Research article summary (published 30 Oct 2002):

Psychological myths in e-learning.

Full Abstract

Traditional education and training has paid scant attention to the psychology of learning. Despite detailed research into motivation, distribution and reinforcement, most current methods of delivery still rely on a supply-led, lecture and classroom-based model that flies in the face of the theory. With e-learning we have a chance to reflect on this gap between theory and practice. E-learning, in the sense of web-based learning, is a new discipline but the psychology of learning has a much longer pedigree. This paper relates some common myths about e-learning back to some major themes in the psychology of learning. Is e-learning faster and more effective? Many people get the wrong learning at the wrong time. Can e-learning help with prerequisite knowledge? Should the learning be massed or distributed, i.e. all at once or little and often? There are also the issues of motivation and cognitive engagement. How can e-learning motivate learners or how can we motivate learners into using this new medium? What type of cognitive engagement is necessary for learning? Traditional 'sheep-dip' methods of learning are poor on reinforcement. Can e-learning help reinforce learning?

Author information

Author/s: Clark, Donald (D);

Affiliation: Epic Group PLC, 52 Old Steine, Brighton, BN1 1NH, UK. Donald(-atsign-)epic.co.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Medical teacher (Med Teach), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Nov; vol 24 (issue 6) : pp 598-604

Dates: Created 2003/03/07; Completed 2003/04/03; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12623452, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Education, Distance Great Britain Humans Internet Learning

Learning Motivation Mythology Reinforcement (Psychology) Students - psychology

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