E-learning became significantly popular in 2020, which was due to Covid-19. The epidemic and forced quarantine forced people to distance themselves, making traditional classroom teaching impossible. The solution was e-learning - the process of acquiring knowledge using digital technologies.
The transition to online education is not only a forced measure, but also a successful method for improving the educational system. In this article, we will tell you more about the e-learning system and the principles of its success, as well as highlight the main advantages and disadvantages. We will help you implement the e-learning methodology into your educational strategy.
What is e-learning?
E-learning is a teaching method that involves the use of multimedia, special online platforms and software. Previously, teachers were forced to find ways to engage students in the subject in books, through their own experience or with the help of advice from other teachers. Currently, e-learning tools are used for this, such as: testing, presentations, surveys, quizzes, online lectures, etc.
This format is flexible and versatile, as it allows you to customize it to your needs. Online learning is used in both formal education (education that is obtained in accordance with the qualification levels defined by law) and informal education (education that does not provide for the award of these levels).
What is the difference between distance learning and e-learning?
Since these two concepts refer to the acquisition of knowledge through information technology, they are often perceived as identical, although in reality they are not. So what is the difference between them?
Distance learning is a form of education where a student receives knowledge online, away from the teacher. While online education can be obtained both in the classroom and remotely. The educational process can take place both remotely and in person, when the teacher uses e-learning methods to conduct tests, show presentations and videos.
So, let's conclude that distance education is a form, and e-learning is a methodology.
What are the types of e-learning?
Asynchronous. It involves independent review and study of the material. The advantage of this type of knowledge acquisition is flexibility: the student chooses a convenient time for learning. This is suitable for those who are not comfortable studying according to the schedule of classes determined by the educational institution, and therefore they need an individual schedule.
Synchronous. A type of learning that is similar to the traditional classroom format. The educational process occurs through your interaction with the student in real time - in lectures, lessons, courses, etc. It allows you to build relationships with students through live communication and involve them in the learning process.
Blended. Combines the best of both types, offering students a learning experience that includes elements of both independent study of available materials and classroom work with a teacher.
Advantages and disadvantages of e-learning
E-learning is a new method that is actively being introduced into our lives. It has a large number of advantages for any form of learning, but it also faces some problems. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with all the features of e-learning in more detail to identify possible risks and opportunities.
Advantages
Adaptability of the learning process. You can develop a study schedule that is comfortable for you, choosing the time and place of work according to your needs. You also have the opportunity to individually select educational materials that will suit the level of knowledge of each student.
Improving technical awareness. Through daily interaction with digital tools, participants in the learning process have the opportunity to improve their practical skills in using modern technologies.
Saving time and money. The ability to study at home allows students to save time and money on travel to and from school. At the same time, teachers do not have to worry about finding a place to hold classes, which greatly simplifies the work process.
Increase student engagement. By using interactive elements, you can increase student engagement in the learning process. Such elements are eye-catching because they allow students to be active while watching a presentation or video. Platforms like Kahoot, Quizlet, and PhET can help you create interactive elements for your learning materials.
Flexibility of the educational process. Participants in the educational process have the opportunity to choose the learning format that is most convenient for them. For example, if there are difficulties with conducting a class in the classroom, you can conduct it online, or provide ready-made digital materials for independent study.
A teacher can also help a student who is unable to physically be in the classroom by creating an online meeting that the student can join. Platforms such as Google Meet, ZOOM, Skype, and Microsoft Teams have become widely popular during the pandemic and may be useful to you. If necessary, you can record the lesson and send it to the student for independent study.
Quick knowledge assessment. Thanks to specialized platforms, you can create surveys for students or use ready-made tests. This will help you save time on manual verification of work - you will have an assessment of the knowledge of education seekers immediately after the test is completed.
It is worth considering that some of the benefits of e-learning are available only if the teacher takes a professional approach to creating an educational strategy.
Disadvantages
Lack of technical equipment. You and your students must have access to electricity, a stable internet connection, and the necessary gadgets to enable e-learning. If any of these components are missing, the education will not be of the required quality.
In 2021, the Democratic Initiatives Foundation conducted a survey among parents regarding the availability of a sufficient number of technical devices by their children, and received the following results: 53% of parents from villages and 20% from large cities indicated the presence of this problem. Also, 60% and 29%, respectively, complained about the poor quality of the Internet connection.
