The Rise Of Online Learning
During the COVID-19 pandemic (and with the closure of schools and universities), most educational institutions moved toward eLearning. Some universities, such as Cambridge, decided to move completely to eLearning and offered all their courses online. Other universities, such as Wellington and Rutgers, still use the eLearning system as a supporting tool to meet the requirements of the new normal. Many school students also met their teachers via Zoom meetings and Google classroom. Although eLearning witnessed a rapid growth in the last decade, the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for the future of eLearning. eLearning is no longer seen as a “nice to have” tool. It has become a necessity.
Modern-Day Learners
Have you ever wondered why modern learners prefer eLearning more than the traditional ways of learning? The answer is the new learning habits of modern learners. Modern learners are impatient and cannot wait to find answers. They tend to use cell phones to find answers to their questions. They are always active on social media networks connecting with friends. Plus, interactive tools such as videos, infographics, and puzzles are required to grab their attention. Moreover, they are more likely to understand the small chunks of information. And here comes the importance of eLearning and its benefits. eLearning can accommodate all the new learning habits of modern-day learners. But how?
Advantages Of eLearning
Many people can see the importance of eLearning as a way of keeping social distance during the pandemic. However, there are many other benefits of eLearning, aren’t there?
Personalization And Accessibility
Yes, it is true! eLearning suits the different needs of learners, office goers, and housewives. They can access content an unlimited number of times. Another thing is that eLearning accommodates modern learners and enables them to access updated content whenever they want. Plus, it reduces the time required for learning and saves commuting time. Learners can learn according to their speed of learning instead of following the whole group. Want to know more about the benefits of eLearning?
Consistency And Cost-Effectiveness
eLearning also ensures that all learners receive the same message by communicating it consistently. Besides, it is more effective when it comes to exam preparation and knowledge retention for a longer time. It can also handle the growing amount of work by adding new tools and resources. Beyond that, eLearning is cost-effective compared to traditional forms of learning. Moreover, eLearning is environmentally friendly. It consumes around 90% less power and generates 85% less CO2 emissions as compared to traditional campus-based educational courses. Sounds good?
Best eLearning Practices
Let me say this straight! eLearning made its point during the pandemic; however, most of the eLearning practices are still limited to the use of web conferencing tools to deliver lessons and lectures. Sadly, we just replaced the conventional classroom with a virtual one, using the same learning strategies. There are several eLearning practices to be considered so that learners could get the most benefits from eLearning.
- Gamification
Integrate gaming elements and techniques into the learning process. This could make learning more active as it includes challenges, scores, and levels. - Go mobile
Educational institutions should develop their apps or even have responsive eLearning solutions. Many internet users access the web through their smartphones. - Adaptive eLearning
Pre-tests and learning analytics could be used to personalize the lessons for each specific student according to their performance. - Microlearning
This offers short lessons such as videos, infographics, and podcasts packed with relevant information.
eLearning Challenges
eLearning, like all other educational systems, faces several challenges that could hinder its effectiveness.
- Time and effort
Yes, more time and effort are needed to develop different types of eLearning activities with a high level of interaction to suit the different learning styles and keep learners focused. - Technical issues
Teachers have to spend more time in keeping up to date with the latest technology updates. The technical problems may also cause a lack of continuity in learning. In addition to that, staring at a screen continuously for hours may cause health hazards.
Conclusion
So what does all this mean? eLearning has emerged as a reliable alternative to conventional learning during the pandemic. And this for sure will have a considerable impact on the worldwide education market. However, eLearning will continue to persist post-pandemic only when more effective eLearning practices are adopted. Besides, we should find solutions to the challenges of eLearning.
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