Save the Date!
On June 6th and 7th, George Mason University in Fairfax Virginia will be hosting the annual Innovations in E-Learning Symposium. Learn more about how CourseAvenue enables enterprise-wide e-Learning development in the presentation of a case study completed by the US Department of Agriculture at this conference. You won’t want to miss it! To find out more about the conference, visit http://innovationsinelearning.gmu.edu/. Please contact us if you want a copy of the case study in advance. You can email us at sales@CourseAveue.com.
What do you want to be when you grow up…or in another life?
Education in the Virtual World
If someone told me years ago that one day, we would use video games as a venue for class, I would have laughed and said, “Sure we will! That’s every kid’s dream.” So when I first heard about virtual worlds – and, more specifically, virtual worlds in education – it seemed crazy that this dream had become reality.
After our blog post last week on the different e-Learning styles, we thought it worthwhile to look at an example of these learning technologies in education today by considering virtual worlds.
Virtual worlds are 3-D computer environments in which users are represented on screen as avatars – either images of themselves or made-up characters – and they interact in real time with other users. Some examples of these include massively multiuser online games (MMOGs) and worlds such as Second Life.
While this technology seems cutting-edge and full of possibility, the growing disillusionment as it concerns education begs this question – by making an education system in the virtual world, are we really doing anything to improve e-Learning or are we simply making incremental changes to what we already know?
As a company, we can honestly say we don’t know where to land on that question. We have seen education in virtual worlds look the same as a lecture hall in real life – stadium seating, whiteboards, and all. How is this any different than a traditional classroom? And what about the time and money that is poured into creating this virtual reality? On the other hand, we have seen virtual worlds where you (as an avatar) meet the people you are learning about and go to places you could not go to in real life. What a unique learning experience! But is it worth it? Let’s consider the two sides to this question.
What Virtual Worlds Offer
- Virtual worlds allow you to experience things that you would not normally be able to experience. For example, when you are learning about history, you can meet Christopher Columbus instead of simply read about him. In art class, you can go to the Sistine Chapel and have it surround you instead of simply look at it in a textbook. In science, you can go inside the human body! Virtual worlds, in this unique way, enhance your ability to learn.
- Virtual worlds also have the ability to be socially interactive. People can meet at the same time to have real-time discussion and interactions (synchronous learning – refer back to previous blog post). They can also have self-paced courses (asynchronous learning). It can cater to both styles.
- Finally, it is an advantage to have a classroom accessible online. Education becomes available in any location.
What Hasn’t Panned Out
Education in the virtual world has not really lived up its potential. What got in its way?
- First, the cost to implement and run an educational system in the virtual world is very high. It costs a LOT of time and money to set-up a virtual world. The software to create the virtual world, the technology to support the software, and the man-hours to train people how to use it are just a few examples of the initial costs required for this technology to work.
- In the same vein, institutions must reexamine their priorities and how they are spending their money in a struggling economy. It is difficult to continue to invest in something that does not show strong results. There must be a measureable impact on education compared to what we have today in order to evaluate its effectiveness. Moreover, this measureable impact must be big enough to make the venture worthwhile! Because education in the virtual world is so difficult to start-up and navigate, people are questioning if it really worth the investment.
- Finally, the virtual world system is difficult to learn. Before you can use it most effectively for education, the students have to learn how to even navigate what is before them!
The Question
The bottom line is this, and it is an issue for the whole industry of e-Learning to consider: Is education in the virtual world revolutionizing and improving our ability to learn, or is it merely taking the traditional classroom and making an incremental change by making it virtual?
Sourced from KZero Worldswide
What worries us the most is that the e-Learning industry is selling itself short by seeing this form of technology as the future of education. We would love to know your thoughts on this discussion! Is education in the virtual world e-Learning at its finest, or do we need to be rethinking our direction altogether?
E-Learning for Beginners: Back to the Basics
(Fourth in a periodic series)
I still remember my first day at college. I went to class with butterflies in my stomach, not sure what to expect of this thing called “higher education.” It sounded intimidating.