Difficult adaptation. Teachers who have used traditional educational methods their entire professional lives find it difficult to switch to the new format. Since it is necessary to have a certain level of technical skills, which take time to master.
Lack of social contacts. In the case of frequent online classes, students may lack live communication with the teacher and peers. This reduces motivation to learn and the student's overall success.
Lack of transparency in the assessment system. Some students use tricks in e-learning. While taking tests, they can peek at the answers to questions on the Internet. Because of this, the fairness of the assessment of knowledge is questioned.
A large number of distractions. Usually, the home does not provide a conducive learning environment, so the student or parent needs to make sure that there are no distractions. It is worth equipping a workplace where the environment will not affect your learning process.
Factors of quality e-learning
To make your e-learning experience successful, we suggest you familiarize yourself with its key factors:
- Interactivity - Use a variety of interactive elements so that students can interact with them. This will increase interest and motivation for learning.
- Accessibility - every student should have free access to educational materials. After each lesson, send students presentations, audio, and illustrations they worked with. This will help them consolidate their knowledge or refine an unclear topic. It will also be useful for those who were absent from class and do not want to lag behind others.
- Quality of the learning material - the information and the format in which you present it should be clearly structured and of high quality to bring maximum benefit to students. For example, if it is a video, it should be interactive and have good resolution.
- Segmentation - create educational content with an individual approach to each student. This will help them better perceive the material, as it will correspond to their level of knowledge.
- A customized communication system - communicate with the audience to get feedback on the quality of your teaching. To do this, create a shared chat in a convenient messenger where everyone can express their opinion.
- Aimed at achieving results - create your own teaching strategy, which will have an individual approach and a phased study of individual topics. This will help the student better absorb the material and consolidate this knowledge by passing test tasks after the lesson.
Where to start implementing e-learning?
If you have decided to choose the e-learning method for yourself, we recommend that you follow the following steps when implementing it.
The initial stage in creating an e-learning program is to set goals and objectives. You need to analyze the training materials and build the right strategy for their presentation. At this stage, you also need to analyze your audience - that is, the students you will work with, and segment them by level of knowledge.
After the analysis, start creating multimedia material that will suit your needs. These can be presentations, lectures, illustrations, test tasks on specialized platforms. For example, a primary school teacher would be better off using a game-based learning approach, such as the AutoDraw and WordWall platforms.
Next, you can choose software that will improve the quality of online learning by automating a significant amount of your work. Such a tool can be CRM for training centers from GudHub. This is a system that will help facilitate the process of interaction with students, delegate management of the educational process, keep a digital journal, create class schedules and much more. In addition, the first 14 days of use are free.
Prepare the necessary technical equipment for e-learning. For offline learning you will need:
- Projection board - it is needed to demonstrate visual elements that all students in the classroom should see;
- Software - to optimize the learning process. A database platform will help you get rid of the routine of filling out paper journals;
- Platforms can be services for creating surveys or other supporting tools.
Technical equipment for online learning:
- A computer/laptop is the main tool used to carry out the learning process;
- Webcam and microphone - to establish interaction with a student, you need to have a camera and microphone to hear and see each other;
- Software - will help manage the learning process by creating a training course and posting training materials on it;
- Platforms - you need to identify a convenient service for organizing online meetings. Also, use auxiliary platforms for showing videos, conducting surveys, etc.
The relationship between e-learning and LMS
The e-learning methodology uses supporting platforms in its implementation, one of which is the LMS system, which in translation from the abbreviation means - Learning Management System.
LMS opens up many possibilities for e-learning and is an indispensable tool for improving its strategy. It allows you to administer the educational process through:
- Journaling;
- Creating online meetings;
- Posting training courses and homework;
- Creating surveys and evaluating their results.
Conclusions
E-learning is a promising learning method that is rapidly gaining momentum. It allows you to enhance the learning process through the use of various digital elements, such as video lectures, audio, presentations, quizzes, etc.
E-learning methodology has a number of advantages that can help improve your educational program if you approach its implementation professionally.
For your e-learning strategy to be successful, it must have the following characteristics: interactivity, accessibility, quality of training material, segmentation, a customized communication system, and a focus on achieving results. We recommend using supporting specialized platforms, such as GudHub CRM, to automate a significant part of your work and optimize the learning process.
