Digital move-meant

This came about when I was thinking about how our department may have two different focusses, which could be split into two areas.  First one being Learning Technologies by us researching, developing, promoting, supporting and evaluating websites and systems to enhance the learning and teaching process.  The second area being eLearning where our apprentices are designing and developing eLearning materials for curriculum departments.  I wanted to determine if they are different areas or are they one as such.

It then got me thinking about what do these two actually mean?  Whilst I have a great understanding of both of them, I thought I would ask out to the super minds on the ALT mailing list of what their views were before I made a judgment.

I'm glad I had a similar view, and it has helped me to clarify and justify my position on both of these areas.  Below I've summarised the contributions and my thoughts.

Learning Technologies is about the overall tools and systems that can manage learning, such as publishing software, social media and Virtual Learning Environments.  Learning Technologies can be viewed as a toolkit in which they help you to design learning with technology in mind.  Learning Technologies should support and enhance face-to-face, blended and self-directed learning methods. You can't use technology for technology sake. It has to be underpinned with pedagogical value and purpose.

eLearning is the pedagogy that can be used within the chosen Learning Technology.  eLearning is a process that enables learning to be facilitated and supported appropriately within the chosen technology.  eLearning provides the essential pedagogical foundations that is usually missing within the technology.  eLearning can appear in many forms such as self-directed learning objects and online participation.  However, depending how eLearning is designed it can be both online and offline.  At this point, a definition could be that Learning Technologies are the tools and systems that support and carry the eLearning pedagogy.

Furthermore, whilst there are many phrases for this type of learning, design and method, it could be grouped together as digital learning.  We should look at what is happening within the entire process of Learning Technology and eLearning and try not to dwell too much on the meaning, as the happening will define the meaning.  Digital is a more modern and holistic approach to the pedagogy, processes, tools and systems involved in supporting and designing learning with any technology.  However, you could say that the meaning of digital should also include Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills, inclusivity/participation and creating knowledge with others.

In summarising this, I suppose it backs up my recent statement of; if eLearning "was" just copying, pasting and uploading a file, there wouldn't be a wealth of pedagogic and academic research on it.  Plus, this kind of discussion all contributes to the never-ending thoughts of what a Learning Technologist should think about and carry on thinking about, which all links into my thoughts on Developing a Learning Technologist.

Death by academia?

Well, my first year of doing the Technology Enhanced Learning MSc has now officially come to an end.  I've been given feedback on the two modules that I did side by side.  Dangerous I know!  But I'm working to a tight aim of getting this done for when I turn 30 next year.  Maybe a bit too ambitious looking back.  By no means am I rushing it, I'm all about quality and growth, but I do want it to be fast-paced because if I slow down then I'll become a bit demotivated with it.  I can rest and celebrate properly afterwards.  Right, looking at the grades, I am really happy with the E-tutoring one, although lots to consider and take forward as there always is.  The Introduction to Action Research in Teaching and Learning, I wasn't really happy with.  I felt disappointed with myself.  But after chatting and reflecting on this, it gave me the courage and determination I needed to up my academic ability.  I know I need to make some serious changes for the finale that is this educational journey.

Academic writing has been my biggest weakness, given my educational history.  But I do feel I am more pragmatic.  So the biggest experience I have had so far is learning academic writing and being specific and critical of what I mean and say.  I've not had a graded course before and this will probably be my first and last.  So I want to aim high, as we all do.  But this means a lot to me to show that I do know something.  See, I am really dim, but I want to prove that I do know something.  It's not about the material value for me, but the self-worth that it carries.  I've pushed myself so much for the last ten years, which is where it all began.  It all hangs on this final stage in doing the Theory and evaluation of e-learning and dissertation.

So, here's my plan of action, to start off with:

• Take some light academic skills (criticality, fluidity and signposting in writing etc) reading on my holiday to prepare
• Take tutors feedback and comments I need to develop
• Use supporting articles given by the tutors
• Book in with an academic skills tutor to have a chat

So, you could say it nearly is death by academia!  Or it will be when I have finished this MSc! But as a positive reminder, I did say I’ll give this MSc everything I’ve got, and I don't think I've gave my all just yet.  So lets do this again, and all over again and show I CAN.  I can make an academic out of me yet.

A Desktop Analysis of eLearning Packages

In February 2015 I did this presentation to other Advanced Practioner teachers on illustrating the delicate and sensitive process of what is involved in creating eLearning packages, whilst showcasing the unique qualification(s) our apprentices are working towards.  I'm constantly researching and studying the science of eLearning design and this was a tiny breakthrough in disseminating my thoughts on the matter.  EDIT: the A/V Production unit was later replaced with Storyboarding.