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
http://elearnqueen.blogspot.com and at elearners.com. Filmography is by Dave Feiden http://www.davefeiden.com.

 

A for Attitude
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv1fAZt23SA&feature=player_embedded
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).
Podcast on Attitude: http://www.beyondutopia.net/podcasts/attitude.mp3

 

B for Bridges
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9RmWSSktv8&feature=player_embedded
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
while others involve a Learning Management System (LMS). Not only are you bridging technologies,
you are also bridging learning styles, preferences, and modes of learning. Not only are you bridging technologies,
you are also bridging learning styles, preferences, and modes of learning.
Podcast on Bridges: http://www.beyondutopia.net/podcasts/bridges.mp3

 

 

 

C for Creativity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMC3b0VfCH4&feature=player_embedded
Ideally, a course taken outside the traditional classroom will help you develop your creativity and social interaction.
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.
Podcast on Cognitive Receptivity: http://beyondutopia.net/podcasts/cognitive-receptivity.mp3

 

 

D for Digital Divide
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6273WTthCas&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLbxWunZo5w&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBhz7x7OCQw&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-hovUcWfDQ&feature=player_embedded
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.
(Visit useful research findings from Locke and Latham.)

;

 

 

H for Hierarchies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb6tpDACrZU&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz6bn9UBDjY&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph7LXerRZjc&feature=player_embedded
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.

 

 

K for Knowledge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u18Spv9fu20&feature=player_embedded
 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMz125rhex0&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXZhOu3pxTs&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0ID1WqmURY&feature=player_embedded
If you are taking an online course, you may not be aware of how important neutrality is... Susan explains.

 

 

O for Online
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEIoXbUXpik&feature=player_embedded
Online Learning discussed in this video clip.

 

 

P for Plagiarism
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9221498560570370370&hl=en#
Don't plagiarize. Susan discusses plagiarism detection in an online course.

 

 

Q for Quality
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yxAl6oEuA3k
How does one determine quality in e-learning and mobile learning courses?
It is important to look at the content, learning goals, user, equipment, learning conditions, and faculty capabilities.

 

 

R for Reality
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycwtVuRSxxo&feature=player_embedded
Reality in e-learning and mobile learning -- Constructivist views? Social learning?

 

 

S for Situated Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X80NPVDucYU&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngQatQFvsAE&feature=player_embedded
Analyzing and managing your tasks and time are critical for success.

 

 

U for Universality in E-Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XIw9NrmXfY&feature=player_embedded

 

 

V for Video in E-Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaRu-KxuCXo&feature=player_embedded
Video clips, video-streaming, video-conferencing in e-learning.

 

 

W for Why or Why Not E-Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unR2vkXGt7Q&feature=player_embedded

 

 

X for Xtreme Learning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lORO6cXgpos&feature=player_embedded

 

 

Y for You / Yourself -- E-Learning Allows You to Put Yourself First
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKCk5pu9S6Y&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ6Cw-fqrbY&feature=player_embedded
Storage, computing capabilities, mobility, and ease of use are discussed here.

 

 

Low-Hanging Fruit: A Metaphor for Business Planning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTX4RMHW85s&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8Nv60YyCTU&feature=player_embedded
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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ctjkAsfD34&feature=player_embedded
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.

 

Be sure to check out Susan's Writing Survival Guide & website http://www.beyondutopia.net.
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. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License.