Posted 6:35 AM by George Siemens
Hey...here is a good (but basic) perspective on converting classroom material to online: First Steps in elearning
Quotes:
"All materials presented in a classroom setting are not appropriate or cost effective for online learning. The advantages of online learning must outweigh the disadvantages for both the learner and the developer to make the conversion process cost effective."

"If an online course can provide a rich and engaging experience for the learner and will have repeated uses (with updates) by a distributed audience, the conversion endeavor is an investment worth doing."

This article discusses (or at least alludes to...) two important concepts in elearning: Blending and Balance

Blending is basically the incorporation of different forms of delivery/interaction...it may include online, classroom, workgroups (virtual or F2F), etc. This goes back to a point that I babble about occassionally...elearning must makes sense...it must be functional...it must serve a purpose. For any resource/course to be moved online, a clear benefit must be evident. Elearning is a tool, and should be selected when appropriate...

Balance is something that seems to be missing as many institutions move resources online. Two camps are evident: those who think online learning is the new Utopia and want to move everything online, and those who think online learning is inferior...between these two views lies a more accurate assessment.

Online learning is valuable when used for what it is best suited for...such as: teaching a geographically diverse audience, teaching people with schedules that do not allow attendance at a regular college/university, a subject that has repeated instructions (i.e. employee orientation, compliance with legislation), teaching "knowledge heavy" courses where most info is gained from the instructor, not the interaction with classmates, etc.

Now, with that said, innovative use of collaborative technologies can still contribute to any course benefiting from some online component...but certain subjects are better suited for online, just by the nature of the course/information...just as some courses are better suited for face to face instruction that requires interaction with classmates...