I read this book and here are my notes.

Definitions

Elearning: “is when we use computers and the networks to which these are linked to in someway support the learning process” (This is very vague however this is explained as the nature of eLearning, it is vague and continually changing in its scope)

CBT: Computer Based Training (This was the earliest form of eLearning)

Synchronous Communication: real-time learning where all learners access the material at the same time e.g. webinars

Asynchronous Communication: not real-time where the material can be accessed on demand e.g. forums 

Blended Learning: “using forums for group discussions, blogs, as a means of reflective learning and wikis for group tasks”.  – Chapter 1

“The combination of different training media” “to create an optimum trainign program for a specific audience. The term “blended” means the traditional instructor-led ttrainign is suupplemented with other electronic formats” – Josh Bernsin 2004

Blending learning is “a complementary mix of teaching methods delivered using an appropriate selection of related resources, often technology based resources”.  Chalk + Talk.

Exposition: “is the delivery from teacher or subject expert to learner” this is a “one way process” which is “top down and teacher centred”. It is that the “person who is delivering that determines what is delivered and how”; either by the context of an event like a lecture, or in the form of content like a book.

Instruction / process of Instructional design: this is objective focused rather than learner goal focused; it is adaptive to the learners ability e.g. on job training or workbooks

Guided Discovery: is “an inductive process, it leads the learner towards insights and generalizations rather than providing these on a plate”, it “rarely has specific learning objectives”. E.g. “experiments, simulations, case studies, team building exercises”. The learners are “presented with a task to accomplish”, after the task there is reflection and analysis on the task and the results.

Exploration: “learner determines their own learning process, taking advantage of resources” this can be prompted by a starting point or trigger e.g. a handout or list of recommended books.

Informal Vs Formal Learning: “formal learning is like riding a bus: the driver decides where the bus is going; the passengers are along for the ride. Informal learning is like riding a bike: the rider chooses the destination, the speed, and the route.” E.g. Formal : planned classes, Informal natural on the job. Informal learning can be intentionally, accidental or unconsciously. 

eLearning Notes

Learners like their own pace, small chunks and learning on demand.

“Participants are more likely to carry out a self paced task such as reading or writing an assignment, if they know a live event is coming up that they will have to report their progress” (this is backed up by the TED Talk “Cultivating an E-Learning Culture | Lloyd Espiritu | TEDxDLSU”)

Digital Learning content asset Types: Interactive tutorials/modules, simulations, video / audio, online presentations, job aids / reference documents, Games/  data-driven modelling, collaborative activities, mobile apps.

Modern blended learning: has multiple routes, practice required, informal format, allows revisiting of material at any time in any location, displays the same content in many different ways, can evolve and adapt, requires application, is embedded into the learners workflow, allows for contribution to its curriculum and resources, one can share with others, includes reflection, and is learner controlled / learner led.

Tip: Don’t blend too many types and don’t put all material formats on one platform (e.g. a VLE) instead use a Hub for all the resources (e.g. Facebook).
Project Management Notes:

Project Management Notes

Popular project management methodologies such as Waterfall, PRINCE2, Agile, eXtreme and ADDIE which are incremental/phased/iterative ways to handle an eLearning project.  ADDIE was covered in depth which stands for: Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate; although this was the recommended method I believe I will stick to my preferred which is  Agile, as it is the industry standard.

The following questions were recommended to be asked before starting the project: What? Why? Constraints? Project Breakdown? Who’s doing What? What tools/systems? Communication format? What happens after?

“Summary of Clive Shepherd’s Blended Learning Cookbook”. Step 1: “Analyse the learning requirement”. Step 2 : “Design Your Learning Strategy”, this is via GEARR + exercise and practice. GEARR is an adaption of the Microsoft MODL, stands for Gather, Expand, Apply, Reflect, Review. Gear: background and core information on learner. Expand: add to your gathered information. Exercise and Practice: run exercises and simulations to gain context and motives for your target learners. Apply: find the “moment of need” when is the content of the course used or needed in context. Reflect: gather feedback. Review: review the impact, effectiveness, contributions, performance, and actively encourage your participants to review these elements. Step 3: “Selecting a mix off learning resources”. There are 3 types of activities: ABSORB: when they interact with new information. DO: when they use the information to achieve a learning outcome. CONNECT: when they make connections between info using information + skill + situations + abilities to then facilitate reflection, collaboration and sharing.

Tip: Use the Blended Learning Design Model to Analyse a current teaching strategy and adapt from there.

Disclaimer

I skipped chapters 2,3,5,some of chapter 7, 8 and 9; this was because these were focused on how to integrate eLearning into the workplace which was not relevant to my unit or my project. Chapters 10 and 11 were also skipped as they covered Game-Based Learning and Metrics which I will revisit if suitable.