e-Learning Ecologies: Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning for the Digital Age from Coursera

For three decades and longer we have heard educators and technologists making a case for the transformative power of technology in learning. However, despite the rhetoric, in many ways and at most institutional sites, education is still relatively untouched by technology. Even when technologies are introduced, the changes sometimes seem insignificant and the results seem disappointing. If the print textbook is replaced by an e-book, do the social relations of knowledge and learning necessarily change at all or for the better? If the pen-and-paper test is mechanized, does this change the nature of our assessment systems? Technology, in other words, need not necessarily bring significant change. Technology might not even represent a step forward in education.

But what might be new? How can we use technologies to innovate in education?

This course explores seven affordances of e-learning ecologies, which open up genuine possibilities for what we call New Learning – transformative, 21st century learning:

1. Ubiquitous Learning

2. Active Knowledge Making

3. Multimodal Meaning

4. Recursive Feedback

5. Collaborative Intelligence

6. Metacognition

7. Differentiated Learning

These affordances, if recognized and harnessed, will prepare learners for success in a world that is increasingly dominated by digital information flows and tools for communication in the workplace, public spaces, and personal life. This course offers a wide variety of examples of learning technologies and technology implementations that, to varying degrees, demonstrate these affordances in action.

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Recommended Background

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This course is designed for people interested in the future of education and the "learning society," including people who may wish to join education as a profession, practicing teachers interested in exploring future directions for a vocation that is currently undergoing transformation, and community and workplace leaders who regard their mission to be in part "educative."

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Related Resources

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Online resources are available here:

https://newlearningonline.com

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Join our Online Communities!

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CGScholar (Create an account and join the New Learning community)

https://cgscholar.com/community/community_profiles/new-learning/community_updates

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/newlearningonline

Twitter

https://twitter.com/neolearning

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Take this Course for Credit at the University of Illinois

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This course has the same content and anticipates the same level of contribution by students in the Assessment for Learning course offered to graduate certificate, masters, and doctoral level students in the Learning Design and Leadership Program in the College of Education at the University of Illinois.

Of course, in the nature of MOOCs many people will just want to view the videos and casually join some of the discussions. Some people say that these limited kinds of participation offer evidence that MOOCs suffer from low retention rates. Far from it – we say that any level of engagement is good engagement.

On the other hand, if you would like to take this course for credit at the University of Illinois, you will find more information about our program here:

https://ldlprogram.web.illinois.edu/overview/

And you can apply here:

https://education.illinois.edu/epol/programs-degrees/ldl

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The Learning Design and Leadership Series of MOOCs

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This course is one of a series of eight MOOCs created by Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis for the Learning Design and Leadership program at the University of Illinois. If you find this MOOC helpful, please join us in others!

e-Learning Ecologies: Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning for the Digital Age

https://www.coursera.org/learn/elearning

New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy

https://www.coursera.org/learn/newlearning

Assessment for Learning

https://www.coursera.org/learn/assessmentforlearning

Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-knowledge-human-development

Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies

https://www.coursera.org/learn/ubiquitouslearning

Negotiating Learner Differences: Towards Productive Diversity in Learning

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learnerdifferences

Literacy Teaching and Learning: Aims, Approaches and Pedagogies

https://www.coursera.org/learn/literacy-teaching-learning

Multimodal Literacies: Communication and Learning in the Era of Digital Media

https://www.coursera.org/learn/multimodal-literacies

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Course Orientation + Ubiquitous Learning

We begin this module with an introduction to the idea of an "e-learning ecology" and the notion of "affordance." We use this idea to map the range of innovative activities that we may be able to use in e-learning environments – not that we necessarily do. Many e-learning environments simply reproduce the worst of old, didactic pedagogies. We then go on to explore the notion of "ubiquitous learning," the first of seven "affordances" in computer-mediated educational applications and environments that we examine in this course.

Module 2: Active Knowledge Making + Multimodal Meaning

This module examines two more e-learning affordances: "active knowledge making," or the right and responsibility of learners to take a degree of control over their own knowledge making; and "multimodal meaning-making," or the tools learners now have at hand to support their thinking and to represent the knowledge they have gained – including, for instance, text, image, diagram, animation, simulation, dataset, video, audio, or embedded web media.

Module 3: Recursive Feedback + Collaborative Intelligence

Two further e-learning affordances are explored in this module: "recursive feedback," or the rapid and repeatable cycles of feedback or formative assessment now available, including machine feedback and machine-mediated human feedback; and the "collaborative intelligence" fostered by the very social nature of Web 2.0 and contemporary e-learning environments.

