Why are there not MORE e-learning courses - are students still afraid of the technology?

I’m not sure it’s the students that are afraid! New research is showing that learners in general are very comfortable with using ICT and a publication from JISC last year, “In Their Own Words” provides a useful perspective of learners’ experiences, beliefs and motivations in relation to e-learning – you can download a copy from the JISC website.

I think successful eLearning courses depend on having a number of things in place. An organisation needs to have a technical infrastructure that can cope with both course delivery and the subsequent eAssessment requirements. It’s also important to have a good rationale for designing the course for online delivery with well developed policies and having clear procedures in place. Staff need to be properly prepared and be in a position to give the appropriate support to learners. That involves understanding the need and having the ability to add value to course materials and take a more collaborative approach to learning which will be new to many practitioners.

In short then getting eLearning course off the ground needs careful planning with the first steps perhaps more about enhancing learning experiences with ICT in the first instance before eLearning courses find their way into the mainstream.