For the Theory and Practice of E-learning module we have been asked to reflect on a key e-learning concept.
Gilly Salmon's 5-stage model seems like a good starting point. We looked at this in the Foundation course in a module on Supporting Learners Online. Salmon's E-moderating book was a useful reference tool for this module and I drew heavily on the structure of the 5 stages for my coursework. Whenever e-learning is discussed, Gilly Salmon's name is used. Her model has been readily accepted by the e-learning community as the 'standard' to use.
Pam Moule has taken a different view and challenged Salmon's concept in a paper which outlines another model, the 'e-learning ladder'. While Moule accepts that there are similarities between the 5 steps and her ladder, she feels that the 5 stage model is too narrow in its view based, as it is, solely on the constructivist approach to learning. The ladder takes into account instructivist approaches, blended learning and face-to-face teaching. She also feels that it can be easily adapted to encompass mobile learning in the (near) future.
The ladder certainly explores the learning processes in more depth. And while the image of the ladder suggests a rigid hierarchical progression the idea is, in fact, of a more flexible linking mechanism.
