eLearning 2.0 uses instructional methods designed to encourage or require students to work together on learning tasks, allowing social learning.
It is similar in concept to the terminology «Computer-supported collaborative learning» (CSCL) and «Networked collaborative learning» (NCL). With the web 2.0 advances, sharing information between multiple people in a network has become much easier.
Learning takes place through conversations about content and interaction about problems and actions. This collaborative learning differs from instruction in which the instructor is the principal source of knowledge and skills (face-to-face training).
eLearning 2.0 uses social software such as blogs, social media, wikis, podcasts, cloud-based document portals and discussion groups. Social networks are fostering online learning communities.
Margraf Publishers encourages course participants to use their handheld computers or cell phones to join a training. All courses are prepared for the use with devices like computer, iPads or Smartphones (responsive design of the courses «ask» first with which device a user is approaching to then offer a suitable layout for this device).
e-Learning participants are increasingly being asked to work in teams, drawing on different sets of expertise, and collaborating to solve problems – and increasingly they are promoted to do so at their workplaces as well.
Therefore, our eTutors must have a good understanding of the technology being used and its advantages over more traditional methods to support participants in this. If there is a lack in either of these areas, technology will be seen as a hindrance and not a benefit to the goals of teaching.
Although the tutor-accompanied courses have a much lower drop-out rate compared to MOOCs or Self-Paced courses, the most observed obstacle of the e-Learning courses is the question of motivation and the (sometimes) wrong self-estimation of the participants. While this is understandable from the view of participants, the trainers nevertheless need to be trained in order to help overcoming simple access and technical problems as well as the difficult question how to train a complex content in a distance learning environment.