e-Learning: Potential and What It Takes to Implement
My article with the above title was published in the Daily News on 2005/12/03. You may view this article using the following link.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2005/12/03/fea07.htm
or
By clicking the Post title above.
Your comments are welcome.
posted by Blogmaster at 2:43 PM
2 Comments:
Comment sent by Prof. Dula Amarasiriwardena:
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The article is thoughtfully written, timely, and was a pleasure to read.
As you have correctly pointed out in the article that computer-aided
learning (CAL) should use as a mode of teaching (as the 21st century
version of "stick in the sand" ) that enhances the traditional
face-to-face learning rather than to replace it. Clearly e-learning has
lots to offer especially for institutions without walls as well as
traditional academic institutions in SL.
Having said that, one has to be cautious about the use of flawed CAL
techniques (i.e., development of CAL material without any strong
pedagogical underpinnings but solely driven by available ‘fancy’
technology) and excessive use of CAL can lead into unwanted problems.
Among the other caveats, the mentoring relationships build between
teacher and students in regular classroom are bit difficult to be
reproduced by a computer. CAL techniques also do not facilitate lively
and scholarly discussion/debates among the students and mentors. Often
our pedagogical approaches, ethics, social responsibilities are directly
or indirectly are influenced by relationships we make with our mentors
or teachers. Finally, even simple CAL systems are moderately expensive,
and need to be updated of their platforms and peripherals on a regular
basis. In developing nation’s budgets for maintenance, upkeep,
replacement of hardware and software are always thin (non existent in
rural areas). This is particularly important in SL where the funding for
maintenance and up keeping is often an after thought. Thus one has to
address this issue seriously with any introduction of CAL approaches as
a significant mode of instruction in SL.
Food for thought!
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3:07 PM
Yea we saw your blog. Excellent stuff.
Akka
6:36 PM
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