The eLearning Coach
Just catching the swing of things and catching on slowly– my apologies for dragging on this posting.
The eLearning Coach’s eLearning Technology Trends to Watch in 2011 was a very nice, very simple introduction to trends of eLearning as they where when published, but it quickly loses its scoop as it becomes outdated. While my appetite was whetted by the simple descriptions of the trends, I was left in most cases wanting more information on the trend itself and the information that led to the conclusion.
For a few of the trends, there were experts attached, but I was still left a little disappointed that there were not references to specific websites where we could learn more about the trends (recent articles, etc. from which the trends were identified). This reminded me a little of a textbook in that the hyperlinks were scarce, which means that this could have been just as effective as printed word. The internet leaves us with limitless opportunities to make out points, but this description fell a little short (insert youtube video on the potential of the internet so I don’t become a hypocrite 🙂 ).
Who was this resource intended for? It seemed that it was geared more toward the end user than the costumer or learner. This could have been enhanced by providing details and background information to lead us to understand the trends a little further for our learners.
A final word: while I appreciated the ideas, I was disappointed in their potential for depth. The presentation of the ideas was succinct and appropriate, but there should have been opportunities to learn more embedded.
Cheers,
Kristopher
Posted in: Week 02: The Edtech Marketplace
Deb Kim 11:57 am on September 22, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Kristopher,
You raised a good point: “I was still left a little disappointed that there were not references to specific websites where we could learn more about the trends (recent articles, etc. from which the trends were identified)”.
I also agree with you that these technology trends could just be as effective as printed word, no more than that. We all have different teaching styles so some of these trends will work for us and some won’t. We can only know whether it works or not by trying it first. For that reason, I also wish that they could more specifically describe how each trend works (e.g. recent studies, articles that can support how they have selected these technology trends).
Deb
jenaca 3:04 am on September 23, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree with you both, I was thinking, “Why are there no websites addressed? Do they not want us to learn more?”
But then I asked myself, if I have to go to the websites (that were not given) then the pitch couldn’t have engaged me enough or given me enough insightful information.
Like you stated Deb, everyone has different learning styles, so this may or may not work for everyone!
Jenaca