Posted 8:59 PM by George Siemens
I've posted a new article on elearnspace: Interaction. This is the summary of week #3 of the elearning noncourse. The interaction cycle presented has potential for developers/designers/instructors to evaluate their elearning work. As I link in the article, Stephen Downes has posted a summary of one section of the week's discussion on his site...I think it's a good example of how spiraling works in learning.

Posted 7:46 AM by George Siemens
Critical Strategies for a Successful Elearning Project
Quote: "Today's emerging technologies are enhancing human cognitive, affective, and social capabilities at an astonishing rate. Nowhere is this more evident than in the e-learning arena. Recent advances in e-learning (which I loosely define as computer-supported collaborative learning and experiential simulation) now enable guided, inquiry-based education to overcome barriers of time and distance."
Comment: Nice overview of what is needed in a full-scale elearning project (the article is business/corporately based). I disagree, however, with the scale the author presents for elearning implementation. Consider his final statement:

"In summary, creating an e-learning project is complicated. You'll have most, if not all, of the following areas to contend with: instructional design, project management, interface design, web design, Authorware, Fireworks, Director, Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash, Toolbook, LearningSpace, 2D animation, 3D animation, Internet, intranet, extranet, HTML, DHTML, Perl, JavaScript, audio, video, RealMedia, Shockwave, browsers, CMI, and databases, to name just a few—and, oh yes...changing learners' behaviors, delivering client satisfaction, and achieving profitability or a return on investment."

WHAT?!?!? Who is ever going to adopt elearning if those are the standards? I agree that all of those components may be part of a large (well-funded) elearning project...but that applies to 2% of elearning development. The barriers for entry into elearning are much, much lower. A webpage, a listserv, Yahoo! groups, simple emails, online course notes...etc. People who make elearning out to be some mystical, complex, "only the elite can-do-it process", irritate me. Long term elearning success (for an organization and the whole industry) requires adoption and use at the user-level (hey, have I said that before??...:)).