Education is all about imparting knowledge to students of varied ages in an effective manner. Over the past year, this process is being carried out using online learning tools and the results have been fine. Going by the current circumstances, it can be speculated that the next academic year will also need virtual classroom sessions to keep the learning process continual.
Initially, it was a challenge for both students and teachers to adapt to this new module of learning. Teachers had to make sure that the children’s attention is being captured throughout the class while completing the specified lesson. Students who were used to the conventional classroom method of pedagogy needed to be prepared for this digitized experience. It has been a challenge and continues to be so for several schools to make this a successful process. With the help of eLearning design tips, the same can be accomplished.
So, how is it that schools can enhance the online learning experience for their students? Here are a few tips for your reference:
Ideas to create an effective online learning experience for students
  • Focus on eLearning Content Development
    It is all about the content! Make sure that you aim for creating engaging content to be shared in virtual classrooms. Just asking them to look at their textbooks and explaining the subject does not work well in this module. Teachers will have to come up with innovative ways to explain a particular concept and this is where the content helps. They will have to make it interesting and fun at the same time. However, the essence of it should be preserved. For example, using charts and graphs can help students in understanding better.
  • Use small chunks of information
    Another tip for making online classes more interactive is sharing information in smaller chunks rather than dumping the whole concept in one go. In the former method, students will be able to process the information better and faster. Asking them questions and conducting surprise quizzes should be followed for gauging their understanding on a regular basis.
  • Create audio and video tools for better engagement
    Instead of just passing on information that is given in the books, using audio and video tools is very effective in online teaching and learning. YouTube videos on a particular topic and podcasts are some examples. If teachers wish to make it more personalized, they can create their own files and show them to their respective students.
  • Provide feedback and keep track of progress
    Students learn well when their efforts are recognized regularly, and they are open to feedback. Make it constructive and give it at regular intervals. This encourages them to work continuously on their challenges. Also, comparing the progress of individual students within a specific time frame also helps. A school management system helps teachers conduct online examinations/assessments and also grade them automatically. The results are sent to the parents in a timely manner within their own portal.
  • Build a community
    One of the most efficient eLearning design tips that teachers have adopted in the past is encouraging the creation of a learning community. Taking the help of varied social media platforms, students can come together and share their ideas so as to create a conducive learning environment. Teachers can give them a group activity that imbibes a sense of community and also offers them a chance to communicate with each other.
  • Include parents in the engaging online learning process
    In these difficult times where virtual classrooms have taken over the conventional model, the involvement of parents in the whole learning process is crucial. They can support teachers by creating the best learning environment in their respective homes without any disturbances. It is important for students to follow a schedule every day so that they train their minds accordingly. Parents need to encourage their children to follow the timetable by giving them a dedicated space for studying/attending online classes.
Making online classes more interactive is an ongoing process and in order to make this happen, teachers, students, and parents need to put in their best efforts. However the final onus is on the schools as a whole. Using the ideal online teaching and learning tools, the same can be accomplished for as long as it is necessary. Whiteboards, audio files, videos, social media platforms and digital learning apps are some of the many solutions that have proved to be quite successful.