My professor began the class by handing out a syllabus and explaining her procedures and the materials we would use throughout the semester. “I will be posting all the extra reading assignments on Blackboard,” she said to us. Wait, Blackboard? What is that? Little did I know that Blackboard and I would become good friends during my college years. Blackboard is a website that my professors used to post materials for their classes. They posted articles, assignments, links to other websites, discussion boards, etc. on this site. This was my first taste with technology intersecting with the classroom.
Perhaps you have had a similar experience with learning and technology. Maybe not. In your own experience, what is the first thing you think of when you hear the term “electronic learning?”
Some say that e-Learning happens when teachers use a PowerPoint. Others understand e-Learning as more advanced screen-by-screen courses online. It can also look like a webinar that people listen to over the Internet. Others see it as pdf files attached to a common website for class.
There are so many understandings of e-Learning. So what does this term mean?
Let’s begin by drawing a basic distinction between two fundamental styles of e-Learning: synchronous and asynchronous e-Learning.
Synchronous E-Learning
Sourced from “Synchronous and Asynchronous E-Learning” by Stefan Hrastinski
When instructors and students come together at a scheduled time, synchronous learning takes place. The difference between this and a traditional classroom is that everyone meets “online.” Webinars, video conferencing, or chats are common mediums used for synchronous e-Learning. This allows communication to happen real-time, allowing everyone involved to feel like participants rather that isolated learners. Along with this, responses to the material are immediate. The real-time participation makes this a social form of learning.
Asynchronous E-Learning
On the other hand, asynchronous e-Learning has more flexibility. Students and teachers do not come together “virtually” at a specific time. Instead, they complete the lesson or participate in the discussion on their own schedule. This type of learning is best done through email or discussion boards because people can pick up on the conversation whenever is most convenient. It doesn’t required real-time participation, so while it is a less social form of learning, participants can work at their own pace. This allows for deeper thinking on a topic as well because responses aren’t required immediately. Asynchronous learning is generally better for more complex topics that require more thought and time to process.
Sourced from “Synchronous and Asynchronous E-Learning” by Stefan Hrastinski
Which to use?
Both of these styles of e-Learning use technology in a unique way. Many people debate which style of e-Learning is better. Some say that a combination of both is ideal.
I suggest that having an awareness of the strengths and weaknesses for each style is ultimately the best scenario. We can then assess which style and technology will be best for a specific circumstance. To best engage with e-Learning, we should try to get the greatest benefits out of each form.
What’s your response? Do you agree with this basic e-Learning distinction?
Our next post will consider more on the controversy of the concept of the “virtual classroom.” Let’s look at how these e-Learning styles play out in the real world.
E-Learning for Beginners: Back to the Basics
(Third in a periodic series)
So what’s the big deal?
The past couple weeks we have focused on the definition of learning in great detail. Why is it so important to think about this concept of learning?
This is exactly the place where we should pause and reflect. Why does it matter? Is learning still a valued concept in our society today?
The answer is yes!
Our society has undergone economic and cultural changes. Naturally. Technology has exploded. Information is more available, and there is more of it. All these changes have only increased the significance of learning now.
And people realize that learning has changed and that we need to change with it.
Consider a national poll done by Public Opinion Strategies and Peter D. Hart Research Associates. Americans reflected on the need to teach and learn 21st century skills. The results show that they understand the economy has changed, and we need to learn 21st century skills to continue to be competitive in the workforce (see graph for skill examples). We see the shift in learning, and because of it, we need learning more than ever. More importantly, we recognize its value.
Practically, bosses want better performance from their employees. Parents want to see their kids develop skills and grow. Individuals want to challenge themselves and discover more. This is relevant because learning has tangible results, affecting profit, efficiency, and performance. Learning has great significance to us. Economic and cultural changes have driven much of the shift in learning.
Why?
To put it bluntly, it’s all about the money.
It is a simple equation: Completing a task faster + less manpower = more dough. Because technology could help solve this equation, learning shifted under economical motivation.
Paper materials became out-of-date compared to online material. Online resources allow people to access them anywhere, anytime. Gone are the days when learning was restricted to a classroom setting. People can learn according to their schedule, and more than that, materials and resources can be distributed to a larger number of people.
These economic changes walk hand-in-hand with cultural changes.
Our culture has become more “connected,” and technology has transformed the way we do everything, especially learning.
