Sustainability factors for e-learning initiatives

dc.creator	Cathy Gunn
dc.date	2010-12-01T00:00:00Z
dc.date.accessioned	2015-08-12T11:20:44Z
dc.date.available	2015-08-12T11:20:44Z
dc.identifier	10.3402/rlt.v18i2.10755
dc.identifier	2156-7069
dc.identifier	2156-7077
dc.identifier	https://doaj.org/article/926719e9fc084972932ea788df470e81
dc.identifier.uri	http://evidence.thinkportal.org/handle/123456789/28488
dc.description	This paper examines the challenges that ‘grass roots' e-learning initiatives face in trying to become sustainable. A cross-institutional study focused on local, rather than centrally driven, initiatives. A number of successful e-learning innovations were identified that had been driven by capable teachers seeking solutions to real educational problems. However, most of these remain in a high-risk category for institutions and offer poor rewards to their creators. While they may attract grant funding, these initiatives are typically not well supported in other important ways. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 staff in various academic and support roles from the tertiary sector in New Zealand, who were nationally recognised as e-learning leaders. Analysis of their responses revealed both institutional and cultural barriers to long-term sustainability. The following influences on sustainability were identified and discussed: supportive organisational structures, a vision shared by all and staff accountability. The paper proposes that not all initiatives are sustainable and offer practical strategies for achieving diffusion and continuity through collective action. The paper concludes that there is a need for cross-functional collaboration to accommodate different and sometimes conflicting perspectives. This is just one aspect of the culture change that research shows is needed for e-learning to transform, rather than sit uncomfortably alongside, institutional practice.
dc.language	English
dc.relation	http://www.researchinlearningtechnology.net/index.php/rlt/article/view/10755
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/2156-7069
dc.relation	https://doaj.org/toc/2156-7077
dc.rights	CC BY
dc.source	Research in Learning Technology, Vol 18, Iss 2 (2010)
dc.subject	e-learning sustainability
dc.subject	e-learning strategy
dc.subject	integration
dc.subject	dissemination
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	DOAJ:Education
dc.subject	DOAJ:Social Sciences
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.subject	Education (General)
dc.subject	L7-991
dc.subject	Education
dc.subject	L
dc.title	Sustainability factors for e-learning initiatives
dc.type	article