Steve Cooper
Founder
Are we still in online learning's first generation?
Yes. But many students and faculty, as well as many educational entrepreneurs, are moving the ball forward to the second generation. Online learning will be delivered with open source materials using robust social networking sites as the learning management system. Generation 2.0 will accommodate, even encourage end-user innovations.
What generation 1.0 learning management system characteristics should be left behind?
All of them. Monolithic systems like Blackboard and eCollege should be abandoned completely. Even Moodle, despite its popularity, low price and customizability, misses the mark. Enter Facebook for generation 2.0 online learning.
What generation 2.0 characteristics should be welcomed, perhaps even speeded up?
A social networking site should not just enable a classroom - it should be the classroom. Take Facebook for example, which already has 300 million users who are very familiar with its workings. There's no construction necessary. There's no infrastructure cost to the education provider. There's very little user training necessary. There's even a revenue sharing opportunity for the education provider with Facebook. And, yes there is now the ability to verify student and faculty identities within social networking sites. Interestingly, Facebook was created by Harvard college students for college students.
Give some examples of end-user innovation.
Wiki textbooks. Faculty control of the visual classroom space. Faculty/student integration of mobile devices like iPhones, Blackberries, netbooks, and importantly, widgets. Because much of the innovation is accomplished by users, the reliance on tech support personnel will be drastically reduced.
Does Google have a generation 2.0 learning tool ready for use, and what is its significance?
Google will soon be launching Google Wave, which appears to be ideal as an online classroom.
What is significant or insignificant about 'touchpoints' in online learning systems?
Generation 1.0 technology was somewhat daunting. So the smartest online educators kept track of where they could 'touch' their students, and how to do so. Socially networked generation 2.0 technology won't need mapped touchpoints. Social networking can be likened to an embrace.
On the consumer side, are online education's present fortunes with 18 - 24 year-olds?
Not currently. Online enrollments are primarily adults.
Who make up the bulk of today's online learners?
They are 25- to 50-year old adults seeking a degree for self-actualization or career advancement. But I'm told there are more than 1 million high school students attending high school online. I expect many of them will be receptive to online college.
How will that change during the next five years?
More students and faculty will want the social networking interface for learning. EduPunks like me will get the attention of venture capitalists. Facebook will buy Blackboard. Innovation will blossom.