Synchronous versus asynchronous learning

One of the primary decisions to be made in developing online learning programmes is the method of delivery, which can be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous learning takes place in a real-time environment, usually through an online classroom or webinar platform, such as Blackboard Collaborate. Asynchronous learning takes place at the convenience of the learner (and…

Wanted: Instructional Designers expert in [insert subject here]

As the recipient of a weekly job notification email for higher education services of various kinds, I keep an eye on what jobs related to learning development and online learning are on offer. I pass along good opportunities through my twitter feed, and I like to comment on trends, issues and other points of interest here in…

Online learning environments: the basics

There are two big categories of e-learning technologies that affect your first decision of how to deliver your learning programme: Learning Management Systems (LMSs), also called Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs),  and toolkits / individual tools. How you proceed with your learning design and delivery will need to take into account which direction you want to…

No, technology is not everything; but yes, it is important

I don’t write much about technology in order to make sure that the other aspects of online and digital learning get due emphasis. This does not mean that the tools and technologies you use to develop and deliver learning are not important – they most certainly are: it is rather to keep this factor from taking…

Encouraging high level facilitation

In a recent post, I talked about key qualities of good facilitation (6 qualities for good facilitation in online group learning), but how do you set the scene for good facilitation to flourish in blended programmes? Here are some things to do at the programme development and operations level to nurture and encourage high level facilitation: Start…

Online learning development factors

I’ve recently created a new model for the various factors involved in creating successful online learning. This is an initial conceptualization of the main considerations that interact — and sometimes clash. The key is to recognize which ones are legitimate priorities (i.e., the learners and their needs) versus which ones have a tendency to dominate…

Fetishising Technology

One of the key mistakes organisations make in starting down the road to online learning and training is to overvalue the technology and undervalue the role of learning design, leading to the question: does the technology serve the learning or master it? We may be winning the battle against the luddites, and slowly enticing the…