The effective implementation of e-learning in higher education requires the appropriate organizational structures and governance mechanisms to ensure that faculty and students get the support they need to use e-learning. Bates & Sangrà (2011) stress that the successful implementation of e-learning “requires daily and continuous attention throughout the organization…[and]…ongoing mechanisms in place to deal with technology issues as they arise” (p. 103).
There are five key dimensions to the organization and support of e-learning:
1. E-learning integration
How well is e-learning integrated into the organization?
2. Governance
What governance mechanisms are in place?
3. Organizational structure
Where does e-learning fit in the organizational structure and hierarchy of the institution?
4. Support
How are e-learning services organized and how is support provided?
5. Funding
How is e-learning funded?
However, it is important to remember that there are many different ways to organize e-learning in institutions and that the most appropriate approach will depend on the size of the organization, the type of organization, how e-learning will be used and how widely it will be implemented. It is helpful in this regard to understand at what stage of e-learning integration the institution is before deciding on the most appropriate way of organizing e-learning.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this unit you should be able to:
- Discuss the key factors related to the dimensions of the organization and support for e-learning;
- Discuss the five stages of e-learning integration;
- Compare the strengths and weaknesses of different support models for e-learning;
- Decide on appropriate e-learning support model in your institution.
Unit Schedule
Try to stick to the following schedule:
Week 6
- Section 3.1: Stages of E-Learning Integration
- Section 3.2: Organizational Structure & Governance
- Discussion: Models of Support
Week 7
- Discussion: Models of Support
- Section 3.3: Models of Support
- Section 3.4: Funding Models