E-learning 2.0 Revisited

I am sure many of you are already familiar with Stephen Downes' vision for the future of eLearning, or eLearning 2.0. But whether you have read it before and need a refresher, or you are reading it for the first time, it's a great piece to put perspective on where things are likely going. The following excerpt gives a little of the flavor and direction:

" What happens when online learning ceases to be like a medium, and becomes more like a platform? What happens when online learning software ceases to be a type of content-consumption tool, where learning is "delivered," and becomes more like a content-authoring tool, where learning is created? The model of e-learning as being a type of content, produced by publishers, organized and structured into courses, and consumed by students, is turned on its head. Insofar as there is content, it is used rather than read— and is, in any case, more likely to be produced by students than courseware authors. And insofar as there is structure, it is more likely to resemble a language or a conversation rather than a book or a manual."

I think Stephen is absolutely on target (if not prophetic) and heartily recommend it for your consideration and reflection. Also of interest is a related commentary by David Jennings. In this blog entry Jennings refers to a new blog titled Learning 2.0 Tip of the Week--not sure how this is going to evolve, since it is so new, but it's worth keeping an eye on.