E-Learning A-Z:

Online and Distance Education, Serious Games, Simulations, Mobile Learning

Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D.

I hope you enjoy these brief video introductions to issues you are likely to encounter in your e-learning experience, which may include online courses, serious games, computer-based simulations, mobile learning, and more. I've tried to make this an enjoyable excursion -- and, I would like to encourage you to read more at elearningqueen.org and at elearners.com. Filmography is by Dave Feiden (http://www.davefeiden.com).

A for Attitude. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4370051153155192798 Approaching your e-learning experience with a positive attitude is important. Learning to communicate that positive attitude to your fellow e-learners and to your mentor / instructor is also important to your success. This is one way to help create the optimal conditions for learning (see Gagne, etal, 1992).

Listen to the podcast. http://www.beyondutopia.net/podcasts/attitude.mp3

 

B for Bridges. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8388703621389315480

Online and hybrid courses bridge many technologies and delivery modes. You can take a course using your laptop and wifi, and may even be able to access some of the content on your iPod, smartphone, or PDA - any time, any place. Some of your course may involve traditional face-to-face classroom settings. Not only are you bridging technologies, you are also bridging learning styles, preferences, and modes of learning. Susan is your guide. (filmography by Dave Feiden). 

Podcast on Bridges -- http://www.beyondutopia.net/podcasts/bridges.mp3

 

C for Creativity. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8714897461955022252

Ideally, a course taken outside the traditional classroom will help you develop your creativity. This means that you are developing high-level cognitive skills that will help you in all aspects of learning and life. The ability to solve problems, analyze an issue from multiple perspectives, synthesize diverse sources of information and perspectives are just a few of the life-enhancing skills you'll be developing. Susan is your guide. (filmography: Dave Feiden) 

 

Podcast on cognitive receptivity: http://beyondutopia.net/podcasts/cognitive-receptivity.mp3

D for Digital Divide. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3354804124847158169

When you plan your e-learning experience, it is important to identify the types of equipment that you will need. You need to also plan your access. Will you have high-speed internet? Are there firewalls? How often will you have access? Will you need to be able to play content on mobile devices? This snippet discusses digital divides in e-learning, and 2nd generation digital divides.

 

Podcast on Critical thinking: http://beyondutopia.net/podcasts/critical-thinking.mp3

E for Ethics. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8358347579498576111

This video segment contains a brief overview of some of the ethical issues that arise in e-learning.

 

Podcast on m-learning ethics: http://beyondutopia.net/podcasts/mlearning-ethics.mp3

Podcast on elearning today: http://beyondutopia.net/podcasts/elearning-today.mp3

F for Field of Dreams. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1044689245769477991 Build it, but will they come? the resounding response has been YES, and rather overwhelmingly so. A successful e-learning program must consider the costs, though, and plan accordingly. This video contains useful tips and insights.

 

G for Goals and Goal-Setting. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9131218646591918751

Setting goals and then acheiving them in a consistent manner will help you succeed. How do you set effect goals in an online course? This video clip discusses how. (be sure to visit useful research findings from Locke and Latham.)

 

H for Hierarchies. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3317514548100389028&hl=en

In this video snippet, Susan discusses needs hiearchies and their relation to e-learning. While many researchers focus on Maslow'shierarchies of needs, Susan looks at McClelland's theories of needs for achievement, power, and affiliation, and how they can be met in an online course.

 

I for Institutions. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=498642980929266102&hl=en

Susan discusses the kinds of institutions you are likely to encounter in e-learning, online education, mobile learning, and hybrid delivery courses.

J for Journals and Journaling: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5043993019081546235&pr=goog-sl

Journal and journaling are instructional activities that can lead to enhanced critical thinking skills. One outcome involves the acquisition of reflectionable knowledge. Useful link on reflectionable knowledge here.

Article.

Podcast.

 

K for Knowledge. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2362730340097988939

Organizing knowledge and creating order from chaos will help you succeed in distance learning, whether you are taking a course, teaching a course, or engaged in a multi-player role-playing simulation.

