Synopsis of my eLearning Journey (So Far)

Since the 1990’s there has been a massive boom in Information Communication Technologies (ICT). This has opened up limitless opportunities for enhancing learning environments. Tools such as webquests, ePortfolios, Youtube, PowerPoint, wikis, blogs and Wikipedia are just some of the ways educators can take learning to a new level.

Current learning theories suggest that students need to be able to “relate”, “create” and “donate” (Kearsey, & Shneiderman, 1999) within their learning tasks, be engaged and interested (Prensky, 2005) and be supported within a flexible network containing resources and learning supports (Oliver, 2001). Through experimentation with ICT tools, I’ve seen just how these tools could be used to provide an effective learning environment. ICT has now allowed learning:
- To be engaging, relevant and fun,
- To move from a desk to anywhere and anytime,
- To incorporate knowledge from the greater community and the world,
- To relate first hand with real and authentic tasks,
- To have access to unlimited resources and information,
- To be supported through extensive collaboration and networking opportunities, and
- To be shared and developed beyond the initial learning task.

This blog is actually an assessment for a course in eLearning. It’s given me the opportunity first hand, to experience web-based learning. I’ve learnt so much through experimentation with ICTs and have through this blog, created a resource for my teaching and learning that can develop and grow in years to come. It would have been great to collaborate more with my peers on these posts, and although I did follow many blogs and make comments, it didn’t seem to stimulate the interaction I would have liked. Having a personality that wants to grasp the big picture before taking action didn’t help in getting posts published sooner, which in turn would have allowed more time for peers to interact. The opportunity to view my peers’ blogs did however provide opportunity to see different perspectives and create motivation in making my blog interesting and relevant. I also appreciated the reliable interaction with Scot Aldred, my lecturer, and my peers through the learning system Moodle. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the skype conference recordings, which were helpful and made me feel, as a distance student, more connected.

This learning experience has given me resources to enhance my future in the music education industry. Each tool in some way or another could be used. In particular I value the ICT tools that enable music to be shared and collaborated on. I can see now how ePortfolios (through sharing music and projects), royalty free music (to use as examples and enhancements), Youtube (for access to unlimited music videos), interactive animations (to make music theory fun) and online quizzes (to encourage students to do their homework), could quickly become a part of my teaching today. This blogging experience has opened up a door of opportunities that go well beyond the scope of this blog.

Many ICT tools have been discussed in this blog and how they could be used practically and in relation to learning theories. However, ICT is a domain that can never really be harnessed. Within two decades the Internet use has grown from basically nothing, to people carrying it around in their pockets. By the time the majority of the population grasps a new technology application or device, technology has moved on and we are again left behind. Maybe we should be encouraging teachers and students to accept and welcome change and learn 'how' to keep abreast with ICT developments instead of training them in using specific, current technologies. The emphasis should be on developing the ability to be an independent and continual learner in a digital world where change is the constant. No one can ever afford to assume they know everything about ICT. Instead, we all must grasp one simple statement:

Never stop learning, because the eLearning journey is never ending...


References:

Kearsey, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved July 19, 2009, from
http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

Oliver, R. (2001). Seeking best practice in online learning: Flexible Learning Toolboxes in the Australian VET sector. Australian Journal of Educational Technology, 17(2), 204-222. Retrieved August 10, 2009, from html://www.proquest.com/

Prensky, M. (2005). Engage me or enrage me. Educause Review, Retrieved July 22, from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0553.pdf