CONTENTS. page 4. page 6. page 20 DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF E-LEARNING Advantages & disadvantages Motivation of learners Marketing...

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2 3 CONTENTS 2009 Cursoforum S.L.U. Published by: Cursoforum S.L.U. c/aduana 33, Madrid. Tel: First edition: July 2009 Authors: Cursoforum S.L.U., ABS Wyda and Analyses Design and Composition: Demian Ortiz Pablos Fotography: Fotolia.com page 4 Introduction page 6 Presentation of partners Analyses... 6 Abs Wyda Cursoforum Courses offered by the participants page 20 DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF E-LEARNING Advantages & disadvantages Motivation of learners Marketing page 32 DifFerent Profiles in e-learning Administrators Tutors Learners page 38 Elements of the platform Communication Interactive & multimedia elements Teaching material page 44 Tests Rules of creation & setting of test parameters Kind of questions Evaluation of answers page 48 Conclusion page 50 ConTACT INFORMATION

3 4 introduction 5 E-learning methods and tecniques The main aim of the brochure is to help to improve e-learning methods and techniques used in participating countries. The brochure was created within a project financed by the European Social Fund. identifying the main techniques and methods used in particular countries, defining similarities and differences between these techniques and methods, This project called Improving e-learning methods and techniques, has been developed from September 2007 to August 2009 within the Grundtvig program by three participants: Analyses (Slovakia), ABD Wyda (Czech Republic) and Cursoforum (Spain). The main goals of the project are: sharing the actual knowledge and experience of different European analyzing the best possible solutions for improvement with the use of current material so that each partner will be more effective and will use the best e-learning tools in their future projects, defining the threats and opportunities of new methods and techniques, preparing the implementation of new ways of e-learning. countries in e-learning,

4 presentation of partners - fair 6 7 The organization has more than 100 experts and teachers fair several projects and activities oriented on new innovative methods of education, especially e-learning education. We are implementing a project: Development and implementation of distance e-learning education aimed at development of entrepreneurial skills in Bratislava region (financed by the ESF). or information technologies). The e-learning courses will be used to train young graduates in order to support their willingness and abilities to start their own business. Another e-learning project is oriented on teachers dealing with other projects. The project: Development of e-learning education in managing projects supported from the structural funds will help teachers on secondary schools to be able to understand problems of project management. Analyses is an independent publicity and publication of, We have our own e-learning platform community group, seeking new approaches studies and information materials. ( where we offer to key problems of the Slovak society. We have been concentrated on e-learning courses for citizens. The contents We are confident that the society it two main issues during the last 3 of these courses are about soft skills, self should respect the basic principles years: education project for marginalized communication, marketing and finance. We of justice which in turn is linked with groups and support of new forms also organized courses for marginalized adherence to the fair equal opportunity rule. of education (specially e-learning). Platform of Analyses groups (mothers on maternity leave, young unemployed, young prisoners, To achive its goals, Analyses We are running several national project We have created six new e-learning etc.). These courses are focused on concentrates on the implementation financed by the European Social Fund in modules oriented on self employment motivation and communication skills, of independent projects and programs, these fields. Besides, we are executing support (e.g. finance, marketing, innovation Information Technologies and languages.

5 presentation of partners - fair 8 9 The organization has more than 100 experts and teachers (both internal and external) working in our projects. We cooperate closely with several other relevant institutions including universities, community centers, self-governments, etc. Our e-learning environments Our e-learning environment is based on the open free software called MOODLE. The software is used all over the world by universities, schools, companies and independent teachers. MOODLE is open source and completely free for use. animation for interactive tasks. To correct text displaying we use standard fonts. This must be supervised by administrators. It is allowed to use a picture and flash animation for interactivity. We usually make interactive tasks such as: drag and drop activities, choose an answer with explanation which answer is correct and why, choose one or more correct answer a kind of small test, casual studies, examples from practical studies, and other. MOODLE is a software package for creating internet-based courses and web sites. It is an ongoing development project designed to support a social constructionist framework of education. MOODLE is provided freely as Open Source software (under the GNU Public License). Basically this means MOODLE is copyrighted, but that you have additional freedoms. We can modify the final look of the system according to our requirements. We have made our own design and modified course structure. In MOODLE it is allowed to use different types of learning materials. We can use Power Point presentation with flash We are preparing to use video and voice in our e-learning modules. Our e-learning courses are dimed at students, teachers and beginners of self employee. We are running more than 20 courses.

