Abstract:

The evolution of Information Technology (IT) has undoubtedly catalysed the growth and advancement of higher education through its e-learning (online) education systems. Whereas there are many valuable research works on the dynamics of the tangible and some aspects of the intangible means by which IT has played its famous roles in advancing the e-learning education system, the same cannot also be said about empirical studies that focus on identifying and evaluating solutions to certain psychological issues that critically affect many adult learners. While the IT tangible attributes include systems, tools and platforms, the intangibles are the nonphysical factors that influence designs and delivery strategies, policies within the sector, and service consumer’s preferences. Beyond the physicals, the intangible elements have significantly influenced the evolution of the e-learning education system of the information age in very critical ways, howbeit unnoticeably.

Further to the popular E-learning systems’ attributes of cost-effectiveness, flexibility, availability and accessibility considered as major attractions for its rapid grow, there are the silent but salient attributes of Dynamic Personal Learning Environment whose right application is capable of offering very potent solutions to the subsisting but largely ignored challenges of Learning Anxiety Disorder (LAD). The concept of LAD is derived from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD); and, it is construed to be a product of unwarranted self-consciousness, misappropriated Ego, severe Shyness, and Phobia resulting into learning inhibitions, disenchantment for socially-involved learning and possible diminution of cognitive abilities.

Therefore, this project is set to examine the notion of Learning Anxiety Disorder (LAD), evaluate the potency of Information Technology in addressing its challenges to the adult learner; and assess available mitigation strategies through the e-learning Dynamic Personal Learning Environments features. The objective shall be to find how these can be harnessed for innovative policies and practices aimed at making the e-learning system and its products much more viable in comparison.

Keywords: E-Learning, Online Studies, Open and Distance Education, socially-involved learning, Severe Shyness, Phobia, Ego, Learning Anxiety Disorder (LAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Personal Learning Environment, Information Technology Intangible elements.

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