Using email to enable e³ (effective, efficient, and engaging) learning

Abstract

This article argues that technology that supports both noncognitive and cognitive aspects can make learning more effective, efficient, and engaging (e³‐learning). The technology of interest in this article is email. The investigation focuses on characteristics of email that are likely to enable e³‐learning. In addition, in order to optimize the use of email for the support of e³‐learning, this article proposes a conceptual framework grounded in research that can guide the systematic design and development process in terms of (a) diagnosing learners’ needs, (b) constructing appropriate email, and (c) renewing email. Further research is also discussed, especially with regard to automated systems for email use. The article concludes with the notion that email messages in support of e³‐learning may prove to be a transformative technology in distance education.

Keywords:

• blended learning
• cognitive learning
• large lecture classes
• noncognitive aspects of learning
• transformative technologies