6 presentation of partners - abs wyda From 2008 the company offers e-learning courses and has developed its own new space for these courses Our e-learning courses in a modern electronic space has developed its own new space for these courses. S.R.O. Educational company ABS Wyda has developed within European abs wyda ABS Wyda is member of the Associacion Of Adult Education Organization in Czerch Republic. It is also member of the regional council for lifelong education. ABS Wyda has some experience in Europan projects, such us Leonardo or Socrates. Since 2006 it has developed two educational projects a new E-learning space ( project was called Space A. Within the framework of this project five pilot courses were created for administrative staff for example secretary, specialist, personal clerk etc. Posibilities of space ABS WYDA, s.r.o. is a non-formal adult education organization. Our seat is in Zdar nad Sazavou (Czech Republic). computers courses, courses for starting enterpreneuers. projects under the European Social Fund. The E-learning space offers four different kinds of study: It has a staff of six members. We offers education activities in the following areas: The company also offers counsulting service in project creation area. (I) Individual courses. The learner studies by their own all Our specialists can help to prepare the teaching materials and in finish requalification courses for unemployments people, courses of soft skills for managers, secretaries, bussinesmen, train the training, projects in education area. At the computer skills area our company is certificated as evaluating centre for ECDL tests (computer skills) and EBC*L (bussines skills). From 2008 the company offers e-learning courses and of course he (she) can pass the test for evaluation of knowledges. (Q) Course with Questions. The learner can ask the tutor to answer five sets of question concerning the course topic.

7 presentation of partners - abs wyda (M) Managed courses. The learner can study the teaching materials and within the help of the tutor. (W) Course with Workshop. The learner can take part in workshop after finishing study in e-learning space. the learner of courses M and W is leaded by a tutor and has to make some work according to the tutor s requirement, the learner can verify his/her own knowledge by using the training and closing tests, e-learning system gives information about correct and uncorrect answer. Platform of ABS Wyda What news does e-learning space bring? Four designs of courses (I; Q; M; W): tests with four different kinds of questions, a possibility to communicate with the tutor, a possibility to download some files to learners computer,

8 presentation of partners - cursoforum Cursoforum is a Factory of Contents and Management of knowledge with a catalogue of more than 500 references cursoforum Currently Cursoforum is working at National and European level in the developing of materials for the execution of different training projects. The beneficiaries of its training services are public or private enterprises, institutions and organizations, to improve workers knowledge and tools. production and coordination, editorial consulting and promotion of editorial products. Pre-printing services: Typesetting, text correction, lay out, web design, optical recognition of characters, infography, incorporation of high recognition in auto edition files, digital images treatment and conversion of informatics files. Cursoforum is a Factory of Contents and Management of knowledge with a very intense activity in the field of Graphic Design, Editing and Printing of technical and business books and handbooks - with a catalogue of more than 500 referencesand creation of learning tools, training contents, e-learning and Consultancy. Cursoforum has a wide experience in the creation of learning-teaching supports adapted to the different teaching methods: in-classroom, distance, blended learning and e-learning, developing e-learning applications and products. In order to offer a good service to our clients, Cursoforum boasts a highly qualified staff, which is continuously adapted to learning needs: Multimedia experts. Experts in different subjects. Pedagogical Experts. Cursoforum s editorial activity Graphic design: Corporative identity programs, advertising, packaging, editorial design, publications, infography, digital images treatment. Editorial services: Writing, style correction, graphic design and lay out, bank of images, illustrations, Printing services: All kind of printing works: books, magazines, catalogues, companies reports, advertising, stationary, bookbinding, handling. Multimedia and Internet: Creation of PDF documents, interactive books and magazines, interactive catalogues, long distance training programs, corporative presentations, copy of CD- ROM and all the kind of multimedia works.

