Learn Net Advisors & Research

There are so many tools that are free to use on the Web that you could utilise a good range of these to deliver an eLearning or blended learning programme without the use of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).  Blogs, Wikis, Voice Thread, Google Docs, FaceBook Groups, LinkedIn, Twitter etc. are all used by forward thinking eLearning Tutors and Lecturers who don’t want to be confined by the VLE provided by their organisation.

Of course, combining these free tools to deliver learning over the web is not without its challenges.  One significant challenge is that of the level of personal organisation required to manage a range of tools found in a number of different places on the Web.   Working with course students in Moodle, for example, enables all the instructions, discussions, activities, resources and submissions to be found in one place.  As long as you are happy to work within the confines of one environment and accept the restrictions then this is a good solution for many people and organisations.

Sometimes eTutors choose to allow learners to make use of preferred online tools during certain activities e.g. collaborative assignments.  Sometimes eTutors may feel that there is something that is more fit-for-purpose outside the VLE and draw on free tools to promote an aspect of learning within the course.  This can be seen as good practice and can help to motivate and engage students and embed learning.

This week I have been searching for free online survey tools, of which there are many.  These can be used for formative assessment, surveying opinions, feedback and evaluation etc.  They can capture one piece of information or many pieces and can range from informal to formal.  Of course you need skills to develop surveys and questionnaires in practice but if you have these, or you want to practice, the tools are freely available.  You can invite people to complete your survey by email or through a link in a website.

Why not check out some of these:

• http://www.zoomerang.com/
• http://booroo.com
• http://www.surveymonkey.com
• http://freeonlinesurveys.com/
• http://www.smart-survey.co.uk/
• http://www.surveypirate.com/

Take part in our very short example of an online survey