But what does e-Learning actually mean for education?
Education has been forced to adapt to a digital landscape, and has managed to put the student first even in the most challenging of environments! The emergence of e-learning tools such as Kahoot!, Nearpod, Clever, Wakelet and Flipgrid has transformed how students have accessed and engaged with their learning. Now, with some hindsight, educators are asking important questions, like;
- Has e-Learning improved education?
- Will e-Learning replace classroom learning?
- Is student safety optimal in a world of online learning?
These are difficult questions to answer! There is overwhelming choice available to teachers now with the number of platforms and tools the world of EdTech has to offer, so it’s totally normal to feel concerned and unsure about e-Learning! We’ve taken a closer look at the emerging trends of digital learning, student safety and what the future holds for e-Learning.
Can face-to-face education and e-Learning tools co-exist? Absolutely! There are tons of positives that have come from a spell of distance learning, including innovative ways to engage students, inspire student leadership, communicate with colleagues, and unlock collaboration in new ways. The world of education is in a transitionary period this school year. Hybrid teaching poses plenty of challenges for both teachers and students in terms of settling into routines, and bouncing between digital teaching and in-person teaching isn’t easy! It’s in teachers’ best interest to find the perfect balance between face-to-face learning and e-learning, and educators around the world have made impressive strides towards doing exactly that! The new age of education is being defined by the teachers’ ability to innovate and adapt.
Imagine a classroom in which a teacher is engaging, connecting and inspiring students because of their in-person approach, but is also utilizing e-learning tools to supplement their students’ learning experience. Once schools are able to permenantly return to classroom learning, this scenario will be the norm, and the outcome will be powerful!
The rise of e-Learning opens the door to lots of new ways to engage your students. Technology is a key feature in students’ lives, with platforms like TickTock, YouTube and Instagram dominating your students’ time and attention. Thus raises the question: how can education take advantage of the undeniable obsession students have with technology? Students want to express themselves, obtain instant gratification, and be part of something technologically stimulating. Their standards for technology are high and unforgiving, so teachers must select the right tools to engage their classrooms!
This doesn’t have to be a daunting thought! Educators can use this to their advantage. How? Invite students to create their digital portfolios, or present their research in the form of a Wakelet collection. Students of today are fluent in technology… so speak their language!
This is a valid concern! We’ve all heard the horror stories about cyber-bullying, students being exposed to inappropriate content, and the addictive nature of social media. It’s definitely worth doing your research, and understanding the risks of bringing e-Learning tools into your teaching. That being said, e-Learning tools will highlight their privacy agreements in an accessible place, so educators can know their students are safe before using the e-Learning tool. For example, check out Wakelet’s privacy page!
It is fair to say that e-Learning will play an important role in curricula around the world. As the landscape evolves, we’ll keep an eye on the changes, improvements, and risks of the blossoming age of EdTech. So stay tuned and subrscribe to our newsletter!
Remember to share your ideas and thoughts on the everchanging landscape of e-Learning on Twitter! Today’s teachers are paving the way for a new age of education, one which combines classroom learning and e-learning, so elevate your voice! One idea can have an impact worldwide!