We now have the ability to connect with people outside a community and within a community. Our world has expanded beyond the four walls of a physical facility and now learning can occur in network facilities, such as the Internet and Intranet.
We can also get information immediately. This technological change allows our culture to know the most up-to-date material. Learning becomes current and relevant.
Technology has done more than enhance our old perceptions of learning; it has transformed it on the whole. Enter: e-Learning.
The concept of “learning” is a significant part of the term “e-Learning.” Now that we have a stronger understanding of learning, we can use this foundation to dive deeper into e-Learning specifically. Our next blog post will consider what e-Learning looks like.
To begin thinking about this next topic, take the short poll below to gauge your thoughts on e-Learning. We want to hear from you!
E-Learning for Beginners: Back to the Basics
(Second in a periodic series)
When I was in grade school, I read a science fiction story about a kid’s education experience. It was set in the future. In this story, he did his homework electronically and sent it to a “virtual” teacher on a screen who then talked back to him in an automated voice as they began lessons for the day.
I remember thinking as a young grade school kid that this was completely thrilling – this technological, virtual world that seemed only to exist in science fiction. The potential of technology was only a thing of the imagination at the time.
Then I grew up. And methods of learning continued to mature, and this incredible world of technology came into full form.
Along with this came a whole new idea of learning that was radically different from the idea I used to hold.
A Tangent: How Change Happens
Let me wander a bit.
I HATE change. Okay, that might be a bit strong, but I don’t usually like it. I tend to fight it. When it happens, I want it to happen slowly. I want it to happen in bite-size pieces.
At the same time, I LOVE some changes. I am in awe of guys like Steve Jobs (for example), who come along and seem to radically revolutionize a process or an entire industry. That’s inspiring.
But that doesn’t make much sense does it? How do I hate change and love it at the same time?
While I struggle with that, I don’t think I’m that much different from most of us. Most of us usually hate change. But we still rush out and buy a billion copies of Steve Jobs’ biography. What does that say?
And I think it’s because of our feelings about change that change TENDS to occur in bite-size steps. Usually, someone comes along and makes a small, incremental change to something and then another small step and then another. It’s rare that someone comes along and remakes something from scratch.
What’s Changed With Learning? Learning v. Training.
For so long, people seemed to use the words “learning” and “training” to mean the same thing. But that has changed and continues to change. “Learning” and “training” are not the same thing.
As we outline in the last post, “learning” is acquiring new skills and knowledge through experience, practice, study, or teaching. This transforms a person’s behavior, beliefs, or thoughts as a whole.
“Training,” on the other hand, teaches a specific skill to accomplish a specific end. This illustrates one form of learning, but there are other ways as well to do learning as well.
So let’s begin with this: How do we do learning?
Considering the factor that measures the success of learning – the OUTCOMES – is a great place to start.
Learning has MEASUREABLE RESULTS. It has outcomes that can be assessed and improved.
This phrase highlights the shift in learning from training to performance. In the old way of thinking, acquiring new skills resulted in being “trained.” Training only goes so far. It can be part of the process of learning, but to see it as learning itself or the outcome of learning falls short. It can be equated with teaching a dog to do new tricks. A skill is taught, but no vision is casted, no goal is set, and there is no room or motivation for innovation.
Learning needs to be performance-minded. Learning RESULTS in performance, and it can be measured and evaluated.
Learning with a performance-focus includes setting goals, instilling personal motivation, internalizing knowledge, and receiving feedback from others. Goals create motivation to perform better and more efficiently. This encourages innovation to think of new solutions and ideas to reach the goal. Acquiring new skills is the practical way to get to where the learner wants to be, and feedback ultimately refines the effort and improves the quality of performance.
What’s Changed With Learning? Where and When We Learn.
Here’s another change. For so long, learning was always equated to the “classroom.” When people talked about “learning,” they had in their heads an image of a traditional classroom, with a teacher, desks and chairs, and chalkboards. And when they talked about advancements in “learning,” they were almost always talking about ways in which that image – the old classroom – could be improved or perfected.
That thinking shouldn’t surprise us. It’s the way things traditionally change (see above).
