I would have thought that the educated state of mankind was a testament to his resilience in surviving the deficiencies of chalk and slate teaching rather than as a result of it.
-------------------
Project Officer
Glasgow Caledonian University
T: +44(0) 141 273 1333
E: [log in to unmask]
w: elisu.gcal.ac.uk/ross
________________________________________
From: Virtual Learning Environments [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Adam Marshall
Sent: 01 November 2005 15:01
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] Reasons not to use a VLE
I often wonder what is so wrong with traditional teaching!
Chalk and slate seems to have brought mankind to such an educated state that it would destroy itself within seconds so it must be pretty effective.
Adam Marshall (e-learning chap)
________________________________________
From: Virtual Learning Environments [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Whitmore Lynn
Sent: 01 November 2005 14:48
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] Reasons not to use a VLE
I agree. I particularly found the aspect of teachers and time interesting. This is a highly controversial area, whether or not e-learning "saves time". Did using the OHP, slides or PowerPoint save time, or, like VLE resources, did they take up-front development, with the benefits gleaned over time? Did they improve retention and achievement or did we even think to test this?
Taking on "anything new" I believe (as an academic) is a necessary part of being a reflective practitioner. No job in the 2000s remains static, and few modules can be pulled untouched from the shelf year after year.
I especially agree with Chris's points that "complex learning objects are not essential to gain benefits" - as a small institution were are not in a position to invest in these at all. Good quality resources can be obtained via major publishers (some of our academics are finding that students more willingly purchase the set course book when there is electronic content also available), JISC collections and other electronic and online resources which can be obtained with permission (not least for FE the NLN materials etc). Courses once developed can be reviewed, evaluated and improved and essentially re-used the following year, or even repurposed for related modules, thus saving time. We have found that to enhance management and academic engagement the advantages must be sold strongly. Already students (the client) are asking "why aren't my other lecture resources online?".
Lynn Whitmore
e-Learning Project Manager
(WebCT/Plagiarism Detection Service Administrator)
Writtle College
Chelmsford CM1 3RR
01245 424200 x 26039
________________________________________
From: Virtual Learning Environments on behalf of Peter Trethewey
Sent: Tue 01/11/2005 12:24 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] Reasons not to use a VLE
Very helpful list of points.
Thanks
-----Original Message-----
From: Virtual Learning Environments [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of CHRIS JEFFRIES
Sent: 01 November 2005 10:42
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VLES] Reasons not to use a VLE
Some answers that occurred to me, but I would be interested to see how I
am shot down in flames or if others have better answers.....
It detracts from our main business - improving face to face teaching
On the contrary, by allowing more flexible delivery, students
can work at different rates without dropping behind
catastrophically. This means that teachers can concentrate
on the needs of individual students much more effectively,
allowing better differentiation and, in the long term, it
enables teachers to spend more time with their students,
and allows students to keep up with the class.
It introduces new cost to the organisation for no immediate return
No invstement produces an immediate return. However, a VLE CAN
produce returns.
Improvements in student experience will improve retention,
achievement AND the public perception of the institution
(and therefore enrolment levels long term)
Reductions in photocopying load will reduce costs.
Not all students have access to PCs at home or in the college
There is a requirement that all students reach appropriate key
skills levels in computing. In order to achieve this, all
students need access to PCs. Using a VLE automatically
delivers some of the key skills requirements.
Senior Management have failed to grasp the potential of VLE
Understanding the drivers for the organisation, and addressing
SMT concerns is essential. However it is also important to ensure
that SMT are aware of new opportunities.
There is always a case for a better institution. If a VLE can't
help deliver that, then there is no case for one.
If it can, then there is.
Teachers don't have PC's and projectors in all classrooms
A VLE is not primarily about didactic teaching. Whilst a PC and a
projector in the classroom can make a big difference to teaching
-
particularly in some subject areas, this is a different benefit
to
that created by a VLE.
A VLE is about giving students additional routes to learning. Of
course they will need to be able to access the VLE easily, and
there must be enough PCs that they can do so, but it should be
remembered that all the VLE does is help to organise resources
they
would need anyway. In principle, therefore, it should allow the
students to be more productive when at the PC, and therefore need
to spend less time in front of it to achieve any given goal than
if
the VLE were not assisting them.
Teachers don't have the time to take on anything new
It is true that some aspects of VLE use will require a little
more
effort than simply storing files in a network area. However:
1. Many features of the VLE do not require additional work
2. Those that do will rapidly repay themselves in SAVED time
3. Complex learning objects are not essential to gain benefits.
4. Many ready made resources are available to assist learning.
We can't prove that it can improves retention and achievement
It is no more and no less possible to demonstrate that using a
VLE
is the cause of changes in
retention and achievement than any other factor.
Careful design of evaluation questionnaires is always necessary.
Although a VLE is not right for every course, it offers an
organised set of facilities which taken together, remove
obstacles
to learning and can encourage peer learning opportunities.
***************** List information: ***************** Remember - replies
go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave
vle
***************** List information: *****************
Remember - replies go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave vle
**********************************************************************
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager at Writtle College, Chelmsford.
Please also note that unless stated explicitly, this information is not necessarily the view or policy of Writtle College, and it does not form any kind of contract.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses (www.mimesweeper.com).
**********************************************************************
***************** List information: *****************
Remember - replies go by default to the entire list.
Access the list via the web on http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/vle.html
To unsubscribe, email [log in to unmask] with the message: leave vle
|