Module 4: Metacogniton + Differentiated Learning

We come now to the last two of our seven e-learning affordances: "metacognition," or the process of thinking about thinking – a second order, more abstract, theoretical, and generalizable way of thinking; and "differentiated learning," addressing learners' different needs and interests. Together, these seven affordances become a tool with which to evaluate the scope of an e-learning technology and its application.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Strong fit for academics wanting to develop and strengthen their instructional design practices

Taught by highly respected professors in the field

Blends theory and practice, giving you a strong foundation in instructional design

Multimodal course featuring videos, readings, and discussions

Part of a series of 8 MOOCs on learning design and leadership

Reviews summary

Digital age teaching and learning

Learners say this course provides resources to rethink teaching practice in a digital culture and that it has well-structured content. The integration with Scholar allows you to learn about an environment made exclusively for an educational context.

The course content is well-structured.

"Curso bem estruturado."

The course is integrated with Scholar, an environment made for educational contexts.

"A integração com o Scholar proporciona conhecer um ambiente feito exclusivamente para o contexto educacional."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in e-Learning Ecologies: Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning for the Digital Age with these activities:

Connect with e-learning experts for guidance

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Build relationships with experienced professionals to gain valuable insights, support, and advice on e-learning.

Browse courses on Ubiquitous Learning

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Identify potential mentors in the field through professional organizations, networking events, or online platforms.
Reach out to mentors and request guidance or support.
Regularly connect with your mentors to discuss your progress and seek advice.

Review essential concepts in e-learning

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Reinforce your foundational understanding of core e-learning concepts to better grasp the advanced material in this course.

Browse courses on Ubiquitous Learning

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Review notes and readings from previous e-learning courses or workshops.
Take practice quizzes or exercises to test your understanding of key concepts.
Engage in discussions with peers on e-learning forums or social media groups.

Read 'E-Learning Ecologies: Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning for the Digital Age'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of e-learning.

View Adding Sense: Context and Interest in a Grammar... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises and discussion questions.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Explore e-learning tutorials and case studies

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Deepen your understanding of specific e-learning topics and see how they are applied in real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Ubiquitous Learning

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Identify reputable online resources or platforms that offer tutorials on e-learning.
Select tutorials that align with the topics you want to explore further.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and completing any exercises.
Analyze case studies of successful e-learning implementations to gain insights.

Attend e-learning workshops or conferences

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Engage with experts and practitioners in the field of e-learning to gain insights and expand your knowledge.

Browse courses on Ubiquitous Learning

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Identify upcoming e-learning workshops or conferences in your area or online.
Register for and attend the events.
Actively participate in sessions, ask questions, and network with other attendees.

Collaborate with peers on e-learning projects

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Engage in collaborative projects to apply your knowledge, receive feedback, and learn from others.

Browse courses on Ubiquitous Learning

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Form study groups or teams with classmates.
Brainstorm project ideas that align with the course topics.
Define project goals, roles, and responsibilities.
Carry out the project, seeking feedback from peers and the instructor.
Present the project outcomes to the class.

Develop an e-learning module on a chosen topic

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Apply your knowledge by creating your own e-learning content, reinforcing your understanding and exploring new teaching techniques.

Browse courses on Ubiquitous Learning

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Select a specific topic related to the course material that you want to explore further.
Plan the structure and content of your e-learning module, incorporating various learning activities.
Develop the content using appropriate multimedia tools and resources.
Test and refine your module based on feedback from peers or the instructor.

Career center

Learners who complete e-Learning Ecologies: Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning for the Digital Age will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Professor

A Professor is a faculty member at a college or university who teaches and conducts research in their field of expertise. This course may be useful to Professors in that it provides a framework for understanding the affordances of e-learning ecologies and how these affordances can be used to improve teaching and learning. In addition, the course's focus on 'metacognition' and 'differentiated learning' can help Professors better understand how learners learn and how to design learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.

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Teacher

A Teacher develops, plans, and implements curriculum, lesson plans, and educational programs for student audiences within areas of expertise. This course may be useful to Teachers in that it explores new approaches to teaching and learning for the digital age with a particular emphasis on fostering 'active knowledge making' and 'recursive feedback.' Furthermore, the course's focus on 'multimodal meaning-making' can help Teachers better understand how learners can leverage digital tools to represent their knowledge in creative and engaging ways.

