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But did you know that
using traditional techniques alone could limit the learning of your students?
The benefits of using eLearning in your lessons
Appeals to younger learners
Remember that younger
generations in general have had increased exposure to technology from a young
age, and have most likely experienced upbringings in which technology has been
heavily featured.
Basically, despite
their age, younger learners will be more accustomed to technology than you
think.
Because of this,
eLearning can - for many younger learners - be an environment that feels so
familiar, that it’s actually a more comfortable environment for them to learn
in, as opposed to open class discussions.
As such, it must be
utilised. But utilised resourcefully. Traditional teaching methods remain vital
for the development of young learners into well rounded children.
Whilst eLearning can
prove highly engaging for younger generations, it should only be used
selectively in order to ensure that the learning process is not disrupted.
Provides a welcoming platform for comfortable discussion
Engaging your
classroom is a common problem for those in a variety of professions.
But eLearning can
help there, because it creates a highly shareable, comparable and
discussion-worthy experience.
Example
Let’s say you set
your class the homework of completing a simple 10 question test online.
You could reveal the
results however you choose. If you opt for allowing for the class to view their
own results upon completion of the test, then you can be quite sure that
they’ll be exchanging results with their friends before and during your class!
Alternatively, you
might go with the big dramatic reveal in the class itself. Displaying your
class’ results in a leader board will guarantee an outbreak of discussion!
But one of the best
aspects of eLearning is that it’s such an easy way to address any learning issues.
Once your class have had their fun proudly boasting, making jibes at friends
and sharing scores, you can quickly engage the class based upon this shared
experience.
Display areas in
which your class struggled, and everyone will be interested, because either
they - or their friends - are the subject of your discussion.
Utilising eLearning
in this fashion not only engages your classroom, but also enables highly
intuitive problem solving.
And this is just one
way in which to use eLearning! The types of learning technologies available to
us as teachers has actually doubled in the past 5 years! (Source: Training Zone)
Here’s a whole other
host of options for you to consider! Select whichever you think would be most
appropriate for your class and subject.
How eLearning enhances your students’ out of the classroom learning
The benefits of
eLearning extend beyond the classroom, and if anything, the most noteworthy
developments of your students learning will in fact happen outside the
conventional learning environment.
Generally, students
can have a tendency to be reluctant to interact and collaborate with peers
outside their friendship group. eLearning is such a useful teaching tool as it
actually facilitates this interaction, enhancing social ties and increasing
collaboration.
eLearning removes
barriers such as judgement and awkwardness, and provides a platform for the
open and unhindered expression of ideas and discussion of opinions. When the
learning is taken back to the classroom, students will tend to feel more
comfortable upon sharing those experiences.
Why is this greater interaction a positive force in the learning
process?
Collaboration is a
concept that only add value to the whole learning process, as students are able
to understand other perspectives and broaden their own perception of topics.
How else does eLearning affect the learning process outside the
classroom?
Due to the removal of
certain social learning barriers, eLearning tends to be quite conducive to
extracurricular learning too.
Without the immediate
physical fear of sharing something that peers may scoff at, fail to understand
or disagree with, the process of students sharing further resources becomes
simpler and increasingly popular.
As a result, this
leads to your students having access to a range of resources - supplied by
their trusted peers - which other classes will not.
This aspect of
eLearning is such a game changer as it drives differentiation, knowledge
leadership and will often lead to greater discoveries.
Summary
So, now you have an
understanding of why you must consider beginning to integrate eLearning
techniques into your teaching.
From this post,
you’ll be able to ascertain:
- How using eLearning will benefit your teaching in the classroom.
- Which eLearning techniques are options to consider for your particular teaching program or syllabus.
- The rationale behind utilising eLearning to aid your students teaching outside the classroom, extending the learning process beyond the direct, immediate returns evident in the classroom.
Many thanks to Jordan Bradley.
Enjoy your reading!