9 presentation of partners - cursoforum E-learning in cursoforum Cursoforum has about 300 published handbooks and approximately 20 e-learning courses, which are in the learning platform: The steps to develop the e-learning courses are: * Cursoforum selects the most demanded handbooks among the trainees and with more interest in the market. * Multimedia experts adapt the handbooks to e-learning methodology include long distance learning. This centre covers some common aspects to all the different distance platforms, and includes several first order technological advances. The offered services can be classified as follows: The e-trainers and teachers are external experts. Cursoforum gives to the e-trainers a Trainers Manual with clear instructions to follow during the e-learning process. Trainees and teacher can interact using the communication tools: , forums, chats, and the answer doubts related with the course are answered in 48 hours maximum. with the help of the author of the handbook. * Graphic designers program the courses in multimedia format (Flash) to give them interactivity. The course is placed in the e-learning Platform. centroformacion.com Platform of Cursoforum This is the name of the platform developed for the promotion of E-learning among the students of the courses that

10 presentation of partners Courses offered by the participants administrative courses management selling skills courses for administration staff courses for manager of all levels courses for bussinesman Partner administrative courses management selling skills marketing and bussines counting personal area marketing and bussines counting courses focused to marketing courses for counters Cursoforum Abs wyda personal area IT courses legislation courser focused to effective work with employees courses for computer users courses from legislation area soft skills courses of communication, behavior, team bulding etc. Partner IT courses legislation soft skills vocational courses languages other vocational courses courses focused to vocational preparation in concrete proffesion Cursoforum Abs wyda languages other languages courses other kinds

11 Different aspects of e-learning can adjust the time spent on the course according to their abilities. If they understand the topics, they can finish sooner and do not waste their time in the classroom. If they need to study some topics more deeply, they Advantages and disadvantages of e-learning can do it without interrupting others. * Interactivity. Different multimedia usage. The e-learning can be very interactive. The systems can use learning methods, which allow active participation of learners on education process. Some features of content According to the experiences of our partners, e-learning cannot be used for every kind of education or in some special situations. Comparing to the traditional education, there are several advantages and disadvantages of the e-learning. Main advantages * Flexibility. It can be studied from everywhere and at anytime. The students can study the lessons not only in the schools, but also from any other place (library, at home, with friends). They can also study whenever they want or need. It is not just flexibility, but it also allows students to take the courses abroad, far from their home. There are basically no limits for number of participants at the e-learning courses. * Each student can individually set his / her own speed of study. Students in the e-learning system The students can study the lessons not only in the schools, but also from any other place (library, at home, with friends) can be shown through audio and video sequences, which are bringing better understanding of content. Using the computer, e-learning education.

12 Different aspects of e-learning * Faster evaluation of tests, faster * Very easy to prepare test. you quite easily to add more the case of traditional education. feed back. The teacher can prepare test in a information, change the content This allows more people to be Most e-learning systems are using very easy way. Many of e-learning and offer the latest information or involved in the study of the courses. immediate evaluation of tests. This brings an immediate feedback to learners, including correct and platforms can give a quick feedback to students. The results of the tests are automatically ready in few minutes. add new part of teaching materials. * Learning community. TOP benefits of e-learning according to our experiences: incorrect answers. Some systems also In many e-learning systems it is allowed allow cumulating all answers used in tests, so teachers can get * Easy to update content. If you compare the classical teaching to speak with other students and with the tutor by chat or . It gives Flexibily feedback of difficulty in each question. materials with e-learning, it allows more sociable feeling to students and they are not alone during the study. Individual rate of study Interactivity * Personal tutor every time. The tutor is just for you, at your Different way to show content disposal. One of the best things e-learning can offer is that the Low cost tutor is available for the student No limits to students throw internet during their study. Easy to update * More students at the same time. There are basically no limits for number of participants at the Main disadvantages e-learning courses. This allows many students to study at the same time. * Tests must be structured, it is not allowed to present the student s * Less cost for participation. opinions and presentation checking. The attendance on the e-learning The teacher has delimited opportunities courses is cheaper, so the price for to create test. The main disadvantages the courses could be lower than in of e-learning testing is missing face

