WK1 Response #1- Sarah Hodge

Sarah wrote:

The benefits are great and the popularity of online and e-learning seem to increase with years passing. However, it is important to question the success and results of having these technologies. Hedberg (2006) states, "It is not simply a matter of providing access to technologies. In fact, it requires a careful process of ensuring collaboration between teachers and experts, gaining successful experience in teaching with the technologies and participating in a community that provides continuous support (172).” It is a process. It is also important to continually evaluate better ways to use such technologies. Hedberg (2006) posed a great question regarding this topic. He stated, “The question still remains as to how teachers can use e-learning technologies effectively when many of the obstacles are part of the organizational structures in which technology-based teaching is used. (p.173).”

In conclusion, although e-learning is growing at a rapid pace, is it being used effectively?

I commented:

Sarah,

i like your final question. If you skimmed through those wikipedia articles, you can tell that it's the normal human initiative to educate in the most expedient way. While you laid it out beautifully, it is no mystery why e-learning is growing at a rapid pace. But, I like that you added 'is it being used effectively?'...

Here's where I'm coming from: Human aviation has progressed from never before flying to 'flying' to the moon in less that one century. Once one milestone was surpassed, human flight, it opened the floodgates of an entire schema as it pertains to that particular technology. E-learning is very much the same dynamic. We have all sort of other technologies brewing all in line to develop each other. As we see developments in personal computing and human interfacing, we are going to naturally see new developments in e-Learning. It all piggy-backs off of each other towards one common goal.

The game that we know right now is going to change dramatically in just the next twenty years with the advent of touchscreen technology, flexible, disposable, low-energy displays, holograms, optical tech, biometrics!!!!...THINK about the implications!!!...

...my head is going to explode...