eLearning - Myths, facts and issues

Both users and non-users of eLearning strategies may hold misconceptions regarding the adoption of such strategies in their teaching practices. Some examples of myths, facts and issues related to eLearning are listed below.

Myths

Facts

Issues

• Putting my lecture notes online is eLearning.

• Staff must put all their class teaching and learning materials online.

• The technology may get in the way of content or discipline knowledge.

• Reduction in course quality.

• Must answer every discussion posting within two seconds.

• Plagiarism will increase.

• eLearning makes the teacher become redundant.

• eLearning is distant education.

• I have to be a technology expert.

• Learning the technology is difficult and time consuming.

• Students do not see the need for ICT.

• Students will be expecting me to be available 24/7

• Interactivity in eLearning can encourage learning.

• Staff/students may need to learn new skills.

• Systems may fail at critical times.

• Students like to get their up-to-date materials and information about the unit in one place.

• A deeper learning approach can be encouraged by designing appropriate activities (any learning really!)

• Updating and informing is quick.

• Integration of activities and tasks can be facilitated with the technology.

• Greater flexibility in teaching and assessment practices.

• Face-to-face teaching is important.

• eLearning strategies can enhance teaching/learning.

• 50% students access WebCT from home.

• In a fully online unit the content can be reduced by up to 60%.

• The quality of the student learning experience is at risk.

• Students may not come to class (lectures).

• Changing role for lecturer e.g. considering differences between face-to-face and online environments.

• Negative attitudes of other faculty.

• Forward planning is needed to get it all happening in time for day one.

• Students like paper.

• Teachers need to adopt a more student centred approach.

• University needs to create and support an environment that allows students to use the technology via their own tools e.g. providing laptop connectivity.

• Students may need support in using eLearning.

• Staff workload will increase (e.g. learning the technology).

Your experiences of eLearning may differ from the above list. We invite you to share your views (please send your comments through http://www.catl.uwa.edu.au/page/67180).