E-Learning Policies: Pilot Course

Post-event Statement

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Background

This course is based on ADBI-produced lecture CD-ROMs.

Sri Lanka considers education one of the main pillars of economic and social development. Its education goal is to produce skilled citizens capable of competing in the global market and contributing to domestic economic growth. While Sri Lanka has progressed in basic human development, it has been unable to translate these achievements into sustainable economic growth. Many graduates lack employable skills. Innovative educational policies are needed to reduce the gap between a large number of unemployed and the demand for highly skilled knowledge workers. The international community is supporting the development of the education sector by providing ICT expertise. However, the current demand for education and training requires additional strategies and action.

Rapid innovation in ICT is transforming the way we work, the way we interact, the way we learn, and the way we live. In the education sector, e-learning increases access to education by making it possible for students to fit their education into traditional lifestyles and work schedules and choose from a wider-range of courses and learning opportunities. E-learning uses ICT to overcome barriers of traditional learning. Multimedia technology in education makes it possible to illustrate and teach complex processes. Computer courseware can be effectively designed using a systems approach as well as integrating appropriate instructional systems design principles.

During the pilot course, the benefits and issues of e-learning will be discussed. Relevant software, hardware, and courseware will be reviewed with some hands-on practice sessions. The course will also introduce a learning content management system to monitor teaching-learning process. Participants will draft their own courseware development plan based on sound principles of instructional systems design.

The training methods for this course will be:

• Self study with lecture CD-ROMs and course study guides;
• Online video streaming, using a learning content management system;
• Face-to-face presentation and discussions;
• Video-conferencing with resource speakers;
• Small group brainstorming and creative activities; and
• Online discussion forum

Staff of ADBI and Distance Learning Center will serve as facilitators. Lecture CD-ROMs will be used mostly, instead of live resource speakers.

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Objectives

At the conclusion of the pilot course, each participant will

• List key benefits and limits of e-learning programs,
• Choose proper equipment and software suitable for e-learning,
• Use learning content management system,
• Draft a plan to develop a multimedia computer courseware, based on sound learning theories and instructional strategies, and
• Evaluate commercially available computer courseware.

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Outputs

• Twenty-five well-trained teachers and government officials in e-learning.
• Realistic strategies for introducing e-learning in their schools.
• Twenty-five plans of courseware development.
• Course proceedings.

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Participants

Participants are teachers and government officials in charge of e-learning. Interested persons from civil society and the private sector are also welcome.

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How to Apply

Please send inquiries to ADBI in Tokyo: Jeoung-Keun Lee

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Language

English (Neither interpretation nor translation into local languages will be provided.)