E-learning Theory and Practice

"This is a must-read for every student, lecturer and professor. It establishes Internet Studies as essential to an understanding of how learners and educators can capture the value of our networked world." Professor William H. Dutton, Director of the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford In E-learning Theory and Practice the authors set out different perspectives on e-learning. The book deals with the social implications of e-learning, its transformative effects, and the social and technical interplay that supports and directs e-learning. The authors present new perspectives on the subject by: - exploring the way teaching and learning are changing with the presence of the Internet and participatory media - providing a theoretical grounding in new learning practices from education, communication and information science - addressing e-learning in terms of existing learning theories, emerging online learning theories, new literacies, social networks, social worlds, community and virtual communities, and online resources - emphasising the impact of everyday electronic practices on learning, literacy and the classroom, locally and globally. This book is for everyone involved in e-learning. Teachers and educators will gain an understanding of new learning practices, and learners will gain a sense of their new role as active participants in classroom and lifelong learning. Graduate students and researchers will gain insight into the direction of research in this new and exciting area of education and the Internet.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Introduction: New Learning Practices What′s New in Learning? What is Driving New Conditions for Learning? Chapter Outline Looking Forward Further Reading The New Media Introduction Features of Computer-Mediated Communication Conclusion Further Reading Theories of Learning Introduction Transformation, Framing and Emergence Challenges for Assessment Toward E-Learning Theory Texts Conclusion Further Reading Theorizing Online Learning Introduction Existing Theoretical Positions Further Theories Interim Summary Does E-Learning Require a New Theory of Learning? Three Questions Answered Further Thoughts Conclusion Further Reading New Literacies, New Discourses in E-learning From New Literacies to New Discourses Exploring Modes From ′Literacy′ to ′Discourse′ The Implications of a ′Discourse′ View of E-Learning A Reciprocal, Co-Evolutionary Model of Literacy Development and Learning Developing a New ′Language′ for E-Learning Conclusion Further Reading Participatory Cultures Introduction Technologies of Participation Brief History of IT Development Participatory Media Educational Spaces: 1.0 and 2.0 Changes in Authority and Contribution Conclusion Further Reading Learning Communities Introduction Defining and Locating Community Why Collaboration and Community? The Concept of Community Creating an E-learning Community Promoting a Community Conclusion Further Reading Sociotechnical Perspectives Introduction Reviewing Social Processes and Technology Managing the Social and Technical Mix in E-learning Balancing the Social and Technical Conclusion Further Reading E-learning Ecologies Introduction The Ecology of the E-learning Environment Personal Ecologies Conclusion Further Reading Ubiquitous Learning, Ubiquitous Learners Introduction Becoming an Ubiquitous E-learner Who Is A Ubiquitous E-learner? What Does a Ubiquitous Learner Learn? The Ubiquitous Learner and the Economics of Attention Conclusion Further Reading E-inclusion and Exclusion Introduction Digital Divide Digital Spectrum Conclusion Further Reading Cross-Cultural Issues Introduction Issues Arising From Cultural Diversity E-learning Across the Globe Potential Problems with Cross-Cultural Approaches to E-Learning Further Reading Researching E-Learning Introduction Getting Started in E-Learning Research E-learning Research Dimensions Research about and for E-learning New Forms of Research Formats in the Digital Age Becoming an E-Researcher Future Research From Research About E-Learning to Research For E-Learning Conclusions Further Reading References