Today’s generation has been embracing a lot of technological advances and opportunities. One of them is online learning. Taking place over the internet, it gives students the opportunity to specialize in degree courses that may not be easily accessible through the traditional way of learning.
The Revolution of Online Learning
Online learning is a rapidly evolving field with the rise of MOOCs, online degrees, and digital badges. There are more opportunities for people to learn online than ever before.
MOOCs are free courses that anyone can take by signing up on an app or website. These courses are often taught by professors at prestigious universities like Harvard or MIT.
Digital badges are another way that people can show off their skills in an easy way through an app or website. The badges can be earned by completing different tasks related to a certain skill set like coding or 3D modeling. With these developments in online learning, there is no surprise to see more people leaning into getting their degree online and schools making their courses more accessible for their students online.
Is Online Learning Really Effective?
The demand and availability of online learning and virtual training have increased in recent years. The convenience that it offers versus face-to-face learning is also undeniable. It is cheaper, more accessible and convenient for today’s generation of learners. But is it really effective? Here are some points of discussion that will help you understand its merit.
Students Learn More
Although virtual learning requires a huge amount of motivation and self-discipline, it gives students a sense of accountability. Online learning gives students full control on their time and pace of learning. They are not forced to race against time or to be available on a certain period or time. Online learning gives students the luxury of being able to work at their own speed.
Retention Rates are Higher
Compared to a classroom setting, online learners can go back to review their lessons as much as they want too. In addition, they can always check free sources online to further understand their lessons. Multimedia content is also very engaging, making it easier to comprehend.
It Requires Less Time Investment
You can finish a lesson half the time online compared to the traditional classroom setting. The time to get back and forth to classes is eliminated. Waiting time for other students, tutors and professors are also eliminated in this setting. Another good thing about online learning is that you can split your time according to what works for you. You do not have to dedicate a huge chunk of your day to a single course. You can work on a course on a broken time, ideal for your convenience.
Reduced Distractions Through Frequent Assessments
Student engagement is more efficient in an online setting compared to a traditional one. Multimedia content and online learning materials are more manageable to handle, backed with regular short tests. This is possible because of the reduced distractions in an online setting. Better tracking of learning progress can be easily achieved in an online setting. Such assessments can easily help educators in assisting students in subject areas they need help with.
Switching to an Online Learning Environment Today
Coping is one of the most significant challenges students face when they transition from traditional learning setup to online learning. This is a concern of most educators and students too. There are still plenty of learners that perceive digital learning as a completely new environment. So how does one adapt more effectively? Here are some tips you can follow.
Students Should be Equipped Technically
Students need to have access to technologies that will help them fully participate in virtual learning. They should have devices capable of performing functions and activities required in an online learning setup.
On the educators’ end, they should be able to commit that every student has full access to the online resources that they need. They should never feel that they are being excluded or left behind.
Set Grounds Rules
Rules and limitations should be established at the very beginning. Students should be discouraged to multitask, check phones during class or to engage in other online activities. There are plenty of ways to enforce this such as setting up a video camera throughout the class. They should be focused on finishing whatever material they are scheduled to finish for the day.
Create an Effective Environment for Virtual Classes
Establishing a great online class environment is very effective in motivating students to learn better. Ensure that students are up-to-date. Communicate through various channels like emails, online messages and one-on-one conversations.
Online learning is very effective, especially if educators will invest in avenues that will make the platform more accessible for learners. Promoting online learning as an option for education gives more affordable and better opportunities for today’s generation of students and learners.
