Models of Large-Scale E-Learning

Early interest in e-learning focused around the possibility of large-scale courses. This led to pronouncements of the demise of the educator, which were based on an infinite lecture hall pedagogy. However, cost-effective models of large-scale e-learning have proven difficult to implement. This paper examines some of the initial reaction to the notion of large-scale courses and sets out the cost difficulties associated with such courses. Five models of large-scale e-learning are proposed. Each of these have implicit associated pedagogies. The majority of these assume instructivist pedagogy. Large-scale models that use a more constructivist pedagogy may be possible using community based approaches. The importance of differentiating between pedagogic styles and scale of implementations is stressed as it highlights the reasoning behind some of the initial claims against e-learning.