November Program: e-Learning
The November CWIP program spotlighted the growing field of e-learning, also known as online education or distance education. The program featured two speakers: Monique Evelyn, manager of Community Pediatrics Training Initiatives at the American Academy of Pediatrics; and Terrence Hackett, currently with Type A Learning Agency in Chicago, where he focuses on delivering innovative learning solutions for clients.
Monique Evelyn, whose background is in education and instructional design, gave this definition of e-learning: The delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. Involves the use of a computer or electronic device in some way to provide training, educational or learning material.
She discussed the various roles in e-learning:
- Project Manager/Visionary
- Subject Matter Expert
- Producer
- Designer
- Writer
- Editor/Copy Editor
- Graphic Designer
- Instructional Designer
The copy editor involved with e-learning has to pay particular attention to spelling challenges, editing for an international audience, citing electronic sources, and the separation of content from formatting. Graphic designers have to be mindful that the visuals they choose are relevant to their topics in order to enhance learning.
Software used to develop e-learning pages includes Dreamweaver, Front Page, Adobe GoLive, Adobe Connect, Windows SharePoint, Arbortext Epic, and GNU Emacs. Trends in e-learning include the following:
- Grassroots Video (YouTube)
- Collaboration Webs
- Collective Intelligence (Wikipedia)
- Mobile Broadband
- Social Operating Systems (Second Life)
- Data Mashups
Monique concluded with examples of e-learning sites she has worked on, including Web pages of Ellis University and Northern Illinois University.
Terrence Hackett has designed award-winning educational and entertainment programs at Jellyvision, where he was part of the design and development team for the hugely successful, award-winning interactive CD-ROM game show You Don't Know Jack.
He defined e-learning as follows: "Education via the Internet, network, or standalone computer. E-learning is essentially the network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. E-learning refers to using electronic applications and processes to learn. E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM."
Skills employers look for are good writing, interviewing, and content management. Jobs can be found through networking, promoting yourself, attending conferences and events, and researching online.
Barbara Hague is a freelance editor and proofreader. She can be reached at hague_edit@yahoo.com.