13 Different aspects of e-learning to face exam. But many types of test are similar to those of in classroom teaching. to face teaching. Using e-learning methods for teaching can by used only as communication throw PC. This way is not as personal as classic teaching. * No face to face interaction. People could be frustrated because it * You can cheat. is a little bit impersonal, and they Using E-learning methods for teaching coul dhave problems during their and testing brings more opportunities studies and at the same time, because for cheating. The students are not under they do not have an immediate teachers control during they are in the support from the tutor. Sometimes exam process. If they have time, they frustration can come up, and students can answer not only to their questions give a student special exams such is required to have very difficult and usual can feel alone in the process. but also the answer questions of other as writing essays and other writing techniques and a lot of additional costs students. They can also use another test. It is not impossible but it takes if compared to traditional education. * Lack of motivation make the source; for example internet, or books to more time and it is not automatically learning boring. It is very difficult for learners to be pass the exam not only their knowledge. function in e-learning environment. TOP Disadvantages: motivated when they are studying alone. * Content must correspond with * You need technical equipment. Specially, if the content is not very interactive, it could be boring to them. technology. The tutor can use only the technology For e-learning study it is necessary to have a PC, internet connection and other lack of motivation which is available for e-learning platform. technical equipment. Some students IT skills * Required IT skills. If students want to study e-learning courses, they must have certain level of Some additions can make materials for study much bigger. Student can have problems to study teaching materials, can have a problem with this, because they don t have them. Equipment function is not always perfect, so expensive to develop the content has to be adapted IT skills to be able to start education and because of size. it is not unusual to have problems to technology follow instructions. * You do not have direct feedback. * Difficulties with practical exercises. Because the e-learning is a not face when solving those same problems. * More expensive development. sometimes could be boring impersonal The best way for feedback is face to face teaching, it is a problem to To achieve interactivity of the courses it

14 Different aspects of e-learning Motivation of learners We can present a lot of good information in an environment that is more conducive our e-learning courses, but we can to learning. Our job is to figure out what not really control whether or not a will motivate our learners and then use person learns from them. The learners that angle to attrack them into the course. own what they learn and much of it is determined by their level of motivation. Typically, people are motivated when their learning has meaning. For example, if The good news is that while we can not make a person learn, we can create I know that passing a course will bring an increase of my income, I am motivated to pass the course. The same can be said for being motivated by personal safety. It is important to reduce the effort required for the students to learn So, we have to be creative at tapping into what will motivate those who take our elearning courses. There are many things that a teacher can do in order to motivate students to learn. It is important to reduce the effort required for the students to learn, what involves a higher quality in the design of the contents and more pedagogical resources based on ICT. Then we have to offer reasons for the student to take advantage of the training trough the communication tools. It is important to adapt the training contents to the real training needs of the trainers, and this is obtained by making them a previous test of knowledge and showing the students the utility of the contents to their professional or personal development. message; encouraging students to participate and dynamize in the forum; summing chats in a determinate day and hour; asking the trainers their opinions about the course and an immediate feedback. Related to monitoring, tutors have to establish deadlines and times to do the practices, exams, evaluations, etc. and then communicate with learners about the results of the evaluation. In order to make that communication more personal, there must be a one to one communication, as well as an especific language to motivate learners. It is better to search simultaneity between the teacher and the learner, and if needed, call the learner to know about their situation and motivation for the course. It is vital for tutors to have more communication with trainers, using little tricks such as sending them a welcome