 

L for Learning Styles. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3252161352324082951&pr=goog-sl&hl=en

Learning styles are different approaches and ways of learning. Learning preferences refer to the styles that are best for you, the learner, and which work with your individual skills, abilities, and ways of knowing. This clip discusses the importance of understanding the role of learning styles in e-learning. Auditory, Visual, Kinaesthetic, Spatial, are a few.

 

M for Mobile Learning. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8658058796566065300&hl=en

Mobile learning utilizes mobile devices of all kinds, including smartphones, mp3 players, portable video players, and more. Susan talks about learning activities such as simulations, "smart games," and interactive drills.

 

 

N for Neutrality: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5775029455592597994

If you are taking an online course, you may not be aware of how important neutrality is... susan explains.

 

O for Online http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6040772987451515180&hl=en

Online Learning discussed in this video clip.

 

 

P for Plagiarism http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9221498560570370370

Don't plagiarize. Susan discusses plagiarism detection in an online course.

 

Q for Quality http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1893516490669498467&hl=en

How does one determine quality in e-learning and mobile learning courses? It is important to look at the content, learning goals, user ... all » needs and equipment, learning conditions, and faculty capabilities.

 

R for Reality http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2039937502460675883&q=elearning+r&hl=en

Reality in e-learning and mobile learning -- constructivist views? social learning? issues...

 

S for Situated Learning http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3911024926557472306&q=elearning+s&hl=en

Social interaction is a critical component of situated learning -- learners become involved in a "community of practice" which embodies certain beliefs and behaviors to be acquired. As the beginner or newcomer moves from the periphery of this community to its center, they become more active and engaged within the culture and hence assume the role of expert or old-timer. Furthermore, situated learning is usually unintentional rather than deliberate. These ideas are what Lave & Wenger (1991) call the process of "legitimate peripheral participation." (from TIP: Theories)

 

T for Task Analysis and Time Management in E-Learning http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2758990198507949969&pr=goog-sl

Analyzing and managing your tasks and time are critical for success.

 

U for Universality in E-Learning - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5700301195596543011&q=elearning+u&hl=en

 

V for Video in E-Learning http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3140812642121559687&hl=en

Video clips, video-streaming, video-conferencing in e-learning.

 

W for Why or Why Not E-Learning ... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-772875324339436545&q=w+elearning&hl=en

 

X for Xtreme Learning http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8063795562472037046&pr=goog-sl

 

 

Y for You / Yourself -- E-Learning Allows You to Put Yourself First

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4134317489085916403&pr=goog-sl

This video clip discusses how and why it is important for the learner to identify his or her own goals, interests, and expectations in e-learning. It also discussses how e-learning possesses the unique ability to be customized.

 

Z for Zip (Zip and Optimize) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6289961629418385627&pr=goog-sl&hl=en

Storage, computing capabilities, mobility, and ease of use are discussed here.

 

Low-Hanging Fruit: A Metaphor for Business Planning

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5397580465960106563

Susan uses picking apples on a glorious fall day in upstate New York near Saratoga Springs as a metaphor for strategic planning.

 

 

Conquer Your Fear! Give Yourself Permission to Be Creative and to Think in an Unfettered Way

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=598042044449714767

Keys to success in areas where you must use new technologies involve creativity. Strategies for overcoming anxiety can help you.

 

Let's Talk About Self-Acceptance -- and Goal-Setting

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3323525796831781911

Susan returns to goal setting in this video clip. In order to succeed, you must have a good self concept. Good goal-setting can help.

 

Now, for something totally different... a Stygian adventure?? (check it out...)

 

http://www.beyondutopia.net

Be sure to check out susan's Writing Survival Guide.

Video, podcasts, iPods, mp3 players, mpeg players, online learning, e-learning, distance education, mobile learning, portable digital devices, camcorders, DVD players, smartphones, Creative Zen, SanDisk, Fuji digital camera.

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