Is e-learning a structured learning environment, such as BlackBoard or WebCT, or is it the total sum of one’s “learning network” with the myriad devices (and people), online and off?
This question came up on a mailing list recently (asking about university policies on e-learning that aren’t just about the LMS), and occurred to me again in listening to a presentation about Apple’s iTunes U. In many ways, what iTunes U offers seems to double up on what is already possible with Lectopia/iLecture. At Murdoch, we are already able to download lecture “podcasts” and subscribe to them: It’s just that they’re accessed through the Learning Management System (LMS: at Murdoch, BlackBoard) and takes a couple of steps. iTunes U would be an alternative way of accessing the same information, which some students may prefer as they are already familiar with and use the iTunes software on a regular basis. Same outcome, different input – flexible learning, right?
On the other hand, it’s good practice to “check in” to the LMS in order to see the announcements and (gasp) perhaps even check the Discussion Board from time to time. Would accessing lecture-casts via iTunes U, although a more convenient way to access learning resources (for some), end up being less convenient because of the missed opportunities for accessing other learning resources/information? Or would it encourage lecturers/lecture-developers to include that information in the “podcast” itself? To me, it’s kind of like having a book delivered to you from the library instead of going to the shelves – by having it delivered you miss out on browsing around either side of the book to see what else is on the same/similar topic. Then again, iTunes U offers a search of not only the university’s content, but also other sources… a big browse of big shelves!
But it comes back to “centralising” the e-learning experience, and creating a “hub”. Should it be centralised through (as) the established LMS? Or is “e-learning” now as diverse as the tools themselves? Should a “LMS” be, in fact, akin to iGoogle whereby the user determines the information coming in (and out)? But, again, what about the missed information and missed opportunities because you do not know they exist, in order to request them?
