2008: 2008 ASCILITE Conference Companion Materials

There are two forms of e-learning environments: formal and informal. E-learning that provides formal education is led by a trained academic, teacher or instructor, meets certain pre-established standards, and is designed to lead towards

There are two forms of e-learning environments: formal and informal. E-learning that provides formal education is led by a trained academic, teacher or instructor, meets certain pre-established standards, and is designed to lead towards the attainment of a conferred award. Informal e-learning can be considered as learning environments which are exploratory and self-directed. Popular virtual gaming environments, for example, are visually rich, player-centred environments. These are now shaping the way in which neomillennials wish to engage in formal education, blurring the distinction between formal and informal learning. Doctoral research examined learning style preferences in visual and verbal modes of communication. The results of the research support the argument for the inclusion of visual communication in formal e-learning environments. This is achieved by maintaining a balanced approach in learning design by not foregrounding one communicational mode (verbal) over another (visual).

ePortfolios are a current ‘hot topic’ across the international higher education community. A study commissioned by ALTC (The Carrick Institute) investigated the range of ePortfolio implementation strategies in operation across Australia

ePortfolios are a current ‘hot topic’ across the international higher education community. A study commissioned by ALTC (The Carrick Institute) investigated the range of ePortfolio implementation strategies in operation across Australia and internationally. The study report summarises the implications of these developments for institutional and cross-institutional initiatives and makes recommendations about how further development can best be supported. The aims of the symposium are threefold: To raise participants’ awareness of the range of ePortfolio strategies in current use across Australasia and around the world; To provide a forum for discussion of transferable design and implementation principles, including collaborative teaching and learning strategies, that reflect the cross disciplinary and sector-wide aspects of ePortfolio initiatives; To foster the sharing of knowledge and experience of ePortfolio use within a community of professional practice setting.

With advancements in technology, principally Web 2.0, social software, and open source tools, learners are challenging what it means to gain an education and be educated. Faculty are starting to explore the potential of blogs

With advancements in technology, principally Web 2.0, social software, and open source tools, learners are challenging what it means to gain an education and be educated. Faculty are starting to explore the potential of blogs, media-sharing services and other social software - which, although not designed specifically for e-learning, can be used to empower students and create exciting new learning opportunities. What is the potential and implications of utilising Web 2.0 tools in online learning courses and as resources? What is the potential of social software tools and how far should they go? Ultimately this is something that institutions will have to determine for themselves. However, enabling the learner to take an active role in shaping their learning with tools that they are currently using may result in institutions seeing more students reach their goals. This interactive session will feature three panelists who will present the spectrum of views based on their own experience and participation in a recent ascilite co-hosted Web 2.0 roundtable. In addition, the session will present US and UK viewpoints on this topic gained by Web 2.0 roundtables hosted in the respective countries.