The changing landscape: e-learning in schools

Abstract This paper explores key initiatives over the last decade which have contributed towards building the foundations of an e-learning environment. What is e-learning? What are the key characteristics of e-learning? What are the benefits, requirements and rewards are also discussed. Exemplary e-learning services, managed by education.au, built to meet some of the requirements of e-learning are described as well. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ‘Schools are changing rapidly and expectations are rising. Students are being educated for a world that demands continuous learning, the creation of knowledge and adaptation of new circumstances. The community expects students to be technology competent’. [Learning in an Online World: Research Strategy 2003] Overview/government agenda The framework for an e-learning environment was constructed in the mid nineties with the publication of a number of key reports. Over the last decade key national reports have provided the strategies and policies towards the establishment of a national information infrastructure which facilitates a rich e-learning environment. The articulated strategies focus on harnessing the powers of the information and communication technologies to derive unparalleled benefits for teaching and learning. The ‘