Trust in Technology Enhanced Learning

Question: Discuss about the Trust in Technology Enhanced Learning. Answer: Introduction Place of Trust in Technology Enhanced Learning The business and learning systems have fully embraced Technology Enhanced Learning. This therefore necessitates the building of a firm foundation in trust since most of the communication is virtual. Technology Enhanced Learning has benefitted its users because of its effectiveness in relation to finances, time and eliminating the problems of distance. This therefore calls for the need to enhance and build a trust in relationships between the parties concerned as this overcomes the issues of a lacking face-to-face communication (Short, 2014). Context The cultural authenticity of this text is informed from the development of the virtual world in todays global activities. This text is historically extracted from the United Kingdom of Great Britain. In view of the extent to which the virtual world misses the place of trust in relationships and the little research that has been dug into TEL, this article is set to align these and inform the involved parties. This is especially so in learning institutions and in the workplace. It addresses the need for further research to be employed in TEL and its reliance on trust. This will enhance the effectiveness of TEL and bring on board a whole new level of understanding that is capable of bringing a revolution. Taken from the literal understanding in which this text fits, any communication that lacks face-to-face effects such as the virtual communication employed by TEL, undermines the formation and development of trust in relationships. Structure It is important to note that the writer has developed her logic from the level where TEL seems to affect trust and the redundancies that have reduced its effectiveness. She goes on to build into the importance of TEL despite its limitations. Style The author has brought out the importance of trust in the virtual world in clarity of thought and experience and established credibility in doing so. This authenticity in experience in operating TEL under SMEs suits the discussion she presents. For all involved in distance learning and business operations, trust is indispensable and this text is therefore appropriate to them. Evaluation Importance of Trust and its Establishment The author has clearly brought the meaning of trust and how its presence or absence in the learning process affects relationships and effectiveness in learning. Defining trust as the deliberate willingness to show points of weakness and vulnerability to someone whose behaviour you cannot control. When a trainer yields some control, he/she is able to create a strong bond with the trainees as this makes them feel part of the process and needed rather than just around to take instructions. Through the learning process, students develop a need for trust and the process described above helps trust and relationships to form and grow among the trainees and between the trainer and the trainees. For this to happen, a student friendly and student-cantered environment has to be created. Thus, the author effectively covers the issue of importance of trust and how to develop and grow it in learning relationships. Trust in the Virtual World The author is able to show the development of the virtual world traceable since the 1990s with the development of network communication technology. This resulted to distance working which then led to virtual organizations due to the decrease in face-to-face communication. The writer asserts the difficulty in managing people in different locations and working together. This will be affected by a dynamic change in organizational thinkingespecially the culture and leadership style Different organizations have been known to undertake different leadership style inclusive of authoritative and supportive. In view of the virtual challenge of trust, organizations need to employ the supportive style where the participative style generates trust. Further, the members are intrinsically motivated to committed participation leading to success of the organization. Designers of interactive systems useful in the virtual world need to understand that technology is not enough but needs to be enhanced by the social aspect where trust is built. This will in turn engage communication skills and collaborative participatory activities. Trust and relationships must therefore be built in the virtual world because many may be reluctant to deal with people they have not met face-to-face. Trust Issues in TEL The article has clearly shown the issues that affect Technology Enhanced Learning and the solutions to be employed. This is because the lack of expectation that revolves around TEL inhibits development of trust and prevents students from establishing common ground. One main reason for this is that virtual communication lacks physical cues that affect interpersonal interaction that bring trust, warmth and attentiveness. Teamwork can also be enhanced where partners have previously interacted and built trust. This means that they are able to overcome the virtual issues, tackle problems together and take responsibility. Trust is also enhanced by interaction in learning process where students are able to learn more and trainers gain credibility. Virtuality also creates the problem of a tasking rather than relational relationship. TEL also creates isolation among students as there are no face-to-face meet ups. Conclusion It is therefore clear that trust is indispensible in any interaction, be it virtual or real. Though the article may not have addressed all the issues that concern building trust in TEL or offered all solutions, he/she has created faith in the ability of the system to succeed and enhance learning and business. References Short, H. (2014). A critical evaluation of the contribution of trust to effective Technology Enhanced Learning in the workplace: A literature review. British Journal of Educational Technology, 45(6), 1014-1022. doi:10.1111/bjet.12187