Barriers to E-Learning (final version)

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Barriers to E-Learning

This is both a map of things which can make e-learning difficult and solutions to those problems, including some definite recommendations for its usefulness.

Freedom of information

Access limited by filters, firewalls, local law, etc

Economics

Cost of course

This may or may not prove relevant - depending on whether the person is studying privately, paying for a course, or being provided with training by their employer or local education authority

PC access

The issue of how many humans can get, or should have, access to computers remains open to debate. Local libraries offer free access in some countries, the campaign for the 100 dollar computer for wide distribution seems worth supporting, etc. Access or ownership?

Network Access

People with laptops in cities can probably find some sort of connection most of the time. Others may only have access at work, at home, or in a public facility (cybercafe, library, college, etc).

All networks remain vulnerable to inconvenient downtime.

Technical problems

Libraries

Accessibility

Special Needs

Including specific disabilities (and the need for relevant software and hardware support) and other restrictions on study such as language barriers, lack of technical knowledge, literacy, etc.

Cultural Differences

Location

Virtual Classroom

Language

World Language

Visual presentation

Time Zones

Asynchronous learning

literacy

I am using Literacy in its widest sense here - that people need to have basic competence at computer use, typing, word processing, email, online searching, etc.

Design of Course

Within the whole teaching environment, the course material needs to be easily findable and available - logically ordered and presented, etc.

Sensible sequence

Design of Website

The actual design and layout of the course, forum or campus is important, of course, for people to feel welcome and supported - and knowing how to get help if needed.

Useability

Computer Literacy

Specifically, students should have some fundamental skills before attempting remote learning. Apart from typing (useful but not essential) knowing how to Copy and Paste (for instance) can save hours of work and frustration.

Basic skills needed

Motivation

Contact with like-minded people

Remote learning allows small groups of people with specific interests to get together (like a conference or convention) across the barriers of locality and time zones, etc

Having to work alone

Some people find it difficult to work on their own without direct contact with other students and teachers

No peer pressure

For some people, working on their own is a plus - it means they can work when they feel like it, at their own speed, and without judgement pressures