Technology enhanced learning (or TEL) refers to the support of any learning activity through technology.
TEL is often used synonymously with E-Learning even though there are significant differences. The main difference between the two expressions is that TEL focuses on the technological support of any pedagogical approach that utilizes technology. However this is rarely presented as including print technology or the developments around libraries, books and journals in the centuries before computers.
A learning activity can be described in terms of the
Learning activities can follow different pedagogical approaches and didactic concepts.The main focus in TEL is on the interplay between these activities and respective technologies. This can range from enabling access to and authoring of a learning resource to elaborate software systems managing (e.g. learning management system, learning content management systems, learning repositories, adaptive learning hypermedia systems, etc.) and managing (human resource management systems; tools for self-directed learning, etc.) the learning process of learners with technical means.
The existing definitions for technology enhanced learning spread very broad and change continuously due to the dynamic nature of this evolving research field(see example links below.) Hence, the definition of TEL must be as broad and general as possible in order to capture all aspects:
Technology enhanced learning (TEL) has the goal of providing socio-technical innovations (also improving efficiency and cost effectiveness) for learning practices, regarding individuals and organizations, independent of time, place and pace. The field of TEL therefore describes the support of any learning activity through technology.
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The EU supports a number of projects in the area of TEL.
There are several Networks of Excellences that (have) specifically contribute(d) to shaping the research area around TEL:
The Teaching and Learning Research Programme is currently in its Technology Enhanced Learning phase. It is currently funding eight large projects in the TEL field across the UK.[1]