The written word holds firm as medium for learning, says Open University
Print on paper is likely to remain the most powerful learning medium, at least for university learning, says Sir John Daniel, vice-chancellor of The Open University.
Taking a step back from the current frenzy of interest in e-learning, Sir John argued that the idea of technology causing a revolution in education has been put forward many times before - in 1841, Josiah Burnstead was saying that the inventor of the blackboard should be ranked `among the best contributors to learning and science'.
In discussing the internet revolution, Sir John said it was prudent to consider the consequences of other revolutions in the past - they usually leave blood on the floor.
Technological innovations - the blackboard, television, computer, CDROM - have been adopted for use as they've been developed, but no overriding medium has so far emerged. Print on paper remains a `powerful learning medium'.
Speaking from a university perspective, Sir John argued that using technology for learning doesn't take into account the complexities of higher education learning. What remains is `correspondence learning' - loading up course notes or using quizzes. The most powerful use of the web for The Open University so far has been for students to communicate about courses.
As for the rise of the e-university, Sir John argued that although it's important for universities to work at developing uses of the internet for study, the university campus will never be replaced as a place for people to come together and share ideas.
Sir John was speaking at the Internet Revolution Conference held in London on 9 May, hosted by www.bookacourse.com.
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James Mansell , 28 May 2000 @ 14:54 PM The Printed Medium is Expensive
Sir John is right in saying that paper based media are far preferred at the moment, but paper based delivery has some fundamental disadvantages. For example, it is difficult to transport, does not have any form of interactivity, can become quickly out-of-date and hence has a large replacement costs. Our member companies have found that eLearning has greatly improved and enhanced their training methods and have provided them with tools that had not been previously available with printed texts.
Universities will undoubtedly find in a rapidly changing world, their materials will have to reflect these rapid changes.
Janice Jones , 25 May 2000 @ 05:31 AM There are huge advantages to studying online
Sir John is correct in focussing on one of the most powerful aspects of learning online: the sense of community and vitality which a lecturer and students can create through synchronous and asynchronous communications such as virtual chat and discussion forums.
His love of print-based information is understandable - and few students, lecturers or online education companies would disagree about the pleasure of "real books"... However, sir John ignores a fundamental requirement of the shift to online learning. Rather than simply dumping text or distance education materials into electronic formats and expecting students to learn from them, lecturers need to reconsider how their students learn, how to design materials and activities to enhance learning in the online mode. Where a student is fully engaged in exploring and unwrapping ideas which have been structured to offer feedback, text becomes a support and a resource, rather than the centre of the learning process.
Caroline Williamson , 20 May 2000 @ 07:07 AM Experiences of learning on line are a bit like breastfeeding
The written word as a preferred medium for learning will continue to hold the floor whilst we experience the never-ending crush of hectic and noisy life styles. Where people (in this case learners) enjoying a quiet moment are frowned upon as 'slackers'
It's a bit like breast feeding. You can campaign for it as much as you like. People may opt for it in droves - men and women - progressive employers and parliamentarians alike. But you tell me where can you find a quiet corner to connect up your lap top in peace ?
