New technologies on the Internet for self-organising systems in e-learning

Sugata Mitra
Centre for Research in Cognitive Systems, the NIIT Institute

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     Last modified: October 16, 2006
     Presentation date: 11/01/2006 11:45 AM in NT Portland A
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Abstract
Learning systems that use the Internet are evolving rapidly. Distance educators continue to view E-learning as predominantly consisting of websites where students have access to materials and some, limited, interaction with mediators. The popularity and effectiveness of such methods continue to be debated. In the meanwhile, collaborative and interactive technologies have evolved on the Internet in various forms. Informal and unorganized groups of learners are using such technology for entertainment and, increasingly, learning.

In this paper, we discuss the nature and future of the key collaborative technologies on the Internet. Experiments with real-time, almost free, audio-visual interaction and learning management systems on the Internet are described. The author discusses his experience with the use of such technology for remote classroom instructional sessions and its effects on learners.

The paper concludes with suggestions on how distance educators can integrate the use of such technology in the design of online courses.