But what we’re also starting to see is radical change. Learning is changing in a much more drastic way and we will have to stop viewing these changes as the bite-size pieces we might want. Instead of asking how we can make a traditional “classroom” better, we need to focus on how to make LEARNING better! We need to step away from any preconceived notions we might still have that “learning equals classroom” and start over with a blank sheet of paper and design it from scratch. More specifically, we need to step away from defining “learning” with an image of a place and a time (the classroom) and define it instead as the process it is, and thus free ourselves from the constraints of the place and time.
Our next post will talk about the cultural and economic changes that are driving this change and how it’s impacting learning.
Do you see this change? Let us know.
Changing the Accessible eLearning Perception
We understand the need for “alternative versions” of courses when their purpose is addressing different learning styles or assisting those with particular disabilities. However, creating an “alternative version” of a course for the sole purpose of achieving ADA/Section 508 compliance just doesn’t make sense to us. At the very best, it’s a duplication of effort. At the very worst, it wastes money and produces a flat, monotone course of questionable equivalence to the original.
That is, in our opinion, what an “alternative version” of a course often is – one or more .pdf’s or a vanilla html version with no interactions, videos or knowledge checks. Compared to, for instance, the Flash-based course used by the majority of folks, these “alternative versions” are legal (maybe) – yet boring – substitutes.
We’ve observed that developers often create “alternative versions” of courses for two reasons:
1. Often, “alternative versions” are created because the developer has a comfort level with an authoring tool that simply cannot produce accessible eLearning. Frequently, developers are unaware that the way their authoring tool “achieves compliance” is by “having the developer create an alternative version.” Unbelievable, yet true.
2. Another common reason eLearning developers don’t create a single accessible course: a pre-existing preference for an instructional design that makes producing accessible content difficult.
For example: in one case a developer insisted on using a drag and drop interaction in an assessment. Making drag and drop accessible is possible but was beyond the developer’s know-how; therefore by including this one interaction the entire course was rendered non-compliant. This mandated the creation of the “alternative version” of the course that was ADA/Section 508 compliant.
Two courses were created and maintained when only one was needed. Most companies struggle with keeping one course up to date, let alone two versions of a single course. Is drag and drop really that important?
The good news for fellow accessible eLearning advocates is that the two reasons discussed above are not worth clinging to. They’re based on perception, and most people are glad to change a misguided perception when presented with clear, true alternatives.
That’s what we’re trying to do at CourseAvenue. We’re showing eLearning developers that a course can be interactive and engaging using a single platform that ensures the course is useable for all. We’ve seen firsthand that when provided with instructional design, technical know-how, and an authoring tool that embraces accessibility, developers are open to having one course for all.
We’ve all got to focus on making accessibility so understandable that developers would need a good reason not to create only one course. We need to encourage a paradigm shift within the industry.
Accessible eLearning — One Version for All
Is the eLearning community saying to those with disabilities: “We give up?”
I spend most of my days reviewing eLearning courses and talking with eLearning designers and developers struggling with “Accessibility Issues” (e.g. making them Section 508/ADA compliant). To my dismay, I’ve seen a large number of developers (people and organizations) simply give up. They either:
1) Rely on “not getting caught.” They produce eLearning with complete disregard to accessibility, banking on their ability to whip up accessible versions if needed, or –
2) Produce an engaging (inaccessible) version for most learners and “an alternative version” for those with disabilities.
I believe both strategies are unacceptable.
The first one is obviously illegal, and as the growing number of eLearning accessibility lawsuits prove, “not getting caught” isn’t a viable option for any organization.
The second strategy, in my opinion, is misguided. People with disabilities arguably have the most to gain by eLearning, yet they are increasingly slighted. If the “alternative version” of the content is truly providing the same learning experience, why not give that version to everyone? When I ask an eLearning developer this simple question the response usually trails off quickly: “Well, it really isn’t that…you know…”
Yes. I’m afraid I do know.
We created the Accessible eLearning Leadership Awards to show people there is no need to create alternative versions of eLearning. Interested in seeing what fully accessible eLearning can look like? Here is a screen image of one set of courses by Boost eLearning:
Want to see more?
Take a look at what was built for returning Veterans at http://bit.ly/vaelearning.
My message to the eLearning community: Don’t give up! You can create fully accessible eLearning that is useable by all. It’s the legal — and right –thing to do.
eLearning and Elevators
We think they have quite a bit in common. Yes, they can both raise a person to new heights, but we’re looking at a commonality that’s a bit more grounded.
