Welcome to the World of Online Learning
The structure of learning has been shifted from instructor-based training to self-paced online eLearning. Seventy five percent of academic leaders include eLearning courses in their long term growth plans.
What is eLearning?
eLearning is a type of learning utilizes electronic technologies via computer or mobile devices. eLearning can be much more than a bunch of screens of information. Effective eLearning focuses on the learner and not just the information.
What are the benefits?
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Self-paced:
Learners set their own pace, rather than the pace of the group.
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Anytime/Anywhere:
Anytime, anywhere access has been touted as one of the most attractive features of online learning. If it is hard to make time for continuing education or living far away from the city centres, online learning is the best option.
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More Effective Learning:
eLearning courses have a positive and direct impact on an organization’s profitability by providing more tangible information. Learners get a greater ability to apply the new knowledge or skill on the job and will have longer retention of information.
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Lower Costs:
eLearning reduces costs in terms of course materials, external trainers, time out of the business, and travel/accommodation costs. McDonald’s UK saved £5 m over 2 years with the Business Control eLearning as well as seeing a 10% sales growth as the result of the training.
- Eco-Friendly:
eLearning is an effective way for organizations to significantly
reduce their carbon footprint. A study found that on average the production and provision of distance learning courses consumed
nearly 90 percent less energy and produced 85 percent fewer CO2 emissions per student than conventional campus-based courses.
What learners like?
- Contents relevant to their needs and prior knowledge
- Simple and obvious navigation
- Visual-appealing design compatible with course personality
- Decision-making scenarios to get a personal decision
- Real-world simulations
- Incentives like badges and rewards
What learners dislike?
- Not having the characteristics they like (listed above)
- Slow loading
- Struggle with technology
- Not able to use their device of choice
- Too slow or too fast pace
What do we need to know before starting?
- Demographic characteristics of the learners
- Type of device they usually use (laptop, desktop, phone, etc.)
- General, high-level course goals
Passive vs. Active Learning
- In passive learning, the information is simply shared. Learners get the information without doing anything with it when passing the course. Passive engagement can be effective as much as reading a book or watching TV.
- Active engagement lets learners apply given information to make a decision or choose how to navigate within the course. Scenario-based courses and simulations are typical examples of active eLearning.
Choosing between passive and active learnings depend to the nature of the learning material and our goals. Sometimes only presenting the information is enough. Sometimes we need to provide the opportunity for decision making or practice to ensure the learning objectives are achievable.
Learning is not the product of teaching, it is the product of the activity of learners.