KLSG

Knowledge and Learning
Systems Group

National Center for Supercomputing Applications

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KLSG Research

e-Learning

“Universal access to the Internet will help end the isolation of teachers; exponentially expand the resources for teaching and learning in schools and classrooms; provide more challenging, authentic and higher-order learning experiences for students; and make schools and teachers more accountable to parents and communities”  (U.S. Department of Education).

Its well established that the Internet is an excellent tool for large-scale distribution of information.  It is due to this immense communicative capabilities that have lead to the rapid growth of online programs using Internet technologies.  Today, roughly $300 billion (USD) will be spent worldwide on e-Learning endeavors.  In 2003, that figure is project to rise to $365 billion (USD) according to the Web-based Education Commission.

However, for all their good intentions, many e-Learning developers and practitioners are not prepared pedagogically, culturally, or technologically to design and produce effective and appropriate learning environments for their global markets.  “Attempts to deliver courses and programs across national boundaries have assumed that materials and delivery methods can be transferred from one place to another. But experience has shown that this is not necessarily so, even in subjects often assumed to be culturally neutral, such as technology and mathematics. Thus distance educators have been faced with a need to adapt materials for overseas use or to develop materials specific to receiving countries” (World Bank).

KLSG's research agenda targets the area of pedagogy, culture, and technology as they relate to e-Learning design and delivery.  To that end, KLSG research and development efforts include:

• Chame-Learn e-Learning development and delivery system

• Fusion of e-Leaning and knowledge management practices

• Cross-cultural studies on e-Learning pedagogy and system usability

• Use of alternative tools (wireless, handhelds, etc.) to delivery instruction in e-Learning and face-to-face environments

Details regarding the interactions between culture and pedagogy and culture and system usability will be published soon.  The results of our Wireless Tools in Face-to-face Instruction study also will be made available soon.  Please check our Publications page for their release.