Attributes of e-learning
Opportunities for e-learning that online technologies can provide
Research in learning and teaching suggests that people learn most effectively by pursuing realistic goals, which are also intrinsically motivating (Schank, Fano, Jona, & Bell, 1994). Learning is greatly enhanced when it is anchored or situated in meaningful and authentic problem solving contexts (Barron, Schwartz, Vye, Moore, Petrosino, Zech, Bransford, & The Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbuilt, 1998; Brown, Collins, & Duguid, 1989; The Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbilt [CTGV], 1990).
While "goal-based learning" is not constrained by any particular media type, certain delivery technologies can impede anchored instruction or situated learning.
Conventional classroom-based instruction for instance, while it maybe cost-effective, is constrained largely by its fixed time and space in being able to situate learning in realistic contexts. Printed text as well, while it affords transportability, is limited by its inability to incorporate anything other than text, pictures, and illustrations.
Networked information and communications technologies, with its temporal and spatial flexibility, and support of resource rich multimedia content can provide us with the opportunity to develop "generative learning environments" (CTGV, 1991)
Generative learning environments
A major goal of a generative learning environment approach is to create shared learning environments that permit sustained exploration by students and teachers to enable them to understand the kinds of problems that experts in various areas encounter and the knowledge that they use as tools.
Generative learning environments also allow for cultural diversity in resources and experiences. Experts are known to be very familiar with the endemic nature of their disciplines. In order for novices to approximate this level of familiarity with the discipline, they need to become immersed in the culture of that discipline through accesses to resources and experiences.