The E-Space
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The E-space:
What is it?
E-Learning spaces are any learning environments that are online or in a virtual world (Rosenberg, 2001). E-learning is quickly becoming a popular teaching strategy in schools, with more and more schools across the world introducing online learning (Anderson, 2008). The e-learning space can be classified into four categories; tutor, exploration, tool and communication. These four categories form the basis of online learning (Means, 1994). This post will explore the strengths and weakness of e-learning spaces for both students and teachers.
To introduce an e-learning space into your school, consider how to best achieve success through e-learning and the strengths and weaknesses that an e-learning space will provide to your students.
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E-learning for teachers:
In this day and age, there is a whole new environment whereby educators can come together to share, discuss and develop new ideas and ways of thinking. The online environment, or e-learning space, provides teachers and educators with a platform to connect with other professionals from all over the world (LEO 1ST REFERENCE).
The new platform for educators to connect is a huge strength when it comes to professional development and discovering new ideas for teaching and learning. The e-learning spaces provide teachers and educators with an unlimited range of resources and techniques that they can employ in their own classrooms (Merriam, Caffarella & Baumgartner, 2012).
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Not only is the e-learning space beneficial for teachers in regards to professional development, teachers are also able to use the e-learning space as a means for student engagement (Disca, 2014). Catering for a range of different learning needs is crucial to seeing success in learning for all students (Woolfolk & Margetts, 2013).
The e-learning space in classrooms can be beneficial for teachers at it can present students with a new way of learning, however, teachers need to spend a lot of time discussing with students online etiquette (Rosenberg, 2001). Online etiquette refers to the way in which individuals conduct themselves in the online environment. Teachers need to be extremely aware of how their students are behaving in the e-learning spaces and ensure that online etiquette is being respected.
E-learning spaces have proven to be effective and engaging classroom environments, however teachers always need to have a back up plan in case technology fails. Although e-learning has many benefits in the classroom, it is not guaranteed to always run smoothy, therefore teachers are required to implement a secondary teaching technique (Rosenberg, 2001).
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E-learning for students:
The e-learning space for students is an exciting and intriguing learning environment. Students love to try new things and in this ever growing world, using technology is becoming second nature. Technology is everywhere that we look so its only logical to bring it into the classroom (Disca, 2014).
In e-learning spaces, children have the freedom to produce their work in way that is meaningful and interesting to them (Anderson, 2008). E-learning spaces provide students with the opportunity to direct their own learning and explore many different outlets and revenues to express themselves (Anderson, 2008). With the appropriate guidance and scaffolding, students can be immersed in an e-learning space that will take them to a point of success and achievement that may not have been reachable in the past.
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The use of iPads in schools can be an effective teaching and learning tool for both students and teachers. If iPads are used effectively, they provide students with a whole range of learning opportunities to explore (Murray & Olcese, 2011). When given the freedom to use iPads as a learning device, students need to enter the e-learning space aware of the unlimited content and the online environment. Cyber safety is an element of e-learning that students need to completely understand before they enter this learning space (Haugland, 2000).
Distractions can have a huge effect on the success of an e-learning space in regards to student achievement. E-learning spaces allow students to explore new ways of learning, however, the online world is so vast that students might find themselves becoming distracted and not placing their focus on their learning (Anderson, 2008). To limit distractions, students need to engaged in their learning and have a strong desire to complete their learning goals.
How can we transform our school to best support e-learning spaces?
- Provide a range of tools, for example, iPads, laptops or computers, interactive whiteboards etc, within budget.
- Support and guide students through developing the appropriate skills for an e-learning space
- Create collaboration opportunities for students to work together in an e-learning space
- Allow students the freedom to develop and grow in the e-learning space through creativity and exploration
- Use the e-learning space as a means for communication and develop safe online practices throughout the school year
"We need to bring learning to people instead of people to learning." - Elliot Masie