E-learning Design Assignment 2

This written report will focus on the context for the e-learning course, learning theories, a storyboard and the recommendations for integration of technologies of “understanding the impact of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) which is conducted under Non Government Organizations (NGO’s) Training Program, run by the Department of Community Services (DoCS).

Context for the e-learning course

E-Learning is a catch-all term that covers a wide range of instructional material that can be delivered on a CD-ROM or DVD, over a local area network (LAN), or on the Internet. It includes Computer-Based Training (CBT), Web-Based Training (WBT), Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSS), distance or online learning and online tutorials. The major advantage to students is its easy access. There are some typical elements and a standard approach to developing or authoring e-Learning material. E-Learning provides the student or learner with information that can be accessed in a setting free from time and place constraints. The student can go through the lessons at his or her own pace.

In this drug and alcohol course, online videos, webinar, group discussion, activities and etc are used in this program. There is a 2-day program applied to completing this course by doing lots of activities in different ways. This course is to increase knowledge and understanding of working with clients with AOD related concerns, to provide practical strategies for effective management of clients presenting SAAP services and to improve knowledge regarding referral and treatment options. All those information will be covered in the 2-day teaching program.

Learning Theories

There are two learning theories, which are applied in this course; they are humanistic and cognitive learning theories. The central assumption of humanism, according to Huitt (2001), is that people act with intentionality and values. According to humanistic theory, learning results from an individual’s need to express creativity. An individual must engage in creative activities to gain a sense of control, growth, and knowledge. The individuals are encouraged to learn and express themselves.

Methodologies for teaching learners through the Humanistic Theory in this AOD program as a e-learning course could:
1.  Allow the learners to have a choice in the selection of tasks and activities when ever possible.
2.  Help learners to be familiar with this new program.
3.  Have learners participate in group work, especially cooperative learning, in order to develop social and effective skills.
4.  Act as a facilitator for group discussions when appropriate.
5.  Be a role model for the attitudes, beliefs and habits you wish to foster and foster continue to work in becoming a better person and share yourself with learners.

Humanist instruction involves learners in all stages, including planning to ensure topics.  These programs rely on self-analysis, team builders, learner evaluation and peer learning using various tools and approaches.

Individuals are actively involved in the learning process, according to the cognitive theory of learning. The learning process consists of linking information that was formerly learned with the new information being learned. The cognitive theory also contends that people are in control of their own learning and that as we learn we organize the information in the brain much like file folders on a computer (Barrett, 2006).

The responsibilities of the facilitator, in accordance with the cognitive theory, are to present organized course. In this selected designed course, facilitators are expected to understand learners’ experience (they are not familiar with this program and topic and internet knowledge) and stage of development (the learners might no need to complete all activities) and use that to ensure the course is developmentally appropriate (Funderstanding, 2001).

Storyboard and Justification

There are lots of group discussion and group and individual activities in the whole process. Thos are both based on humanistic and cognitive learning theories. The storyboard gives the main idea of what is the AOD program look like and what will be involved in the course. It is simple and straight forward, so it is convenient for those learners who is the first time to do e-learning course and it is also easy for those people who just want to look at those topics they are particularly interested in. If it is too complex, then it makes learners get frustrated easily.

Learning Technologies

Because of those new learners are not familiar with this new course, so webinar here help those learners a lot. To both learners and organizations, webinar saves time and money. It is also a good technology that makes the whole course interesting and learners are willing to be continued. More information about webinar is on the wiki, which I did for my previous assignment.

Online video is another technology used in this program. Learners are looking at those videos that are related to the specific topics and ask questions and then the facilitators are answering the questions. The learners also think deeply when they are watching those videos. It is another way to mentor learners about their program.

Conclusion

This report has outlined the context of the selected course, “the understanding the impact of Alcohol and Other Drugs”, how the humanistic and cognitive learning theories are applied to the course. A simple storyboard that helps the learners quickly get involved into the course and the learning technologies facilitate the learner’s understanding of the program.

References

Barrett, E. (2006). Cognitive learning theory. Retrieved November 1, 2006, from http://suedstudent.syr.edu/~ebarrett/ide621/cognitive.htm

Cai, K., Marshal, S., Small, J. & Sugito, E., Synchronous, in elearningdesign3, wiki, accessed 20 May 2008, http://elearningdesign3.wikispaces.com/synchronous.

Funderstanding (2001). Piaget. Retrieved November 1, 2006, from http://www.funderstanding.com/piaget.cfm

Huitt, W. (2001). Humanism and open education. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved September 11, 2007, from the URL:  http://chiron.valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/affsys/humed.html.

Learning Technology Video: http://informl.com/2008/02/03/learning-technology-2008-on-youtube/

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