The State of Ren

Introductory comment
While I do not yet have formal teaching qualifications, I have designed and delivered several corporate training classes. I am fascinated by good instructional design, and have the highest respect for teachers that are able to motivate students with interesting lesson content and engaging delivery, to yield effective and practical learning experiences.
I have particularly [...]

To learn online or not to learn online, that seems to be the question.
The debate should not be about whether eLearning and emerging web technologies can be used to replace face-to-face teaching. eLearning is a reality today and will only become more mainstream and accepted as time passes. It is likely that there will be [...]

Appana takes a look at a vast area of research into the adoption and acceptance of eLearning, and succinctly notes the most important factors affecting key stakeholders in the process. This substantially inline-referenced article serves as an excellent primer for novice eLearning researchers, and provides many avenues for further exploration of the subject.
Subhashni Appana. “A [...]

A common problem cited in eLearning research is the increased feedback burden on teachers, created by the perceived one-to-one relationship that online instruction provides. This article assesses, through a mediated survey/study, whether different types and natures of feedback delivery result in greater student success and satisfaction. The study does indeed confirm a positive link between [...]

A refreshing look at what the major stakeholders in the education game desire, with a particular focus on end-user needs: so often neglected in the education debate. An analysis is conducted on current learning systems, and opinions given (through surveys and personal reflection) on the makeup of future learning systems. There is a particular focus [...]

A fascinating read into a practical application and evaluation of eLearning in China. Through an online survey, the authors seek to discover how students at Xi’an Jiao Tong University react to eLearning as a delivery method, whether computer literacy is a prerequisite for acceptance and successful use of eLearning tools, and to assess the usefulness [...]

This article briefly maps the evolution from first generation distance learning systems to present day offerings. It looks at the failures of certain attempts to bring learning online and offers an insight into the current technologies that enhance the online delivery of education. Essex identifies podcasting, blogs and wikis as three key applications of technology [...]