Abstract
Knowledge management is essential for realizing that knowledge is power, and power is explored by the learner for meeting existing demands and challenges. Advances in technology, education and learning are therefore linked to using technology. Education is the pathway to productivity, thus the learner is the agent and technology the medium. Among others, e-Learning will play a dominant role in shaping learner management systems and associated learning environments. This chapter addresses the learner and learning management describing some of its implications for pedagogy. It then describes and proposes some implications of the application of these systems for development in resource poor environments. It is divided into three main sections. The first section describes contemporary definitions of LMS and its concepts. It proposes a comprehensive definition of LMS and describes possible future directions of these definitions as a concept in change. The second section describes various tools and classifies them according to current applications in the industry. It describes in principle, the current cutting edge technologies that are being used in the area and how these were developed. It then proposes a Model Structure for Learner Management Systems. It describes and compares classical, e-based and blended learning pedagogy, A third section discusses some current concepts and methodologies in research, pedagogy and LMS, proposing some defining questions for the three areas as a group. The third section first defines and describes resource poor environments. It then highlights and discusses some need areas in resource poor settings. Further, it describes and discusses some of the implications of LMS technology and applications to resource poor settings, with a focus on it’s relevance and validity for specific resource poor environments. Following this discussion, the section describes some applications and limitations of LMS approaches and blended learning in resource poor environments. Finally, it describes some applications and limitations of LMS and blended learning technology in resource poor environments.
TopIntroduction
This chapter describes trends in learner management systems and learning environments, and their impact on student learning and preparation. Knowledge management is essential for imparting the power of knowledge, skills and competence. That power is explored and applied by the learner for meeting past, current and future challenges and demands. Advances in education and learning are linked to the use of technology. Since education is the pathway to productivity, the learner is the agent and technology the medium. Among others, e-Learning will play an increasingly dominant role in shaping learner management systems and associated environments for knowledge, skill and competency transfer and acquisition.
Educational institutions and corporate bodies are turning to e-Learning primarily because it has capabilities to effectively impact a larger community for the least amount of investment and expense. Secondarily, it is contributing to an increase in retention and recruitment. To fully apprehend the results of e-Learning, it is important to examine the systems of learning available, how to manage them, and how they can be integrated with other learning environments.
Available e-Learning systems and tools must be managed to address effective translation. For example during initial learning, the organization determines how to present new skills and concepts to the new learner. Management will monitor the process to assure that learning tools are providing the learner with a foundation of the knowledge delivered in a particular area of interest. The tools applied are also assessed for learner progress from entry-level competence required to the end of learning. Application of tools also requires managing the transfer of skills for learning the tools in a particular area from one person to another.
This chapter addresses the learner and learner management, and describes/discusses some of its implications for pedagogy (teaching approaches). It then describes and proposes some implications of applying these systems for development in resource poor environments.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Affordability, Adaptability and Sustainability: Limitations to meeting, financial, time, personnel outlay, and overhead requirements, of large learning systems that make them less accessible, adaptable and sustainable.
Professional Training: Building knowledge, skills and competence in individuals, a group or team
E-Learning: The use of distant learning technologies for imparting the power of knowledge, skills and competence.
Resource Poor Environments: Learning environments that are poor in learning tools and their supporting infrastructures
E-Learning Systems and Tools: Technological tools used in e-learning systems
Mobile Learning: Alternative processes for learners to acquire easier access to learning materials offline
Learner Management Systems: Electronic and other environments that include technology, psychosocial, behavioral and ecological dimensions for knowledge, skill and competence transference
Blended Learning: The combination of e-Learning pedagogy with classical pedagogy