A Perspective on TEL Design
The term Technology Enabled Learning (TEL) brings us visions of Online education websites. But the concept of TEL as applied to Manipal Education and SMU DE needs to meet tougher standards to meet business objectives. SMU DE is primarily driven by the Learning Centers. We need to keep in mind that TEL should form the mainstay of their operations.TEL as a learning system cannot be driven solely by SMU DDE or Manipal Education Corporate office. It needs to lend itself to empowerment of the LC faculty members. The SMU DDE should take up a back end role or a facilitating role. The LC faculty members should be operating TEL to deliver the courses. This merits a different design perspective for TEL.
The present thoughts on TEL mostly perceive the website to (1) hold static content, (2) to enable dynamic processes driven by SMU DDE faculty members, and (3) to drive traffic by more attractive content. Thus primarily it is seen as being driven by content rather than processes.
The fresh perspective should look at TEL as (1) a confluence of dynamic processes, (2) both static and dynamic content and (3) driven primarily by the LC faculty members.
A portal for the LCs:
TEL should be the communication platform for the LCs for delivery and management of the courses. This will require that each LC should be provided access zone and space to place its own agenda on TEL.
I. Each LC could display on its space,
1. The courses offered
2. Profile of its faculty members
3. Course plans
4. Student Database
5. Its local interests and programs
II. Each LC faculty member
1. Could maintain a database of his students
2. Details of the courses he conducts
3. Maintains communication through TEL with his students.
III.SMU DE will provide
1. Static content in terms of SLMs, Assignments, Workbooks, Audio& Video material for reference
2. Offer dynamic content such as Expert Interviews, Columns by Subject Matter Experts, run Discussion Groups
3. Offer career enhancement and professional development programmes for the LC faculty online.
This three tier design will make TEL a robust platform as well as a repository which will be used profitably by the LCs.
Thus it is obvious that the processes need to complement the content on TEL and this should result in the empowerment of LC faculty members.