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Executive Summary:

This report will outline the application of learning theories and multimedia principles to the online program for better time and self- management. The report will also include further recommendations and the justification of the integration of specific technologies to the time and self- management course.

Context:

Time management is the ability to allocate out time and resources to accomplishing our objectives.  It is about applying a range of techniques that allow us to get more done in less time, usually with better results. The e-learning program understands that being able to manage ourselves is a lifelong process and requires self-awareness and a continued willingness to make changes in our attitudes and behaviour. Therefore, the program consists of managing ones’ time more effectively which also contributes to the maintenance of stress levels which have been increasing over the past few years. Having successful time management is important as it allows the individual to allocate time effectively and therefore able to complete all tasks by the deadline. Managers need to implement time and stress management strategies in order for a business to succeed, or program will also help managers to come up with strategies that they could implement into their organisation. Time and stress management along with emotional intelligence are concepts closely associated with self-management. The program understands that having effective time management skills will gives us a chance to achieve a balance between work and personal life that can be more satisfying, as opposed to restricting our activities to one area at the expense of the other. For this reason, the program recognises the need to discuss how to overcome barriers to interpersonal effectiveness in time and self-management so learners can devote and do their best in what it takes to succeed and be able to reach their full potential in their work.

As this is a management course, learners should have some background of management. It is most suitable for people who are stress because of work life and are unable to find a satisfactory balance between work and social life. As the course is a learning progression and activities and quizzes increase in complexity, the course it also suitable for those in managerial positions as it too would help them reduce their stress levels as well as implement strategies into their business.

Learning Theories to be used:

Cognitive Theory

Individuals are actively involved in the learning process and learning is the process of relating new information to previously learned information. The cognitive approach has the benefit of allowing learners to understand what they are learning in general and how the concepts are able to interrelate with one another. This process also allows the individuals to learn things at a greater pace as learning is building on the past concepts which gradually increase in complexity.

Constructivist Theory

This theory involves learners incorporating their new experiences into an already existing framework, without changing the framework. According to the theory, accommodation is the process in by which learners reframe their previous experiences to fit with new experiences. It is a theory in which learners are able to learn from their own failures and that of others. With the Constructivist Theory, learners are able to investigate real life scenarios that encounter time and self management problems.

Social learning theory

Social learning theory focuses on the learning that occurs within a social context. It considers how people learn from one another, and includes concepts such as observational learning, where people can learn by observing the behaviours of others and the outcomes of those behaviours, imitation and modelling. Observational learning includes four processes, including:

• Attention -  this focuses on the features of behaviours
• Retention – keeping and storing the behaviour so it is remembered
• Reproduction – the behaviour must be reproduced and given feedback
• Reinforcement – to motivate the learners so they are able to reproduce and perform the observed behaviour.

This theory involves interaction with media and simulations as simulations offer learners the attention, retention and reinforcement, and allows learners to be more motivated during the course. The nature of the learner’s social interaction with knowledgeable members of the society is important. Without the social interaction with more knowledgeable others, it is impossible to acquire social meaning of important symbol systems and learn how to use them.

E-learning design:

The storyboard can be found here:-

http://www.gliffy.com/publish/1441705/

Integration of technologies:

Virtual worlds/ Second life: This technology is appropriate in the constructivist learning theory as learners are able to investigate common real life scenarios of time and self management issues. The use of this application would also allow for communication and group work as they will need to solve problems in a team, group work is essential in any business and second life is able to strengthen team spirit with the incorporation of this technology. This technology allows learners to conduct various methods of research to investigate time and self management problems and to find strategies to solve their problems. Active feedback is also given which is vital.

Vodcasting and podcasting: both video and audio are good ways to engage learners into learning how to deal with time and stress management. Videos can motivate and enhance learners interaction and can give the learner a better understanding of the context. It also caters for both visual and aural learners. Videos and audios can help the learner understand better through demonstration.

Quizzes: This aims to assess the knowledge of the learner and so the learner can be provided with feedback. Feedback allows learners to reflect on what they need to improve and develop. The quizzes increase in complexity allowing a challenge for learners.