Both eLearning and elevators must comply with accessibility laws. This compliance is not a one-step process: eLearning providers should no more depend on a “make accessible” button than a building owner should depend on a verbal assurance an elevator is ADA compliant. Building architects don’t leave designing accessible elevators, stairs, and restroom facilities to chance. We can’t say that eLearning designers take the same care.
When the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990, the learning curve was high. Lawsuits involving lack of handicapped parking and non-accessible elevators abounded. Businesses scrambled to meet the learning curve and understand the specifics of accessibility.
Now, the legal tide is changing direction. We’ve recently seen a surge of lawsuits against organizations that are not providing accessible eLearning. As with any law, ignorance of Section 508/ADA regulations is no excuse.
Accessibility for both eLearning and elevators has many layers. For example, you may believe if an elevator uses Braille signage, it’s ADA compliant. Not so. There are many components to an ADA compliant elevator, starting with the height and location of the call button sign and ending with proper handrails. If one piece is missing, it’s not legally ADA compliant.
It’s the same with eLearning. Accessibility starts at your web site, continues with your LMS and travels to your eLearning content. If one layer is missing, your eLearning is not accessible to all.
CourseAvenue provides eLearning solutions that are Section 508/ADA compliant. We can’t help you with your elevators, but we can guarantee your eLearning will be accessible to everyone.
ADA and Section 508 Lawsuit Tsunami
A tsunami of lawsuits may hit businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. The targets are websites and elearning. The advance lawsuit storm waves have already hit Target, the VA, Arizona State University and others. Your website or elearning courses may be next.
The New Definition of Facilities
Though providing equal access to buildings, restrooms, elevators, and the like has become common and expected, until recently equal access to an organization’s “digital” facilities” has often been more of an afterthought—if thought about at all. The ADA and Section 508 are essentially civil rights legislation aimed at ensuring equal access to people with a disability. Though the acts were initially aimed at access to physical facilities, with the pervasive rise of the internet, wheelchair ramps and wide restroom stalls are not enough. As a result, the ADA and Section 508 now encompass the accessibility (or lack thereof) of websites and elearning.
But I Don’t Have Blind Employees
It’s a common misunderstanding that the ADA and Section 508 only apply if the organization has a blind employee. Wrong. The acts apply to a wide range of disabilities including color blindness, reduced vision, hearing disabilities, and physical disabilities such as the inability to use a mouse or keyboard. In addition, the acts are not restricted to employees but include those in the general public who might use your facilities. Finally, if you operate a business open to the public, or have accepted federal funds, or are a local, state or federal government agency, you are subject to the equal access requirements regardless of whether you have employees with a disability. Again, failure to provide equal access is a civil rights violation and a losing hand in a lawsuit.
Inaccessible Website Costs $6 Million
In brief, Target does business with the public and its website was not fully accessible to people with disabilities. Target paid $6 million and corrected their website. The VA had training courses it’s employees were required to complete. However, the courses were not accessible to employees with disabilities. The VA lost the lawsuit. The list goes on.
Accessible vs. Usable
Faced with the daunting obstacles of creating an accessible course— whether to avoid a lawsuit or to simply provide users an accessible elearning experience—several common methods are used. Unfortunately, many may simply be providing a false sense of security. Creating an accessible course is often not as simple as checking a “make accessible” box; adding some alt text; saving a PDF; or creating a Flash file. These methods may be little defense against the ADA/Section 508 lawsuit tsunami. For example, a “Make Accessible” check box in an elearning authoring tool does not say “Make Section 508 Compliant”! Adding alt text only addresses some elearning accessibility issues, and a PDF or Flash file may be technically accessible but practically unusable. What is meant by “practically unusable”? A 45 degree wheelchair ramp may be a ramp, but the steepness makes it unusable by someone in a wheel chair and an expensive lawsuit would likely result.
