Employing Innovative Learning Strategies Using an E-Learning Platform

Introduction

Informal learning today becomes the dominant form of learning (Tuomi, 2007). Peer-to-peer and problem-based learning in real-world contexts as well as learning through games and entertainment is becoming more and more popular. At the same time, eLearning systems are still being frequently used for teaching (transmissive learning), but noticeably less for autonomous learning, reflection, social and communication skills development, problem solving capacities (expansive learning) and alike (Ulf, 2007). To overcome this, every attempt to design an eLearning experience should begin with the pedagogical strategies that drive it and continue with setting the learning goals and designing learning activities that require the appropriate eLearning content to meet those learning goals, cf. (Kelly et al., 2005). The selection of technologies has to be performed then within the context of these pedagogical choices so as to understand both the potential of learning and the development of successful eLearning resources.

Learning often seems to be a natural process; however, the many definitions of and theories on learning confirm that human learning is a complex activity. Literature concerning learning strategies explores different ways of learning. Learning strategies, as defined by Nisbet and Shucksmith (1986), are seen as the processes that underlie performance on thinking tasks, while Mayer (1988) defines learning strategies as behaviors, manners of a learner that are intended to influence a person’s cognitive processes during learning. In line with the latter definition, an implementation of theoretical foundations in praxis is illustrated in the chapter. Concerns about the gap between theory and practice, about what instructional designers have learned and experienced in the workplace as well as the lack of a unifying perspective on human learning have raised the question – how an innovative learning strategy can be employed using a Web-based learning environment. Specifically, our objective is to indicate how taken “pedagogical decisions” implicate the selection of suitable pedagogical approaches and assessment techniques to be employed in an innovative eLearning platform.

This chapter first presents a literature review of the area of pedagogy in eLearning, focusing on learning theories and the concept of a learning scenario. It later summarizes the several issues/problems one encounters when it comes to employing an eLearning system and implementing a pedagogical framework for eLearning. A proposal solution for overcoming some of these obstacles is presented in detail, supporting it with the results of two real world case studies. Finally, conclusions are drawn and future research trends are identified.