjects one block at a time to ensure they understand before proceeding to the next step. This reduces cognitive overload. Also, e-learning modules allow learners to progress at their own pace; they can pause, rewind or even re-watch. Teachers can supplement class activities with links to other websites and activities to help either the learner that takes a little longer or for the advanced learner. E-learning modules are also better for mobile learning as it is easier to follow a 10-minute lesson on your phone than an hour long one.
Benefit 4 - Consistency
An online module provides consistency of quality and content as the instructor is the same for everyone. The module can be used across multiple sections and can even be used in subsequent semesters as long as the material is current.
Challenge 1 - Creating Effective Modules
A diverse set of skills is needed to create an effective module. Not all instructors know or want to learn how to build a module. If the instructor does not possess the required skills, some parts of the module creation may have to be outsourced to third parties which can be expensive.
Challenge 2 - Equal Accessibility
Not all students have high-speed access to the internet or access to the internet at all. This creates inequity if only part of a class has reliable access. Even though there are public spaces like libraries or school computer rooms that have free internet access, it is not as easy for students that don't have home access to the internet to have the same time available online as other students.
Challenge 3 - Not For Everybody
To be successful at e-learning, learners need to be independent, self-motivated and require little direction. Not all students possess these traits; some need more in-person guidance like they would get in-class. International students may not be as familiar with online learning or understand the language or culture well enough to be successful without the assistance they would get in a classroom setting.
Challenge 4 - Health Concerns
Too much e-learning or screen time can lead to eye strain, back and neck issues, carpal tunnel syndrome and mouse finger. People of all ages spend a significant amount of time online these days and adding to this by having e-learning modules will only exacerbate whatever health issues they may already have from being online so much already.
Helpful Resources
10 Resources For Good eLearning Design - Some helpful tools to properly design e-learning
6 Principles of Effective e-Learning - What works and what doesn't and why in e-learning
E-learning Methodologies - A guide for designing and developing e-learning courses
Top 8 Web Design Mistakes - Tips on what not to do when designing a module.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Microlearning - Why breaking courses in to smaller bunches can be better but not perfect.
10 Resources For Good eLearning Design - Some helpful tools to properly design e-learning
6 Principles of Effective e-Learning - What works and what doesn't and why in e-learning
E-learning Methodologies - A guide for designing and developing e-learning courses
Top 8 Web Design Mistakes - Tips on what not to do when designing a module.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Microlearning - Why breaking courses in to smaller bunches can be better but not perfect.
Research
Cowie, B., & Khoo, E. (2014). Digital tools disrupting tertiary students’ notions of disciplinary knowledge: Cases in history and tourism. Education Sciences, 4(1), 87-107. doi:10.3390/educsci4010087
Lo, C. (2014). Building a multi-level model of individual E-learning effectiveness. The Journal of Human Resource and Adult Learning, 10(2), 71.
Macgregor, G., & Turner, J. (2009). Revisiting e-learning effectiveness: Proposing a conceptual model. Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 6(3), 156. doi:10.1108/17415650911005375
Sahasrabudhe, V., & Kanungo, S. (2014). Appropriate media choice for e-learning effectiveness: Role of learning domain and learning style. Computers & Education, 76, 237-249. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2014.04.006
Wright, P. (2014). E-tivities from the front line”: A community of inquiry case study analysis of educators’ blog posts on the topic of designing and delivering online learning. Education Sciences, 4(2), 172-192. doi:10.3390/educsci4020172
Cowie, B., & Khoo, E. (2014). Digital tools disrupting tertiary students’ notions of disciplinary knowledge: Cases in history and tourism. Education Sciences, 4(1), 87-107. doi:10.3390/educsci4010087
Lo, C. (2014). Building a multi-level model of individual E-learning effectiveness. The Journal of Human Resource and Adult Learning, 10(2), 71.
Macgregor, G., & Turner, J. (2009). Revisiting e-learning effectiveness: Proposing a conceptual model. Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 6(3), 156. doi:10.1108/17415650911005375
Sahasrabudhe, V., & Kanungo, S. (2014). Appropriate media choice for e-learning effectiveness: Role of learning domain and learning style. Computers & Education, 76, 237-249. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2014.04.006
Wright, P. (2014). E-tivities from the front line”: A community of inquiry case study analysis of educators’ blog posts on the topic of designing and delivering online learning. Education Sciences, 4(2), 172-192. doi:10.3390/educsci4020172