e-Learning challenges

Although there is a clear vision and guiding frameworks created by the Ministry of Education, e-Learning in a number of schools is what Selwyn (2008) considers to be ‘failing’. He outlines three of the reasons for this ‘failure’ or  ‘pick up’ by schools being around:

• inappropriately built classrooms and schools (multiple walls interrupt internet connectivity);   
• teachers not having the competency and confidence  required;
• lack of leadership direction or a clear understanding of how e-Learning can enhance teaching and learning.

At Silverstream School we are currently in the process of updating our property plan that is aligned to the most effective teaching and learning spaces that use e-Learning tools to enhance student engagement and achievement.

Our teachers are part of a Ministry of Education project with CORE Education that provides professional learning. This will support us to incorporate new technologies and approaches to learning, which aim to support students to be successful citizens in an increasingly digital world. Blended e-Learning facilitators will support our school to lead the integration of e-Learning by using a blend of online and face-to-face approaches, and by promoting connectedness and collaborative learning within the school and wider community. This includes the adoption of appropriate e-Learning resources, approaches and professional learning communities to support teachers’, leaders’ and whole school communities’ active engagement in their students’ learning. This includes looking at all aspects of the e-Learning Planning Framework within the five dimensions of strategic direction and leadership; teaching and learning; professional learning; infrastructure and resourcing; and beyond the classroom.

Prensky (2001) refers to our young people as ‘digital natives’.  Tapscott (1998) calls them the ‘Net Generation’. They connect with the fact that our children have grown up in a world filled with technology and information communication tools and devices from x-boxes to iPads. Because their world is so different from the one many of us grew up in, we need to ensure that the education system is re-designed to allow this generation to be successful in their world. This doesn’t mean throwing away everything we currently have! But it does mean a blended approach where we take the best of the past and merge it with the best of the current – to prepare them for the future.  If schools don’t adapt, respond and redesign learning and teaching – we run the risk of our children becoming dis-engaged because the learning doesn’t seem relevant, meaningful or purposeful to them.