Factors that contribute to a learning rich – e learning environment

Discuss the key factors in your opinion that contribute to a learning rich e-learning environment

From my research and personal experience the following are key factors:  

a) Sound theoretical basis underlying design principles

Before developing an e-learning environment the emphasis should be placed on pedagogy and theory rather than the technology.  Both Woo and Reeves (2007) and Shepherd et al (2001) support the notion that a learning rich e-learning environment needs to have their origins in an educationally sound theoretical basis. Both social constructivist theory and generative theory provide suitable theoretical frameworks to analyse, evaluate and design e-learning environments as describe in part one. Equally, Cornfords (1999) explanation of  Bandura’s (1997,1986,1977) ‘Model of Processes Governing Observational Learning’ could provide a framework to provide teachers, trainers and managers important insights into factors that must be taken into account in developing social learning environments and would assist in planning for learning and analysing success and failure.

b) Engaging and relevant instructional content

Importance should also be placed on the ‘social architecture’ of the learners as described by iCohere (n.d). This is the roles, processes and approaches that engage people in the learning process. A sound e-learning environment must develop meaningful interactions which extend beyond mindless chatting and sharing personal opinions (Woo and Reeves 2007). It should also stimulate a learner’s intellectual curiosity and engage them in productive instructional activities and directly influence their learning (Hirumi 2002, Vrasidas and McIsaac 1999 as cited in Woo and Reeves 2007). The content must be able to engage people who are in different life stages, with different perspectives, motivations and possibly different professions with differing goals for learning.

c) Support structures

A learning rich e-learning environment would offer a support structure in the way of peers, instructors and resources which facilitate the learning process. The notion of a community of practice as described by Lesser and Stork (2001) and iCohere (n.d) highlight the importance that co-workers and organisational teams can play in the learning process. Instructors and peers can act as role models and provide support, links to resources and feedback during the learning process. In addition conscious facilitation by instructors and experts within the learning community will help define a predictable rhythm about how and when people should participate and help participants learn the norms, roles and expectations of the community (iCohere n.d).

d) Collaborative learning

The opportunity to engage in learning conversations which encourage the flow of ideas, exchange of information and construction of new knowledge creation through a collaborative process is an important element of e-learning.  An e-learning environment which provides opportunities for collaboration across organisational hierarchical boundaries and global networks as identified in the notion of a community of practice can improve individual and organisational performance (Lesser and Stork 2001).  In addition, a learning rich e-learning environment which fosters and enhances social capital can play an important role in building and maintaining knowledge within organisations.

e) Technology platform

The technology platform or technical architecture should be easy to use, easy to install, easy to navigate and understand. It should allow both asynchronous and synchronous interactions where learners can choose when they want to participate and choose their level of active involvement. A superior e-learning environment will allow flexibility of participation which meets the needs of learners as they can personally determine whether they would like to be an active participant or an observer who participates in legitimate peripheral participation.

Conclusion

From my readings, literature review and personal experiences with e-learning environments I have found that a learning rich e-learning environment should have its origins in disciplined pedagogical practices and educationally sound learning theory. Other key factors which contribute to effective e-learning environments include engaging and relevant instructional content, providing peer and instructional support structures, opportunities for collaborative learning and a flexible and easy to use technology platform. I would also suggest that a learning rich e-learning environment would also include evaluation of the effectiveness of learning outcomes for both the individual and the organisation, however I was unable to find little research to support this idea and propose it is an area for future study.