The advancement of learning technology during the past decade or two has broadened the possibilities for online learning both in formal as well as informal settings. With a focus on the latter, research in extreme learning explores how people learn or teach with technology in unusual or unique ways outside of traditional educational settings. The purpose of this research, therefore, is to offer some insight into where and how the cutting-edge technology for educational purposes in authentic learning environments takes place. Researchers collected and evaluated 135 extreme learning websites under five main categories using 8 structured criteria. The results for different types of extreme learning are compared. In addition, the top 20 rated extreme learning Web sites are introduced.
Extreme Learning is an emerging area of research that is related to adventure learning and other types of non-traditional learning. Extreme Learning explores the way that people use technology in novel, unique, or unusual ways in a variety of settings to change some aspect of their lives. As a first step in our research, 135 Extreme Learning Web sites were identified and an in-depth analysis of the content of the Web sites was conducted. Each site was independently rated by four team members according to eight predetermined criteria. This presentation will focus primarily on the Outdoor/Adventure Learning Web sites that were identified. Other Web resources categories that were rated include Online Language Learning, Virtual Education, Societal Change/Global Learning, and Other/Miscellaneous.
