RSA4

RSA4: Maximizing E-Learning to Train the 21st Century Workforce.

This week’s reading describes the importance of collaboration in both facilitating a learning community and achieving desired outcomes for the course and beyond. Palloff and Pratt state, “The skills necessary to promote collaboration are not necessarily imparted to us during our academic preparation, which takes place for the most part in classrooms promoting independent work” (Palloff and Pratt 2007). The authors suggest that online learning communities would be a great place for collaboration to take place.

According to Pantazis, “Advancement in technology has created an environment for a learning revolution.” (2002). The power of online learning can better prepare and support learners as they transition to a high skilled workforce. One benefit to e-learning, learning experiences delivered or enabled by electronic technology, is linking learning, people, and organizational performance. The author states, “…a collaborative approach is essential for building an e-learning future.” The author admits that there may be challenges, but suggests that e-learning offers increased opportunities for attaining and developing necessary skills.

Both Palloff and Pratt and Pantazis agree that people who partake in online learning communities collaborate with others which will in turn promote collaboration in the future. Traditional learning may promote independent thinking or encourage independent work. According to both readings, the authors agree that by incorporating online learning communities to learning, individuals will have better opportunities to collaborate.

Resources

Palloff, R. & Pratt, K. (2007). Building Online Learning Communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom, (2nd ed.). San Franciso: Jossey-Bass.

Pantazis, C. (2002). Maximizing E-Learning to Train the 21st Century Workforce. Public Personnel Management, 31(1), 21-26.