Buchan, Janet (2007) Rethinking management strategies for the online learning environment. In: Proceedings of the Association for Learning Technology UK Conference 2008. From: Association for Learning Technology UK Conference 2008: rethinking the digital divide, 9-11 September 2008, Leeds, UK.

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Abstract

In rethinking the digital divide we are challenged to rethink our approaches to management of the online learning environment. Our learning environment has a number of parallels with the natural environment. It is complex and continually changing. There are competing uses and requirements for resources within the digital environment and often poor communication between users (or members). Within the rapidly changing higher education landscape in Australian universities there is evidence of poor management practices that are resulting in 'erosion' or 'degradation' of our educational environment which are contributing to the development of a digital divide.

The preliminary findings and concepts presented here are part of ongoing Ph.D. research where the primary aim is to develop strategies to manage a sustainable online learning environment at an Australian university in the face of ongoing change. The digital, or online, learning environment is only one part of the broader educational environment. In a case study of Charles Sturt University this research study uses a social-ecological systems analysis approach to document the current state of the educational environment together with interviews and discourse analysis to provide evidence to support the proposed integrated management approach.

Environmental management, both in the natural and in the learning environment, is primarily about managing people. In the online environment this involves the interactions between people and the physical components such as the technology and other factors. The classroom environment, or classroom 'climate', is acknowledged as being important and well documented in the literature are guidelines and strategies for its management. Less well documented are ways to maintain the integrity of this learning environment in the face of constant change in the broader educational environment.

This paper outlines an integrated management approach for our educational environment that is flexible enough to absorb the rapid changes in the area of technology enhanced learning and within the higher education sector itself

Item ID:	34983
Item Type:	Conference Item (Research - E1)
Keywords:	digital divide, management, online learning, learning environment, adaptive management
Related URLs:	https://www.alt.ac.uk/altc2008/index.htm...
Date Deposited:	20 Dec 2017 23:33
FoR Codes:	13 EDUCATION > 1301 Education Systems > 130103 Higher Education @ 20% 13 EDUCATION > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130304 Educational Administration, Management and Leadership @ 40% 13 EDUCATION > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130306 Educational Technology and Computing @ 40%
SEO Codes:	93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9305 Education and Training Systems > 930502 Management of Education and Training Systems @ 50% 93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9302 Teaching and Instruction > 930203 Teaching and Instruction Technologies @ 50%
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