Elearning for the Technology-Challenged

Here in the Philippines, only a small percentage of the population have access to a computer. Of these, only a small percentage have access to CD-ROMS and the internet.

If this is the case, building online courses would be useless for most.

How do you reach out to the less-priveleged?

TV and Radio. But since radio and TV stations are costly, what choice do we have?

The VCD and to a cetain extent, the DVD.

I've been to many rural areas and have noticed that many households have TV sets and quite a number, VCD or DVD players.

Filipinos love watching movies. The proliferation of pirated VCDs is a testament to that.

VCDs as Elearning? This idea might be the spark for national development.

Searching for the Pocket-friendly and Effective Elearning Tools

Searching the net for elearning, I found several tools for authoring, learning management systems (LMS), learning content management system (LCMS), test and quizzes software, help tools, multimedia applications, and other possible software for elearning.

I’ve had some experiences with several big names which also (to my mind) carry the heaviest burdens on the pocket. Admittedly, they are top-notch solutions for elearning development. They can cover content and learner databases, multimedia, usability, scalability, ease of use, portability and other features you might want in a system.

But there are also a lot of systems out there that may be right for your needs, and do just as good as the big names for a lesser price. And better yet, free.

Open-source, freeware and low-cost software: can we find quality tools for elearning among these?

CUSTOM-FIT ELEARNING

My search for elearning providers in the Philippines returned only a handful. And most were catering to IT and programming. There were one or two which provided soft or business skills. And I guess that all of these are licensees of US, UK or some other country.

I surmise that the reason for this is still business. Why re-invent the wheel? You already have existing training programs, developed and researched and tested. And for IT and programming, certification exams are based on approved elearning programs and curriculum. Developing your own programs for these standard courses is just not cost-effective? Why make when you can license?

This is justified of course. Anyone who ventures into elearning must think of what's best for the company he forms. It will take him a lot longer and cost him more money to create his own program. And there is the "colonial mentality" we have. That homegrown is almost always inferior to US or imported products.

But I beg to differ in some aspects from this line of reasoning. In designing any learning program, be it traditional classroom or online/elearning, the bottom line is still learning. And you take into consideration your learners.

I believe that the Filipino learner have unique needs and quirks as much as he has similar requirements with learners of different nationalities. I submit therefore that we might learn better if the eleraning programs we use are custom-made for us.

Case in point. Language and diction. In 1996, I went to the states for training. I ordered breakfast from a nearby Wendy's Hamburgers store and was stumped after I finished giving my order. The reason? I could not understand what the cashier was saying. She repeated it 3 times and I still couldn't get it. My colleague understood and repeated what the lady said. Apparently she was saying "Is that all for you?". I know that I had better than average command of the English language.

2nd point. Cultural. Most or all Americans know football or baseball. But not all of us do. So, if an elearning progarm uses these as examples, they wont get the message across.

I just brought out a few points, and there are many.

Do we need to make customized learning for our audience? Yes when we can and if it is sound business to do so. And I believe that we can.

That's why I'm here.

Contingency

I had a rough night.

We had power failure at 12MN. We were still in the dark as we went off for work. Which brings me to the topic of contingencies.

Contingency was a topic I was just reading last night for my entrepreneurship course. It talks of having options, alternate decisions, planning and worst case scenarios. At work, we have the business continuity plan which states that we should be able to operate and do processing for our client even if our mainframe gets compromised. At home, I had a rechargeable fan, fans, rechargeable light, candles, flashlight, batteries, food, etc. We still had difficulty sleeping comfortably, but at least the kids got more sleep. Maybe I should get another rechargeable fan for us, though I think its not worth it at this point. We can get by with one night of discomfort. And besides, this doesn't happen often, and is not life or death. What do you think?

Also, can contingencies be made for all types of business?

Take for example elearning. What if there is a power failure? A busted computer? a bad CD? Incorrect software?

My point: Contingency has cost. And it may not be apparent that it is worth it. Until things go haywire. You may get by without any contingency. But think of the opportunity to "show off" and gain the trust of your customer. And maybe more sales.

I better get that rechargeable fan later.

ELEARNING OVERVIEW

I gave my boss a teaser about elearning. And she informed me I was to give a 1 hour overview about it to the company - a brown-bag session on Nov 4. I am excited about this prospect. I've been championing Elearning in our company for quite some time. This may be my chance to sell it.

Here is what I sent. I took portions from the book ABS's of Elearning, Chapter Two, Copyright 2002 Jossey-Bass.


Imagine this: The clock reads 8:00 AM. You are in the middle of a training session with your pajamas on. You decide that you need to sleep until morning. The clock buzzes at 7:00 AM and you come back to previous topics that were unclear while sipping coffee at your favorite coffee shop. You finish the training in the office and get the results of your exams immediately. You passed with flying colors! But you think you need to go back to one or two topics. So you decide to look it up again the following day. At no extra cost. And you didn't even have to go to the training center.

Sounds cool?

ELEARNING: convenient, anytime, anywhere learning. This is the trend in education and training. Elearning is rapidly becoming a standard method for training and education. It is convenient, cost-effective and can be done online, offline, anytime.
In general, Elearning is generic term for all technologically supported learning using an array of teaching and learning tools that utilizes electronic media such as phone bridging, audio and videotape, videoteleconferencing, satellite broadcast and the more commonly recognized forms of web-based training or computer aided instruction also commonly referred to as online courses.

Benefits for Learners. Here are some attributes of well-designed elearning. From the point of view of learners, well-designed e-learning:
1. Creates interactions that stimulate understanding and the recall of information when learners exchange questions during online discussions.
2. Accommodates different types of learners and fosters learning through a variety of activities that apply different learning styles.
3. Fosters self-paced learning so learners can learn at the rate they prefer.
4. Provides convenient access to learning any time, any place.
5. Reduces travel time and travel costs.
6. Encourages learners to take responsibility for their learning and builds self-knowledge and self-confidence.

Benefits for Managers. Managers who have had success with elearning comment that it can:
1. Provide automated, continuous assessment and reporting of student participation and progress.
2. Reduce capital costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar schools and training facilities.
3. Reduce costs of learning materials, mailing, and telephones associated with distance learning programs.
4. Create more consistency in the training program through a template approach.
5. Provide access to instructors anywhere.

Are you ready to benefit from Elearning?


I have to start on my outline. God is Good!

FIRST POST

Today, I place my thoughts on the net.

My current interests:

Low-cost Elearning
Open-source and freeware
Entrepreneurship
Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences

More later.

Thank you Lord for giving us everything we need.