Epic | E-learning Debate, 30th September

The E-learning Debate at the Oxford Union 2009

This house believes that the e-learning of today is essential for the important skills of tomorrow.

Voting has now closed. Results:

60% for

40% against

Arguing for the motion

Professor Diana Laurillard: Chair of Learning with Digital Technologies , University of London. Previously, Head of the e-Learning Strategy Unit for the UK Government, and Pro- Vice-Chancellor for learning technologies and teaching at The Open University.
Major General Tim Inshaw: Director General for Training and Education, responsible for individual training and education policy across all three military services: Army, Navy and RAF.
Andy MacGovern: VP - Strategic Talent Technology for Thomson Reuters, responsible for the design and implementation of learning technologies and e-learning strategy for 50,000 + employees.
Kirstie Donnelly: Learndirect's Director of Products and Marketing, with responsibility for the marketing, design and build of the digital learning provider's portfolio and services.

The Argument for

Introduction
How can we in the UK contemplate a future competing against billions of workers in India and China without making use of the revolutionary new learning tools at our disposal today? E-learning is not only quicker and cheaper to deploy than traditional forms of learning, it can be much more effective.

Arguing against the motion

Dr Marc Rosenberg: Management consultant and leading expert in the world of training, organizational learning, e-learning, knowledge management and performance improvement. Author of numerous books and papers.
Claire Little: Vice President, Emerging Markets for SHL Group, providing workplace talent assessments in more than 50 countries for in excess of 15,000 clients. Formerly SHL's Director, Global Training, with responsibility for setting and implementing training strategy worldwide.
Wendy Cartwright: Head of Human Resources for the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), the public body responsible for new venues and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games. Formerly, head of HR Services at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
David Wilson: Independent Corporate Learning Analyst and a major commentator on the e-learning industry.

The Argument against

Introduction
The e-learning of today may be useful, but is it effective enough to provide the important skills of the future? Hard facts suggest it is not. The skills of the future require a level of social interaction that isn't provided by today's e-learning. Today's e-learning needs to evolve rapidly if it is to keep up with a rapidly changing world.

Previous Debates

The E-learning Debate at the Oxford Union 2010

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