e-learning design

What is a learner Management System?

A learning management system is an application which records learnings. These are usually formal courses which may be run either internally or externally. LMS can range from an excel spreadsheet to a totally intergrated package which links to the payroll system.

 What is a learning Content management system?

A LCMS is an application which creates content for e-learning courses.

“In contrast, the focus of an LCMS is on learning content. It gives authors, instructional designers, and subject matter experts the means to create e-learning content more efficiently.” (Greenberg, L 2002).

What would you recommend to your organisation? Why?

My organisation already has a integrated LMS. Well we actually have a payroll system which we also utlise as a LMS. We have custom built a front end to the payroll system called “skill up” which allows people to book onto courses.

Currently I dont think we need a LCMS as the e-learing side of the firm grows, so will our need.  

How could virtual worlds, like Second Life be used for learning?

 See my wonderful Wiki for all the information http://elearningdesignblock.wikispaces.com/virtualworlds

What are your experiences of social networks?

I use facebook and Myspace which are both examples of social networking sites.  They allow me to quickly and easily keep in contact with friends. The feeds functionality gives me a good overall picture of what my different groups of friends are up to.

Synchronous verses Asynchronous

What is synchronous communication?

Synchronous communication is communication which occurs at the same time.  Some examples of Synchronous communication are face-to-face communication, telephone calls and instant messenger (the ones where you can see the individual letters typed.)

What is the benefit of Synchronous communication? When would you use it? Provide examples?

The benefits of SC is that there is no waiting. All the communication happens immediately, in some cases it even can happen over the top of each other.  

One of the major benefits of using synchronous communication is that it reflects the communication which takes place between to people, face to face. People can be ’sending’ information to another person whilst simultaneously recieving information.

What is asynchronous communication?

Asynchronous communication is the opposite of synchronous communication. Sometimes known as interactive communication. This is communication which can flow in only one direction at one time. Once the transmission is finished the communication can then flow in the other direction.  Some examples of this is email, letters and text messages.

What is the benefit of asynchronous communication?  When would you use it?

Some of the benefits of asynchronous is that the communication takes place at a slower rate. This sometimes makes the communication clearer and may increase comprehension levels.

Self Publishing 

List the self publishing applications you are familiar with:

 Blogs  and Wikis.  Blogs short for Web Logs, are commentary published by an individual. It can take on many forms. In-fact your reading one write now.  My first experience with both blogs and wikis have been in this class. Although I have been a keen observer of both, this is the first time in which I have been an active participant.

Social Sharing 

Can you identify examples of where you have used social sharing in a learning context?

I’ve used social sharing in this class in through the use of Delicious. Its a great tool as I use many different computers and its always difficult to remember my website. However the advantages of Delicious are truly realised when you understand and utilize the tagging function, which allows others to quickly and easily view your bookmarks.

What impact can this have on your learning?

Social sharing has huge implications for learning. Not only can learners quickly and easily categorise knowledge but knowledge sharing becomes a by product of individual learning.

What is meant by web-based application?

A web-based application is any application that is accessed throught the internet or intranet.

An example of a web based application would be this blog which im currently creating. I can tell it is a web-based application as it can be accessed from an computer and isnst reliant on any items specific to one individual PC.  

What is Web 2.0

Second phases to the architure and development of the World wide web. A concenus of its exact meaning has not yet been reached.  However it does indicate an improved form of the world wide web.

In your work context, what experience have you had with e-learning?

E-lodgement 

Wikis

Online Applications

RSS = Real Simple Syndication

Its the creation of a reader which connects to a website. In other words RSS gives you the ability to create a link between your home or aggregator and a site that you like to visit.  You subscribe to the website and you get sent updates. You wont need to visit the sites, the information will be updated on your “home” page.

How can it be used in this subject?  

You can register with an aggregator such as netvibes which will then act as your home page. Once you have this set up you can subscribe to educational webpages which have RSS. This way you’ll be updated on your your educational news by just visiting your one website.  

Aggregation of information

- It refers to the collection of information from many websites into one place.

 How can it be used in this subject.

 It can be used to act as your home page for the collection of information from various sites. Once you have subscribed to various sites, you can use your home page to see updates from the other pages.

What are the 6 key emerging technologies identified by he 2008 report.

1. Grass roots video, collaboration webs, mobile broadband, data mash ups. collective intelligence, social operating systems.

2. Which of these technologies are ou familiar wit, and in what context have either used them or heard of them?

Grass roots video – Currently at work we use grass roots videos to ensure everyone hears a consistent message

collaboration webs – All documents are stored on Filesite

Social operating systems – Facebook and IM

3. Review the significant trends – how do these relate to your experiences of technology in learning contexts?

Many of these significant trends are yet to take hold within the a learning context with my current employment. Facebook is used as a marketing tool by the firm. However wikis and blogs are slowing becoming a way of sharing information. Video are taken and are used to provide information to other office to ensure a consistency of message.Filesite and IM are other examples that are slowing be rolled out

4. The Horizons Report

Review our familiarity with the key emerging technologies from 2007 and your current technology experiences?

1. User-Created Content
2. Social Networking
3. Mobile Phones
4. Virtual Worlds
5. New forms of Publication
6. Multi-Player Educational Gaming

Many I currently already interact with on a daily basis.

Social networking and mobile phones are two main examples of these. Currently I use these both in a social context and a work environment.

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