eLearning, be it higher education or a training module for a business, definitely has its advantages. One advantage is that it is self-paced, allowing the learner to go as fast or as slow as they desire throughout the training. This allows for better comprehension as opposed to a classroom setting where the pace may be too fast for some. eLearning also provides skills not necessarily associated with the information being learned. For example, by being presented with a self-paced eLearning module, the learner’s language and communication skills are improved. These two skills sets can easily be applied in the workplace when interacting with co-workers. Communication is one of the most important, if not the most important dynamic of a successful business. By promoting positive communication in the company’s training, new employees will be more successful in their endeavors with the company.

Aside from its many advantages, eLearning is also propelling us towards the future of learning. Years from now, eLearning will not only be used for learning solutions, but also for primary education as well as higher education. We are already beginning to see a trend of education-based institutions moving towards eLearning, and it is only going to increase in the years to come. By using Learning technologies, we are able to get a head start on the future.

-Meghan McSloy

Ed Stengel Uncategorized eLearning, self-learning, transferable skills

Learning through social media is becoming more prevalent in both school and businesses alike; however, the manner in which the information is being presented depends on the social media site. One of the newer social media sites, Elgg, allows for logical organization of a social network. For example, it offers blogging and micro-blogging capabilities as well as file sharing and networking groups. While sites such as Facebook and Twitter can certainly be used for learning, Elgg offers a more sophisticated approach through use of social media. It is not to say that one social media site trumps another in terms of effectiveness and functionality, each serves its own purpose in sharing information. Elgg focuses on hard, cold information and developing a strong social network while Facebook caters to more trivial and personal information. Twitter is more of a separate entity on its own. As a micro-blogging tool, it expedites smaller bits of information and is up to the minute. Each can be used as a learning tool; it just depends on the type of information that is desired.

Elgg, Facebook, and Twitter foster learning in a way that is different from other types of online learning. Through social media, people learn from interacting with one another by sharing information. Other types of online learning, such as eLearning, present information in a way that is more structured and self-paced. The difference between the two is the way the information is communicated, not necessarily how it is absorbed by the learner.

-Meghan McSloy

Ed Stengel Uncategorized eLearning, elgg, facebook, micro-blogging, social media, twitter