Abstract:

The proliferation of tools that support e-learning can be an impediment to many practitioners who often feel intimidated by the sheer range available. The unintended consequence is that many delivery platforms end up being used unproductively often as an information dump.

Where e-learning is attempted it often follows a transmission of knowledge approach, which focuses on the lower levels of abstraction, factual or procedural knowledge which is information heavy but action light. This approach rewards passivity in students rather than active involvement and as a consequence has less chance of developing higher level cognitive abilities which are usually stated in learning objectives. This fails students who arive on campus brimming with creativity and curiosity, are active learners and problem solvers who demand new ways of learning.

JISC Netskills together with a consortium of initial teacher training colleges in North East England have been involved in the design and development of a series of enhanced e-learning modules. These have been constructed to incorporate higher level learning in the Initial Teacher Training and Certificate in Education teacher training courses which will complement existing face to face delivery to produce a blended solution.

The aim was to replace passive e-learning through a developmental approach which seeks to engage students in active, challenging and engaging learning using realistic, real-world, scenario and action based e-learning, underpinned by the development of enquiry, problem solving and team working skills.

The resultant e-learning modules use action based learning to engaging and immerse learners in an underlying, investigative storyline leading to problem solving activities that encourage the application of analytical, evaluative, creative and critical thinking skills.

In addition this approach enables a range of technological tools to be seamlessly integrated into the e-learning at appropriate times all underpinned by a clear learning rationale. The guided and strategic use of tools such as blogs, wikis, e-portfolios, discussion boards and live chat to underpin the modules at appropriate times combine educationally effective e-learning approaches and use of technology to properly enhance learning.

Whilst this project is situated in the area of teacher training the approach, where technology is driven by teaching and learning underpinned by relevant theory, is universal and can be applied in any curriculum area

Keywords:

e-learning, Blended Learning, Technology Enhanced Learning, Action Based Learning, Immersive Learning, Teacher Education, Intital Teacher Training.