You are here

E-learning Theory and Practice
Share
Share

E-learning Theory and Practice



April 2011 | 272 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

In E-learning Theory and Practice the authors set out different perspectives on e-learning. The book deals with the social implications of e-learning, its transformative effects, and the social and technical interplay that supports and directs e-learning.

The authors present new perspectives on the subject by:

  • Exploring the way teaching and learning are changing with the presence of the Internet and participatory media
  • Providing a theoretical grounding in new learning practices from education, communication and information science
  • Addressing e-learning in terms of existing learning theories, emerging online learning theories, new literacies, social networks, social worlds, community and virtual communities, and online resources
  • Emphasizing the impact of everyday electronic practices on learning, literacy and the classroom, locally and globally.

This book is for everyone involved in e-learning. Teachers and educators will gain an understanding of new learning practices, and learners will gain a sense of their new role as active participants in classroom and lifelong learning. Graduate students and researchers will gain insight into the direction of research in this new and exciting area of education and the Internet.


 
Acknowledgements
 
Introduction: New Learning Practices
What's New in Learning?

 
What is Driving New Conditions for Learning?

 
Chapter Outline

 
Looking Forward

 
Further Reading

 
 
The New Media
Introduction

 
Features of Computer-Mediated Communication

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
Theories of Learning
Introduction

 
Transformation, Framing and Emergence

 
Challenges for Assessment

 
Toward E-Learning Theory

 
Texts

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
Theorizing Online Learning
Introduction

 
Existing Theoretical Positions

 
Further Theories

 
Interim Summary

 
Does E-Learning Require a New Theory of Learning?

 
Three Questions Answered

 
Further Thoughts

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
New Literacies, New Discourses in E-learning
From New Literacies to New Discourses

 
Exploring Modes

 
From 'Literacy' to 'Discourse'

 
The Implications of a 'Discourse' View of E-Learning

 
A Reciprocal, Co-Evolutionary Model of Literacy Development and Learning

 
Developing a New 'Language' for E-Learning

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
Participatory Cultures
Introduction

 
Technologies of Participation

 
Brief History of IT Development

 
Participatory Media

 
Educational Spaces: 1.0 and 2.0

 
Changes in Authority and Contribution

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
Learning Communities
Introduction

 
Defining and Locating Community

 
Why Collaboration and Community?

 
The Concept of Community

 
Creating an E-learning Community

 
Promoting a Community

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
Sociotechnical Perspectives
Introduction

 
Reviewing Social Processes and Technology

 
Managing the Social and Technical Mix in E-learning

 
Balancing the Social and Technical

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
E-learning Ecologies
Introduction

 
The Ecology of the E-learning Environment

 
Personal Ecologies

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
Ubiquitous Learning, Ubiquitous Learners
Introduction

 
Becoming an Ubiquitous E-learner

 
Who Is A Ubiquitous E-learner?

 
What Does a Ubiquitous Learner Learn?

 
The Ubiquitous Learner and the Economics of Attention

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
E-inclusion and Exclusion
Introduction

 
Digital Divide

 
Digital Spectrum

 
Conclusion

 
Further Reading

 
 
Cross-Cultural Issues
Introduction

 
Issues Arising From Cultural Diversity

 
E-learning Across the Globe

 
Potential Problems with Cross-Cultural Approaches to E-Learning

 
Further Reading

 
 
Researching E-Learning
Introduction

 
Getting Started in E-Learning Research

 
E-learning Research Dimensions

 
Research about and for E-learning

 
New Forms of Research Formats in the Digital Age

 
Becoming an E-Researcher

 
Future Research

 
From Research About E-Learning to Research For E-Learning

 
Conclusions

 
Further Reading

 
References

 

'Areas such as learning communities, e-learning ecologies and ubiquitous learning are discussed at a conceptual level, which all culminate with purposeful conclusions and indicators for future research'
- Paul Dolan, Learning and Teaching Update


Excellent book to support the theory of online learning- utilised for PGCE teachers in education.

Mr Julian Ayres
School of Education and Community, Wrexham Glyndwr University
June 29, 2021

as previous feedback, students also found this helpful, and it is useful for CPD events

Mrs Anke L Twigg-Flesner
HE Equine, Hartpury College
November 30, 2016

useful for a smaller number of our students, who may be looking to explore the use of innovative teaching or research methods.

Mrs Anke L Twigg-Flesner
HE Equine, Hartpury College
September 22, 2016

this will be useful for students wishing to investigate and understand newer learning approaches, hence it will appeal to a smaller number of students on this module.
very insightful and well presented text, logically structured and informative.

Mrs Anke L Twigg-Flesner
HE Equine, Hartpury College
May 17, 2016

This book presents in a clearly laid out format allowing easy access to the information I need.

Mrs Kathryn Peckham
School of Education, Northampton University
March 24, 2016

Great book for ER-learning references. Comprehensive. All ideas are explored in the text.

Mrs ellen margaret duncan-jones
Dept of Care & Continuing Education, Ystrad Mynach College
December 10, 2015

An easy to read an informative book on learning. New theories of learning are discussed as well as the dilemma of learners who are excluded as they are not online.

The text deconstructs and forms new ways of working and in particular looks at motivation.

Mrs Sandra Dawn Swinhoe
Education , Newcastle College
November 25, 2015

The authors use e-learning as an umbrella term covering various forms of computer-mediated communication and instruction. The text targets new e-learners as well as researchers and practitioners interested in the field. Some of the topics covered in the book include theoretical foundations, community building, literacy skills, and cross-cultural issues. I think real-life practices presented within information boxes provides a good foundation for application. Also, the organization of the text makes easy to read for every member of the broad audience it targets.

Mr Hakan IslamogŸlu
Education , Recep Tayyip Erdogan University
June 29, 2015

I'm currently studying a MSc in Technology Enhanced Learning so this book has been a life-saver. There's everything you could need to help you understand more about using technology in learning and explained in a straightforward and interesting way. I've used it for every module I've done as well as introducing new concepts of learning to students.

Miss Lisa Evison
Teacher Training, Rotherham College of Arts & Technology
April 12, 2015

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


Sage College Publishing

You can purchase or sample this product on our Sage College Publishing site:

Go To College Site

This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge, the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.