Online Learning and Its Users ― Lessons for Higher Education

Online Learning and Its Users: Lessons for Higher Education focuses on a rethinking of the approach we are currently taking to introducing new e-learning initiatives and the way we currently support staff and students with their use of technology.

Using an evidence-based case study, the book argues that we need to shift the focus of the discourse of e-learning research and development, with the aim of moving away from asking for additional use of technology.

Instead, our discourse needs to address the activities undertaken in teaching and learning in higher education. From these, we can identify the goals of the people undertaking a range of actions and the best ways technology can mediate these practices.

• Presents the case for starting at the other end of the e-learning issue - with the users.
• Includes a case study of the adoption of an e-learning technology on an institution-wide basis, and what really happens in this process
• Offers perspectives from Ireland and the UK, presenting information in a way that is relevant to people working in higher education in both countries (and beyond)
• Communicates accessibly and without jargon the key issues in e-learning which have relevance to all stakeholders in higher education