A lot of theory and hyperbole from various sources has been quoted on the discussion board regarding this issue. The question of whether ICT was the same as online learning also came up.
Generally, learning is accepted as gaining knowledge, information, understanding or skills. Online learning would therefore be learning that is facilitated by the use of a computer connected to a network, or more specifically, the internet.
But is ICT the same as online learning? I don't think so. ICT is a toolbox. A toolbox that has evolved from story-telling and rock-painting to story-telling and mashups! This toolbox is not the exclusive domain of educators and educatees though. It is just part of everyday life in the modern western world. Online learning is an outcome possible by the effective use of those technologies.
Students, generally, are already immersed in the use of the toolbox and fluently speak the language (even if they don't yet understand what is going on inside the “black box”). Teachers need to do likewise if they are to be able to meet the need of their customers. The world has changed and education has been slow to keep up. Educational leadership is often two generations behind and sees the tools as novel. Out in the “real world” organisation s have jumped on board and experienced success. An example of this is the US Army's development of the game
These games are not necessarily appropriate for all learning outcomes but they demonstrate online learning being achieved outside the edusphere by very conservative organisations. If educators are to use ICT well and develop appropriate online learning solutions we must come to accept the customer of now for what they are and learn to speak the language. Only then can we expect to “enhance achievement”, “extend interaction” or “create new learning and teaching possibilities”.
