How to make elearning work identified
The internet was supposed to be the big thing for 21st century learning, but has been slow to take off.
Essentially a solitary activity the uptake of e-learning increases if people are encouraged to talk about their learning experiences and if there is a teacher who learners can relate to.
These are the main findings from research conducted by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) in to virtual learning in schools, which could offer valuable lessons for corporate trainers.
In the education sector e-learning works better in colleges than in primary schools suggesting that learners need to be capable of independent study and have to want to learn.
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, said:
"Our survey shows that Virtual Learning Environments can help to enthuse learners, by allowing them to reinforce lessons seen in the classroom, catch up on missed work and improve their knowledge.
"However, Virtual Learning Environments are still in the early stages of development. More sharing of good practice amongst peers, collaborative working and further promotion of the benefits to learners will help develop the initiative more widely."
The best VLEs depended on an enthusiastic teacher, trainer or manager to develop materials and encourage their use amongst learners. A good grasp of information technology was not critical to a good VLE; they flourished where skilled and confident teachers and tutors treated the VLE as an extension of their normal work.
Further to this, a "technology champion" was usually a key element to a successful VLE. Someone who was able to share good practice in the development of materials and provide support to colleagues was vital in ensuring the VLE was used effectively.
Where VLEs were found to be least effective, the tool was used as a "dumping ground" or storage place for rarely used files, rather than for material that enhanced the face to face learning done inside the classroom.
Members of the Work Place Learning Centre team are available to provide journalists and media organisations with expert comment on all aspects of learning at work.
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