E-Learning Evolution: Global E-Learning Portals and Their Elements--Part I

In the last post I suggested to you that there is a growing need to take prudent steps to try to bring order and direction to E-Learning. Given that a growing number of organizations offering E-Learning are coming on stream each day, the continuing exponential growth of technology use and the desire in both the business sector and education sector for the development of a culture of innovation, we are reaching a "critical mass". At this point we will either continue down a path using a fragmented vision for E-Learning or we will create a new path with the goal of establishing a global consensus with regards to a shared, unified vision, agreed upon but adaptive standards of practice and a global collaboration of all stakeholders in their roles to make valued contributions to the realization of a vision that they all agree with. As the business community should recognize, the education of learners to become creators of new knowledge and skillsets translates into employees who have the right skillsets to grow innovation within their communities.
These are the conversations that need to go viral and they must culminate in the building of collaborative relationships.

Credit: www.trutower.com

Six Global E-Learning Portals

What I am about to suggest comes with a number of disclaimers:

• This is conceptual and its purpose is to get you to become involved in useful conversations as you consider the possibilities. It is not my intent to suggest that these are THE configurations and the only ones to consider. These concepts are the product of my thoughtful engagement with E-Learning.
• The titling of these portals again are open to revision but I think you will also discern my thinking behind their choice.
• The composition of the families of countries are again not something that I intend to dictate but I would welcome the thoughts of others as to other pertinent criteria to be considered in the choice of participants in each global E-Learning portal.

Portal #1: The Northern Hemisphere Pacific Portal
Portal #2: The Southern Hemisphere Pacific Portal
Portal #3: The Northern Hemisphere Atlantic Portal
Portal #4: The Southern Hemisphere Atlantic Portal
Portal #5: The Mediterranean & Central EU Portal
Portal #6: The Indian Ocean & Middle East Portal

With respect to the first four portals, the equator is a determining factor. Also, I am not so naive as to not recognize that the selection of which countries belong to what E-Learning portal will require cultural, political, historical,and economical relationships among them to be considered. This requires the great desire to really try to understand the world from each others point of view and be comfortable enough to discuss it to develop strong ties in developing a unified vision for E-Learning.

Credit: www.entrepreneur.com

The Elements of the Global E-Learning Portals

The following diagram is roughly designed to explain the collaborative relationships between the elements:

I have been told by my colleagues that it is wise to chunk information for learners and so I will follow their advice and post the continuing description of each of these elements in my next post......