15 Different aspects of e-learning Marketing of e-learning As a marketing plan in each organization has marketing of e-learning own strategy, methodology and tools. very popular and it is used by almost all entreprises. So the target group can be tired of leaflets and posters and will not notice our publicity. module work is, or to explain to new target group how e-learning platform works. Participants can choose the e-learning module by good practice. * Others: Seminars, exhibition, advertisement in print media, novelty, direct marketing, marketing, public relations and others. Innovation forms of marketing are still in progress and can bring more clients. Marketing is one of the most important parts to present e-learning platform and e-learning modules to public. As every organization has a marketing plan, e-learning also has its own strategy, methodology and tools. It is a kind of product or services for organization so all tools are selected very carefully and these tools follow definite goals. Marketing is a good way to let people know what is coming. Each organization has its own form to present and motivate learners. Each audience must be targeted with messages specific to them as the benefits of e-learning will vary depending on job role. These are the most common marketing tools, which are used by many organizations: * Leaflet and posters: This is the most common marketing tools. It is not very difficult to create graphical leaflets or posters. These are very often tools for all target group, all types of modules. They are very easy to disseminate and its contain is very easy to adapt to each target group and modules. The little disadvantage of this way of publicity is * Web pages: Every organization present information of own product and services on web pages. It is very effective to change information and put there all the information you can give to the target group. The advantage of web pages is that they are accessible to a large target group and with a detailed set up, very easy to find out. The main condition is that it need connection to internet. * Free courses: This marketing tool can be used, when you want to show how new e-learning

16 Different aspects of e-learning Marketing strategies Partner administrative courses management selling skills marketing and bussines administrative courses courses for administration staff management courses for manager of all levels Cursoforum selling skills courses for bussinesman Abs wyda marketing and bussines courses focused to marketing counting courses for counters Partner counting personal area IT courses legislation Cursoforum Abs wyda personal area IT courses legislation courser focused to effective work with employees courses for computer users courses from legislation area soft skills courses of communication, behavior, team bulding etc. Partner soft skills vocational courses languages other vocational courses courses focused to vocational preparation in concrete proffesion languages languages courses Cursoforum other other kinds Abs wyda

17 Different profiles of e-learning Besides, support students technicians solve technical incidences with the platform and courses. Students can get in touch with them by and/or telephone. automatic automatic and hand work login is full made by system a part of login is made by system and a part login is made by administrator E-learning space and people Partner Cursoforum full automatic combination both automatic and hand work hand work Abs wyda administrator Tutors all login is made by administrator The academic management team must have ready the online and offline materials for the beginning of the course. They Administrators according to the SCORM standard and usability and accessibility principles. Partner monitoring all enters of each learner monitoring outcomes of training and final tests archiving test have to compile, send and manage students administrative documentation and send them the corresponding This is a wide role that can be different according to the institution or school. Mainly, they are in charge of the technical part Administrators need to ask if the elearning experiences they offer are based on accurate Cursoforum password. Finally, they have to monitor courses through the motivator and tutor. of the courses, they create and maintain assumptions about what students want and Abs wyda Tutors are experts on training the content them, apart from solving all the doubts and need. They coordinate the e-learning system, of the course, and they have an important problems generated from the use of courses. and are responsible for the coordination of all actors involved in the e-learning process. Partner monitoring personal monitoring most frequent other role, which is advising students during the course, solving doubts, problems and any This team creates the multimedia design of the course and elaborates multimedia products. They insert fixed images Platform administrators register and cancel students and courses, introducing history in space mistakes kind of inconvenience with promptness. There must be ways of communication (draws, photographs), animations, and/or updating contents in the platform. Cursoforum between tutors and students. They must, sounds, videos, simulations, etc. And configure the course for a web format, They give passwords, introduce evaluations and create a virtual learning space. Abs wyda or should, get in touch with learners via , forums, chats (advising in real time).

