Step-by-step guidance on how to create effective e-Learning

If you need to create online instruction that people will want to use, we recommend this e-Learning blueprint from Cathy Moore, an e-Learning expert and popular blogger. And, if you sign up for a SmartStart bundle, you'll get the blueprint for FREE.

In the blueprint you'll find out how to:   http://blog.djangolabs.com/

• Avoid common mistakes that make e-Learning boring and ineffective 
• Quickly identify the material you need to cover - it's probably less than you think 
• Help your learners apply their knowledge to their jobs 
• Create e-Learning that actually improves business performance - and be a hero!

http://www.suddenlysmart.com/effective_e-Learning.htm

Motivation

Motivation is the most important design element for effective e-learning. In addition to the techniques listed above, motivation can be enhanced by :

• Exaggerating the consequences of closing or not closing the performance gap
• Linking the training to outcomes that the learner cares about (“what’s in it for me”)
• Introducing content using stories or drama
• Including elements of risk in the training exercises

Example : See example

• This movie, which introduces an e-learning course, was developed by Allen Interactions. It is an excellent example of how drama can be used to motivate learners, in this case, flight attendants.
• It encourages learners to focus on outcomes that they care about: their own safety and the safety of their passengers.

http://www.suddenlysmart.com/effective_e-Learning.htm

The positive effects of e-Learning

• e-Learning can reduce regional discrepancies in education.
• through e-Learning it is possible to operate alternative educational programs.
• e-Learning can be used as a tool for lifetime or supplementary educational programs.
• e-Learning can be used as a method of quickly conveying curricular content to common users.

http://english.keris.or.kr/ICSFiles/afieldfile/2005/12/13/kpr010106.pdf

A Measurement and Analysis of the Effect of e-Learning in Elementary and Secondary

Education: Focused on Cyber Home Learning System

Jae-shin Song, Ph.D.｜ Director, e-Learning Planning Team, song@keris.or.kr

Disadvantages of e-Learning

Access	One disadvantage of e-Learning is that learners need to have access to a computer as well as the Internet. They also need to have computer skills with programs such as word processing, Internet browsers, and e-mail. Without these skills and software it is not possible for the learner to succeed in e-Learning.  e-Learners need to be very comfortable using a computer. Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials difficult. This may cause the learners to get frustrated and give up.
Software and files	Another disadvantage of e-learning is managing computer files, software comfort ability and learning new software, including e-Learning. For learners with beginner-level computer skills it can sometimes seem complex to keep their computer files organized. The lesson points you to download a file which the learner does and later cannot find the file. The file is downloaded to the folder the computer automatically opens to rather than a folder chosen by the learner. This file may be lost or misplaced to the learner without good computer organizational skills.
High motivation	e-Learning also requires time to complete especially those with assignments and interactive collaborations. This means that students have to be highly motivated and responsible because all the work they do is on their own. Learners with low motivation may not complete modules.
Isolation	Another disadvantage of e-learning is that students may feel isolated and unsupported while learning. Instructions are not always available to help the learner so learners need to have discipline to work independently without assistance. e-Learners may also become bored with no interaction.
Resource(s)	What kind of e-Learner are you?  Take this assessment and find out.
Computer and internet skills are needed for success in e-Learning. http://www.1stopbiztro.com/_mgxroot/page_10752.html

What is the future of eLearning?

http://www.elearners.com/guide/faq-glossary/elearning-faq/what-is-the-future-of-elearning/

A textbook.

Sometimes, textbooks for online courses will be available online (as an e-Book) or will consist of a set of readings freely available online rather than an actual book. But usually, even with distance learning, the textbook will be a printed book that you can hold in your hands.

An instructor.

Distance learning courses vary a great deal in how structured they are. Some are extremely structured, with an instructor-led sequence that is as formal as any one would find in a traditional classroom. Others are more akin to independent study, where you set your own pace for learning and the instructor is only available in class or sometimes not at all.

Class discussion.

In online classes that are like independent study, this won't be an important component. However, many if not most online courses incorporate class discussion using online bulletin boards.

Written assignments.

This is nearly the same when it comes to traditional classes and online classes. One difference is that when assignments are submitted electronically, it's much easier to scan them with plagiarism detection services to ensure that the work you're handing in is really yours.

Quizzes and exams.

you can take quizzes and exams in the environment of your choosing, to prevent distractions, and you can usually take them at a time convenient for you. Another advantage of taking quizzes and exams online is that you can usually find out your score right away

CASE STUDIES OF STUDENT CENTERED TEACHING SUPPORTED WITH E-LEARNING

‘For effective implementation there needs to be a process of adaptation of e-Learning to reflect changing demands while meeting the priorities of the learners’ needs.’

http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=566824&picked=prox&CFID=115171116&CFTOKEN=36196371

http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=case_studies

http://www.english.heacademy.ac.uk/explore/publications/casestudies/technology/index.php

http://www.elearninglearning.com/case-study/presentation/

http://whitepapers.techrepublic.com.com/abstract.aspx?docid=133110

Is Online Learning For You?

http://www.marylhurst.edu/centerlearningtechnology/futurestudents-rightforyou.php

Online learning is different in many respects from the traditional face-to-face learning we're all used to, primarily in the way we get our information and how we interact with instructors and classmates. 

http://www.isaca.org/Education/Online-Learning/Pages/default.aspx?gclid=CPLN05P2sKUCFQUb6wodMGCeZA

Lifestyles play a big role in the success of online learners too. These are the traits that successful online students possess, to varying degrees:

• Self-Directed
• Motivated
• Comfortable with computers
• Able to use email, internet browser, word processor
• Like to read and write
• Inquisitive
• Disciplined
• Independent
• Able to stay on task