Beyond virtual learning environments - what we are doing at atingi

Presentation for European Digital Education Hub 21.3.2024, which emphasises that any virtual learning environment can only contribute to the whole learning environment. Furthermore, when we are building a learning environment, as we do at atingi.org, we should take a realistic (albeit optimistic) view of the tension between big ideas and practical impact. So, even if we are product managers, it is important that we are not simply techno-solutionist in our view of our contribution to better teaching and learning.

Transcript

1. Dr. Dominic Orr Presentation for European Digital Education Hub 21.3.2024 Input on topic area: Beyond virtual learning environments
2. Something about me • I entered the digital learning field as a researcher and an external consultant for organisations such as OECD, UNESCO and World Bank • I am now head of product, i.e. an operational product manager, for the atingi learning platform at GIZ • (I remain involved in academic work via my adjunct professorship at Uni Nova Gorica)
3. What is a digital learning environment? Pros: • DLEs provide flexibility and accessibility, enabling learners to access content anytime, anywhere • DLEs support various modes of learning and preferences through multimedia content and interactive features
4. What is a digital learning environment? Cons: • Implementing and maintaining DLEs can be costly, requiring significant investments in technology and infrastructure • Some learners may struggle with the self-directed nature of DLEs, leading to lower engagement and completion rates
5. What you should know about atingi
6. How do digital solutions help achieve the SDGs? Pros: • Digital learning solutions contribute to SDG 4 by increasing access to education, particularly in underserved areas • Initiatives like atingi demonstrate the potential of digital learning to support lifelong learning and skill development • Global platforms facilitate partnerships and collaboration in SDG 17
8. How do digital solutions help achieve the SDGs? Cons: • Digital solutions may exacerbate existing inequalities, as not all learners have equal access to technology and internet connectivity • Ensuring the quality and relevance of digital learning content can be challenging, particularly in diverse cultural contexts
9. The role of Learning Management Systems in offering accessible learning Pros: • LMSs provide a centralized platform for delivering and managing online courses, streamlining the learning process • Open-source LMSs like Moodle can be customized and localized, making them adaptable to different educational contexts • LMSs offer tools for tracking learner progress and providing personalized feedback, supporting individual learning needs • LMSs can facilitate collaboration and peer learning through features like forums and group assignments
10. The role of Learning Management Systems in offering accessible learning Cons: • LMSs can be complex and overwhelming for some users, requiring significant training and support • The effectiveness of LMSs depends on the quality of the content and the instructional design, which can vary widely • Overreliance on LMSs may lead to a lack of human interaction and support, which can negatively impact learning outcomes • Ensuring that educators are adequately trained to use LMS features effectively can be time-consuming and resource-intensive
11. Two takeaways People live in (digital) learning ecosystems anyway – only part of these are “built” We should take a realistic (albeit optimistic) view of the tension between big ideas and practical impact When we are thinking about digital learning environments and especially learning management systems, we should consider: