The future of distance learning at Learning Technologies 2013
Learning Technologies, Europe’s premier event in technology-supported learning, will contain a seminar, hosted by Debbie Lawley - CEO of Willow DNA, on distance learning and professional development: exploring the seismic shifts taking place in learning design, engagement and online delivery.
Online learning is facing a revolution. For the first time, the commercial market and the education sector are coming together with common ground. Online learning is no longer the preserve of health and safety at one end or the Open University at the other. Leadership training, professional development, apprenticeships and specialist vocational training are all part of this phenomenon.
Debbie Lawley, CEO of WillowDNA, will explore this seismic shift and explore why these changes are happening now in a seminar taking place at the upcoming Learning Technologies event: “Whether your field is as an L&D professional in a business or in the education field, these are exciting times for online distance learning and e-learning. MOOCs, private universities and the increased demand for online degree, accreditation, CPD and combining working and learning in corporate academies are challenging all educators, from public, private, university and college to ensure their online learning achieves and exceeds expectations,” explained Debbie Lawley, ahead of the event today.
“It is also an opportunity – the ability to internationalise and extend the reach of courses has never been more readily achievable.”
This seminar explores the principles of great online learning design, building engagement and will share the most robust and appropriate ways to deliver online programmes. We will also share ways in which to extend your learning to an international audience, through repurposing content and creating international portals.
Education versus Commercial
Until recently there was a massive chasm between online learning in the commercial market and online learning in the education market. They were even called different things - commercial prefers the term e-learning while education prefers online learning. This divide still exists but it's beginning to blur around the edges as commercial organisations realise the potential of the synchronous approach and education realise the potential of the asynchronous approach.
Outstanding Professional Online Courses, for Business and Education
Experienced in providing online performance support for commercial companies, leadership training online to post graduate level, conversion of degree materials to online for university colleges, Debbie will share some of the key factors that enable an effective strategy for challenging subjects to be delivered online today and in the future.
WillowDNA won the gold award for distance learning 2 months ago at the prestigious E-learning Age awards ceremony. Widely recognised as the highest accolade in the industry, WillowDNA was singled out as offering the best online distance learning programme.
The team received the award at a glittering ceremony in London hosted by TV science and technology presenter Angela Lamont and television announcer Alan Dedicoat, best known as the ‘Voice of the Balls’ for the National Lottery.
Attendance is free as part of the exhibition pass available online although seating is limited: Wednesday 30th January at 2.45pm in Theatre two.
Additionally, the WillowDNA team will be available at stand 117 to view methods of engagement, social learning techniques, and to discuss the importance of the learning platform and cloud-based LMS.