18 Different profiles of e-learning Monitoring Tutors must encourage the learning process through stimulation and control of students participation. They have a very active role: motivating students mainly in the first phase of the course, and, as we have already said, solving doubts in the administrative Online students have many choices and can access training and courses with few limitations of times and distance field as well as getting in touch with students in case of little participation. However, tutors are also motivated, by being monitored through stimulation and control of tutors participation. It is also taken into account the commitment of learning quality principles in e-learning. There are also the socalled experts on contents, who are in charge of extracting and writing contents during the entire course. They have to write contents and elaborate evaluation tests. For elearning courses, the role of multimedia scriptwriters is a possibility. They are experts on e-learning methodology and organize contents in a didactic way, suggest learning activities, evaluation, etc. Their functions are: supporting the edition of contents for e-learning; suggesting about learning strategies; organizing contents and browsing; advising for tasks design, evaluation and tutors training and developing scripts for multimedia didactic material. These involve teletraining courses which apply the virtual classroom methodology. In teaching terms, this methodology is based on the attainment of the different training objectives through the interaction of the participants: trainer-student, trainer-class, student-student; telematic tools are used in order to obtain the same motivational and human aspects encountered in the face-toface training environment. Learners Online students have many choices and can access training and courses with few, if any, limitations of times and distance. Students receive a password to have access to the platform, where they can find all the contents of the course, as well as activities, exams and the final evaluation. They get in touch with tutors by s, phone and fax within 48 hours. The main advantages of e-learning education is the so-called added value in organizational matters, such as easier access to information and the flexibility regarding time and place. The profile of the typical e-learning users is: TIC and financial companies Professional associations Individuals Other companies Public administration Training centers

19 Different profiles of e-learning Situation of learners Level of education Partner employee of a private company unemployed individual manager civil servan staff of NGO other Partner basic education unfinished complete basic education finished vocational school qualified graduate Cursoforum Cursoforum Abs wyda Abs wyda employee of a private company person who is employee of a private company incomplete basic unfinished person who has finished basic school unemployed person who is recorded in job office complete basic education person who has finished basic school only individual person sho wants to take part in any education activities finished a vocational school person who has finished vocational school manager person who leads a group of employees qualified person who has gained some graduation civil servant person who works for state s bodies (job office, city hall etc.) graduate person who has finished university staff of NGO person who works in NGO other other people

20 Elements of the platform Elements of the platform Communication cannot ask teacher question immediately and they do not have personal contact. One of main parts of e-learning platform is the way of communication between There is only one way of communication, students and teachers. E-learning is via computer and internet. In present not the classic form of education. time there are a lot of ways to connect two people in different places. When students are learning, they do not Every possibility can be used in e-learning have personal contact with teacher. They platform; it depends on technical opportunity of each e-learning platform. We mention some of the most using forms. Chat Chatting is the quickest way of communication. The chat is a system that allows users to get in touch in real time using easily accessible. The only condition of this way of communication to work is that teacher and student should be online at same time. In some e-learning platforms it is possible to leave some kind of message for the other side. The other side can answer when it is online. The good point of this way of communication is how quick information is transferred. Chat may refer to: Casual conversation Online chat in an internet chat room or instant messaging system Synchronous conferencing is the formal term for online chat technology Chat room Chat room is a special form of communication, which can be described as conference in virtual words. Each e-learning platform has its own process to enter to chat room and rules how to communicate. Some e-learning platforms use webcams in chat room. The main use of chat room is the communication between teacher and students, students and students. It is an easy and quick way to communicate in virtual space. is the most common way to communicate. The disadvantage of is that communication is not in real time. It can take more time, while students or teachers get answered. Other ways to communicate: By phone Personal lessons Another way