Learning 2.0

Given the title of the Blog, it might be worth defining what this term is supposed to represent...

Learning 2.0 - This is not merely the recognition of the rather ubiquitous group of web 2.0 technologies which are beginning to be exploited in e-learning or traditional education venues - Learning 2.0 is at it's core a philosophical paradigm shift. It can also be referred to as "Me-Learning" which as the name implies is a wholly learner-centric approach to education.

Learner-Centric education recognizes that Learner motivation is the key to assimilating knowledge successfully and that the techniques and tools of learning are secondary to it. If the apparatus of education does not motivate students, they will not learn and the investment will not bear fruit.


copyright 2008, Semantech Inc.

LMS - Term

Background
The notion of a "Learning Management System" or LMS has long dominated the discussion and practice of E-learning. This was understandable at first; an LMS is essentially a large content tracking and delivery mechanism (built atop some database engine). It addressed immediate considerations for automation of learning delivery both for online and classroom education; those considerations included:

• The ability to disseminate CBT and other electronic content over the web.
• The ability to support online course registration / subscription.
• The ability to support learner progress tracking.
• The ability to support some form of online assessment.
  

At the heart of this issue was the desire to provide some type of virtual metaphor for the classroom and the desire to automate a number of traditional, existing processes while simultaneously opening up new channels for education delivery. The LMS helped accomplish some of this, but also acted as a barrier for further innovation by entrenching much of the status quo approach to Learning Management as a process and a philosophy. T

Core Definition
A Learning Management System provides web-based access to Learning Content and various Learning administration capabilities. The exact nature of the content available and the administration features provided varies based upon product vendor. Multiple content standards are utilized, most notably SCORM and AICC. The majority of LMS products have tended to couple content delivery with content / learning assessment and this is also reflected in the standards mentioned.

Copyright 2008, Semantech Inc.

Distance Learning - Term

Distance Learning has held various definitions over the past two decades since I first heard it, but I will try merge them as best I can.

Formal Description
Distance education or distance learning is based upon the premise of providing education to learners across distances - at locations other than the educational institutions where the training is managed or disseminated from. Most often, the learning occurs at the learners' homes, but there are cases where it occurs elsewhere (in other schools, in libraries etc.). The precise methods and technologies that may be applied to it have evolved over the years; beginning with correspondence materials exchanged by mail, expanding to use of radio and television and eventually to the Internet.

Context
While the definition may seem to imply that e-learning or Learning 2.0 may simply be an extension of Distance Learning, it isn't. The difference involves the development of new comprehensive methodologies for recreating learning environments, but we'll explore that in greater depth later.

My first experiences with Distance Learning goes back to the early 1980s, but my most profound experience dates to 1988. That year I was involved both with production of some distance learning course while taking others - so it provided a unique opportunity to appreciate the phenomena.

The courses we produced were entirely video-based - we taped professors giving lectures in our college studio and then that video content was combined with other professionally produced video on the subject matter. Assignments were developed around both the videos and accompanying tests - the videos were broadcast on the local college television station. Assignments were mailed in or turned into the local branches of the college. While at times it seemed awkward, the use of broadcast video was in many ways highly effective. This is something I've kept in mind since my first attempts to design e-learning architectures in mid-1990's.

Copyright 2008, Semantech Inc.

Welcome to the Learning 2.0 Blog

Hello and welcome to the Learning 2.0 Glossary Blog. This Blog is meant to serve as a supplement for the Learning Leaders Blog and a preview for part of the Learning Leaders wiki / online magazine coming later this year.

As an original contributor to the ASTD e-learning Glossary, I have felt for the past few years that a major redefinition of our subject matter was needed, both to reflect the changes that have occurred in the industry as well as to help prepare for the next generation of enterprise learning solutions. Contributions are of course welcome, but even if you don't feel like participating, feel free to use this as a reference and link back to us.

Thanks and we hope you enjoy your visits here...

Copyright 2008, Semantech Inc.