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Educational Consultant

An Educational Consultant provides advice and guidance to schools, businesses, and other organizations on educational matters. This course may be useful to Educational Consultants in that it provides a framework for understanding the affordances of e-learning ecologies and how these affordances can be used to improve teaching and learning. In addition, the course's focus on 'collaborative intelligence' and 'metacognition' can help Educational Consultants better understand how learners learn and how to design learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.

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Instructional Coach

An Instructional Coach works with teachers to improve their teaching practices and student learning. This course may be useful to Instructional Coaches in that it provides a framework for understanding the affordances of e-learning ecologies and how these affordances can be used to improve teaching and learning. In addition, the course's focus on 'collaborative intelligence' and 'metacognition' can help Instructional Coaches better understand how learners learn and how to design learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.

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Learning Experience Designer

A Learning Experience Designer is responsible for designing, developing, and evaluating learning experiences for learners of all ages. This course may be useful to Learning Experience Designers in that it provides a solid foundation in the affordances of e-learning ecologies and how these affordances can be used to create engaging and effective learning experiences. In addition, the course's focus on 'multimodal meaning-making' and 'differentiated learning' can help Learning Experience Designers better understand how learners learn and how to design learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.

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Learning Analytics Specialist

A Learning Analytics Specialist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data on learner behavior to improve teaching and learning. This course may be useful to Learning Analytics Specialists in that it provides a framework for understanding the affordances of e-learning ecologies and how these affordances can be used to improve teaching and learning. In addition, the course's focus on 'metacognition' and 'differentiated learning' can help Learning Analytics Specialists better understand how learners learn and how to design learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.

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Instructional Technologist

An Instructional Technologist is responsible for integrating technology into educational settings to improve teaching and learning. This course may be useful to Instructional Technologists in that it provides a roadmap to understand the possibilities for student-centric instructional design facilitated by digital learning environments. The course's focus on 'collaborative intelligence' and 'multimodal meaning-making' aligns directly with the challenges that Instructional Technologists face to create immersive online learning programs that engage students across diverse demographics.

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E-Learning Specialist

An E-Learning Specialist is responsible for developing, managing, and delivering online learning programs. This course may be useful to E-Learning Specialists in that it provides a roadmap to understand the possibilities for student-centric instructional design facilitated by digital learning environments. The course's focus on 'collaborative intelligence' and 'multimodal meaning-making' aligns directly with the challenges that E-Learning Specialists face to create immersive online learning programs that engage students across diverse demographics.

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Content Developer

A Content Developer is responsible for creating and developing content for a variety of purposes, including e-learning courses, websites, and marketing materials. This course may be useful to Content Developers in that it provides a framework for understanding the principles of 'multimodal meaning-making' and 'differentiated learning.' These principles can help Content Developers create engaging and effective content that meets the needs of diverse learners.

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Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs, develops, and evaluates curriculum and instructional materials for educational institutions and organizations. This course may be useful to Curriculum Developers in that it provides strategies for leveraging the principles of 'collaborative intelligence' and 'multimodal meaning-making' to create engaging and effective learning materials for a diverse audience of learners. The course may also help to 'differentiate' instructional materials in a way that meets the needs of learners with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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Educational Technologist

An Educational Technologist is responsible for integrating technology into educational settings to improve teaching and learning. This course may be useful to Educational Technologists in that it offers an orientation to the affordances of e-learning ecologies and how they might be leveraged to create more engaging and effective learning environments. In addition, the course's focus on 'metacognition' and 'differentiated learning' can help Educational Technologists better understand how learners interact with technology and how to design learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.

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Educational Software Developer

An Educational Software Developer designs and develops software applications for educational purposes. This course may be useful to Educational Software Developers in that it provides a framework for understanding the principles of 'multimodal meaning-making' and 'differentiated learning.' These principles can help Educational Software Developers create engaging and effective software applications that meet the needs of diverse learners.

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Learning and Development Manager

A Learning and Development Manager is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing learning and development programs for employees within an organization. This course may be useful to Learning and Development Managers in that it can help build a foundation for creating effective e-learning programs. The course's focus on 'active knowledge making' and 'metacognition' is directly relevant to the challenges that Learning and Development Managers face when designing learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners.

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Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer works with educational professionals to produce courses and other educational materials needed to deliver lessons effectively. This course may be useful to Instructional Designers in that it can help build a foundation for creating online educational environments that leverage the affordances of a computer-mediated environment. These 'affordances,' as discussed in the course, include ubiquitous and multimodal learning, active knowledge making, and recursive feedback. These topics are especially relevant to Instructional Designers, who must think critically about how pedagogy and affordances of ed tech tools can be leveraged to create effective educational outcomes.

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