How The Pandemic Has Accelerated Online Learning

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles August 11, 2021 - 8:25 am 0 280 Views

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all the sectors in the world. For instance, it has dramatically changed job scenarios across all industries. The education industry is among the industries that have been pushed to restructure.

If you are studying in an international university or college, it probably advised you to continue your learning online. The universities took this move to allow students in regions under lockdowns to continue their studies from home.

Swift Response

The switch to online learning happened at different speeds and in unusual ways. In one scenario, many institutions of higher learning were able to respond remarkably and offer well-structured digital training solutions.

On the flip side, others have responded slowly, and their approaches to digital learning have been very basic. These differences were experienced because some schools had not invested in digital learning before the pandemic.

However, learning institutions that had embraced technology before the pandemic were better prepared to implement online learning. There are also digital learning platforms where you can learn different subjects like languages.

There Are Challenges

The main challenges of implementing an effective digital learning system are not technological. Learning institutions can easily access core digital tools at affordable rates. Experts also argue that internet connection is not the main challenge. This is because most online platforms are accessible through smartphones and tablets with 4G connections.

According to education experts, the major problem is organization. Learning institutions cannot design an effective and quality digital learning program on their own. They need experience and knowledge in key areas such as instructional design and moderation of online classes. Additionally, the institutions need to train their teaching staff to implement the digital learning program.

Teachers also need to appreciate that online teaching does not mean using digital tools to replicate what they teach in brick-and-mortar classrooms. Instead, they should recognize that digital learning requires them to restructure their teaching methodology profoundly. For instance, as a teacher, you need to know which digital tool you will use to meet each educational objective.

Students Enjoy Flexibility

Online learning also comes with a lot of flexibility. For example, you can study after your part-time job. But, it also needs students to be careful not to overwhelm themselves with many courses. For example, when learning a foreign language, it is easier and advisable to learn one language at a time. Also, take advantage of videos in your target language as a way of focusing on comprehensible input.

Methodology Is Different

In the typical classroom, a teacher integrates three approaches and training tools. The three approaches include transferring knowledge, applying this knowledge by learners, and testing through practical exercises.

However, in digital learning, you cannot mix the three components into one tool. Instead, you must decompose them and manage them using different methods. For example, the best way to transfer knowledge to students could be through videos. The videos could be live or pre-recorded.

Then, students can use semi-synchronous tools like social discussion tools for knowledge application. Therefore, institutions of learning must carefully plan the three components to make their digital learning effective.

The Impact of the Pandemic

Studies have shown that even before the Coronavirus pandemic, there was an increasing demand for digital learning. In addition, students were demanding more flexibility and accessibility to learning. Several institutions had already begun developing solutions to address these demands.

However, the pandemic has only helped to accelerate the digitization process. Experts also argue that the pandemic has emphasized the importance of digital tools for inclusivity. In the past, many students had to defer their studies because of health and work reasons.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought these pertinent issues to the fore on a global scale. Consequently, now more than ever, people appreciate the importance of digital training in ensuring continuity of the training program, even in tough situations.

Will There Be A Widespread Shift?

There will be no widespread shift despite the “new normal” pushing the education sector towards digital learning. This is partly because the benefits of traditional face-to-face learning cannot be overstated.

Nevertheless, the traditional forms of learning will be augmented and integrated with digital tools. For example, learning institutions will begin blending training methods with digital and online solutions. This hybrid approach will allow students to continue their learning even from a distance.

This model will be important as schools resume amid strict social distancing requirements. The learning institutions will be forced to reduce the number of learners in a classroom. As a result, those not present in the classroom will have to follow the class remotely.

It Is Time to Reconfigure Physical Learning Spaces

Based on these developments, learning institutions need to reconfigure their classrooms to include digital tools. These tools will enable them to have face-to-face classrooms and distance learning simultaneously. Moreover, most universities and colleges will have a physical and cloud campus.

The investment in digital tools will also help the learning institutions to offer more flexibility. It will be easier to utilize the available space using the blended models.

Final Thought

Learning institutions were implementing digital learning solutions as a luxury. However, the pandemic has transformed online learning into a necessity. For a learning institution to be effective from now on, it must have a blended approach in its teaching and learning.

Moreover, online learning does not just mean investing in digital tools. It also involves retraining teachers to help them revise their methodology to incorporate digital learning.