Separate But Not Equal is Expensive
Besides the extra cost and maintenance issues inherent in creating a separate “accessible” version of an elearning course, many simply do not provide the same rich learning experience of the “standard” course it is based on. Then there is the issue of lack of SCORM and AICC conformance. The solution to accessibility as well as usability is to create one course, usable by everyone. Sounds easy, but up until now that meant hand coding by a team of very skilled (and expensive) programmers. Coordinating the complexity of a two-way learning experience to accommodate assistive technology such as screen readers and voice control, while correctly building in appropriate navigation focus, a glossary, table of contents, and assessment questions is not for the inexperienced or those on a tight budget.
A New Approach
Until now, many organizations were caught between the looming lawsuit tsunami and the expense and time required to achieve ADA and Section 508 compliance. However, there is a new approach that is both affordable and more efficient than maintaining separate course versions. It also enables staff to create courses, rather than a team of expensive programmers. By starting with an authoring platform that has accessibility built in (and is independently certified), your staff can shorten development time while delivering media rich elearning courses that are both accessible and usable by everyone. Better to do the job right the first time and avoid separate course versions that are expensive, hard to maintain, and often an easy target for a lawsuit.
e-Learning Lessons for Electric Car Development
We are beginning to see something new in automotive mass manufacturing: electric cars. Sure, there have been electric cars before. But this time it’s on a different scale. Many automotive manufactures have at least one electric car coming to market. Many more are in testing. Tesla is selling high-end electric cars to the rich and famous, GM is delivering the unique Chevy Volt starting in November of 2010, and Nissan’s Leaf all electric car is due in December, 2010.
Chevy Volt’s Range Extender
Unlike other electric cars, the Chevy Volt is an all electric vehicle with a gasoline powered “range extending generator”. Drive around town powered by cheap electricity stored in high tech batteries that recharge overnight from a standard wall outlet, or drive cross country with electricity generated by the quiet, fuel-efficient gasoline engine. Because 75-78% of cars are driven less than 40 miles a day, many Chevy Volt drivers will never need gasoline for daily errands around town or going to work. Electricity is about 66% less expensive per mile than $2.50/gal. gasoline. For longer trips, the range extender insures a steady supply of electricity no matter the distance. Very innovative.
The Sounds of Silence
Besides the sports car handling and powerful torque reported by test drivers, the Chevy Volt is quiet. Very quiet. A trait it shares with other electric vehicles. While drivers remark favorably about this, others have noted that ultra quite cars are potentially dangerous to pedestrians and particularly the blind. As a way of alerting pedestrians, the car manufacturers have now agreed on standards for electric cars to actually create some sound at low speeds. The Nissan Leaf sounds a bit like a quieter version of the Jetson’s flying car. But adding exterior sound to a quiet car has created heated controversy.
Accommodating the Blind and Others
I was surprised by the tone of some online discussions about this accommodation for the visually impaired, children, elderly, and others. Many comments derided the idea of using sound to prevent injury to pedestrians. Some seemed to feel it was exclusively the pedestrian’s problem and responsibility, blind or not. Some felt the electric car was being unfairly singled out compared to traditional cars or even bicycles. Of course it’s easy to overlook or minimize obstacles that you or someone you know have not faced. This battle has been fought before when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed.
Accessible e-Learning Shows the Way
Prior to the ADA, people with a disability where often confronted with barriers to entry, etc. Of course, the need for equal access is not limited to the physical world. As many know, Section 508 of the ADA applies to e-Learning accessibility. In many ways, e-Learning has traveled along a similar path to eliminating barriers for those with a hearing, sight, or physical disability.
Despite much progress, today there are still many e-Learning courses that give little or no thought to those with disabilities, or do so more as an afterthought. Thankfully, there is an increasing movement toward using state-of-the-art e-Learning course development platforms that generate courses accessible to everyone, handicapped or not. A SCORM compliant “one course everyone can use” approach that saves time, eliminates update issues, and enables compliance with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The richer learning environment provided by these “accessible by everyone” courses benefits all learners, not just those with hearing, sight, or physical disabilities. Now that the capability exists to easily create a single course that everyone can use, old legacy courses can be converted as well. As a result, letting learners with a disability “fend for themselves” is no longer justifiable even from a technology standpoint.
Woof!
Like many other things originally designed to address the needs of people with a disability, an electric car that “advertises” its presence at low speeds will likewise benefit not just the blind, but other pedestrians too. No word yet on what car chasing dogs will make of a visit from the Jetson’s!
