What are the New Trends in E-Learning?
E-Learning
E-Learning is an extension of flexible distance mode of education. It is ideal for students who do not want learn in the traditional classroom. E-Learning is also referred to online courses and program. It is interactive whereby students can communicate with their lecturers and peers in real-time. E-Learning also offers homework and assignments to students. And students also have to sit for exams to qualify for the course or program certificate. Through the internet, students can log onto their e-learning from anywhere in the world. They have to comply with the institute's guidelines as to what sort of operating system and software is required. Students have to keep up with the coursework. Their attendance and assignments are tracked. The lecturers give feedbacks. Many colleges and universities through the world provide the option of e-learning to their students. Experts have noted an increase in the number of students enrolling for this mode of learning. They have predicted e-learning revenue to be up to $51.5 billion in the coming year!
The Upside
Students can engage in e-learning as per their convenience. They get to decide the time and place. It saves them the cost of having to go to college or university full time. Students can save on travelling, accommodation and other expenses. They can have a full-time job and go on with e-learning. With access to the internet, they can make anything their classroom! There are other advantages, such as:
• Fast and efficient-the ability to communicate is quick. Time is not wasted. Students can quickly go through the learning programs and get on with other work.
• Appealing - students will find this mode of learning fun and enjoyable. They will be able to retain information.
• Environment-Friendly - through e-learning, students are helping the environment. Colleges don't need to purchase more land to make hostel facilities for students. There will be fewer vehicles as students do have to attend traditional classrooms. It means a reduction in carbon footprint. Plus, there's less usage of paper.
• Freedom - students have the liberty to learn at their pace. They can engage in any activity such as community service or jobs or babysit siblings. The students have the freedom.
Initially, e-learning was intended for those students who had difficulty in attending traditional classes. They were finding problems in housing, travelling, and food. Higher educationists came up with this mode to make the lives of students easier. Slowly, this became a trend as more colleges and universities began to offer this option. Now, it has become a trend. With many students having computers and internet access, they prefer e-learning over traditional classrooms as it gives them the freedom to do whatever they like. Moreover, they don't have to worry about attendance. They just have to keep pace with their online classes, submit assignments and sit for exam like normal students.
New Trends in E-Learning
Nowadays, more students are opting for e-learning. Institutes are using new methods to interact and keep their students engaged. They are applying new trends. This includes:
1. Gamification-this keeps the student engaged. It's a new method of dispersing knowledge and information. The objective is to motivate the students. It involves various levels which students have to complete. They can go onto the advanced levels by completing the initial levels first.
2. Mobile- it gives the learners the luxury to access programs and resources on any device, be it smartphone, laptops or tablets. This makes learning very much convenient and accessible.
3. Videos- institutes are reaching out to their student via videos. The students can download the video and go through it whenever they like. Apart from coursework, students get training through such videos.
4. Big Data - volumes of data are created through e-learning. Institutes provide information and students submit their lessons and assignments. Moreover, when the programme is live, students raise questions with the lecturers, and they communicate with their peers. Through big data, institutes are looking at retaining data produced through interaction with learners.
5. Automation-in other words, courses will be customized as per the needs and wants for students. They can do the coursework in whatever format they want, such as simple exercises or quizzes. The institutes will match up to the skills and knowledge of the students.
6. Devices- this will be similar to the Apple Watch or Google Glass. It will give students the opportunity to interact in a dynamic way. Through this, institutes are looking at making learning engaging and fun.
Like fashion and food, learning is also picking up trends to meet the demand of students. Institutions want to interact and make learning as fun and interactive as ever.