Following the growth of online education during the COVID-19 spread, students now have variants of e-learning methods to choose from. The emergence of online learning is one of the most preferred and achievable for people, especially with the wide range of methods and focuses. But then, which one is the best for you?
One benefit people can look forward to with E-Education is the vast number of subjects. Now, education and learning are not only available for students. Professionals, workers, or employees can also find suitable learning subjects on the internet. With the vast types to choose, which one is for you? Here are the options and how to pick one.
Various types of Online learning
1. Blended Learning
One of the most common e-learning types is blended learning. You can see it as a basic face-to-face learning and online education. With the combination of the learning, this is one of the best options to get if you are looking for a flexible time and place with interactive nature of face-to-face learning.
During the Covid 19 pandemic blended online learning was a substitute for normal school interaction. Students and teachers interact similarly to in-class study but are separated through an internet connection. The key point of face-to-face interaction is to help every individual get the chance to participate in the class, thus employing two-way interactions.
Not only students who are undergoing online classes, employees or workers can pick this type of class for better interaction. Blended online study has a positive impact on the learning process and retention of the participant. It provides a mix of learning opportunities, interaction, and engagement, that may lead to improved performance in the workplace.
To make it better, most blended learning is real-time. So, teachers and participants can participate in the class. This aspect helps students learn effectively, especially when they want to ask questions or resolve their doubts during class. There are also many potential models, individual meets, or live classes.
2. Synchronous Online Learning
Synchronous online learning styles are one of the most used in online classes. The key definition is its practices that combine students or participants to attend and participate in learning activities online. It is similar to blended learning, but the main difference is the online space.
Students or learners can interact with their instructors and peers in a virtual learning environment. It can be an online learning platform or a conference application that complements synchronous video calls. The key is that people come together in one place and learn together simultaneously as everyone else.
Web conferencing tools and online chats are commonly used to facilitate these learning classes. The best point of synchronous online learning is the live discussion, real-time collaboration, and immediate feedback. Students or employees can be involved in a group activity, have quick feedback, and better interaction.
Depending on how the teacher provides the materials, synchronous online learning can be made into various teaching ideas. Some may include synchronous training needs, peer-admin conversation, forum-style setting, or peer-to-peer direct conversation. It is a good option if you are looking for active online classes.
3. Asynchronous Online Learning
The opposite of synchronous online learning, in asynchronous online class you will be given materials and a class that has a self-paced environment. It means the learners can access the course material and complete their assignments whenever they want. Everything is available online, so you can learn anytime and from anywhere.
The teaching materials may come in the form of learning resources such as books or videos, pre-recorded lectures, discussion forums, and many more. While it sounds simple, most online education provide their course material on specific platforms, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), online universities web, paid channels, and many more.
In this case, the online learning is available without needing the students or employees to participate in live sessions. The education method focuses on no real-time interaction between the teacher and the students. The only way the teacher helps their students in their study is through assignments.
Many of these classes will come with vast assignments following the course materials. The teacher will check the student’s journey. This is the best option if you need flexible time to study. You can access the material and do the task whenever you can. That is why it is popular with working students or parents.
4. Microlearning
If you are not the type that can handle information or material dumps, check microlearning. There are a bunch of new classrooms that use the microlearning method to provide “the most needed” information to the participants. In other words, the course materials are provided in very limited or bite-sized modules.
The key is to minimize the information and make the students or the participants absorb the information more effectively. Why so? Because an information dump bounces rather easily or is simply hard to digest. That is why, microlearning classes mostly focus on one specific topic at a time. For example, learning about retail stock, compared to the accountant thing.
In this case, the material mostly uses an average of 2-4 minutes of video or study. It has quick, simple, and direct information. It is a perfect option if you are a busybody, whether you are working or trying to learn new stuff. The good point of microlearning is the variety of formats, such as infographics, simulations, quizzes, animation videos, charts, and many more.
5. Mobile Learning
With chat applications, it is possible to run an online education only with a mobile phone or smartphone. Smartphones or tablets nowadays are made with high technology, even as good as personal computers or laptops. At the same time, many platforms and applications are starting to implement mobile usage.
Hence, various mobile learning is now encouraged to reach students in any situation. It also means you can access the online class from your pockets as easily as that. You don’t need to attend allocated time for a certain class or training session. You can access it, and follow your own pace. It shows how convenient mobile learning is.
6. Social Learning
While online learning is vast in form, its function and capabilities are also high. In this case, social learning and collaboration are some of the best methods for online study. The context is as the name implies, creating a space in which every participant or student can collaborate, exchange ideas, discuss, or ask questions.
The social learning experience is also called a collaborative online learning style. The main motive is to provide a place for the students to work together even online. They can work in groups, learn together, and attain a spirit of teamwork. Some practices include assignments, peer-to-peer tasks, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, and many more.
7. Podcasts
Podcasts work as a good learning material or method for informal study. It is best to highlight that most online or digital course material uses digital audio or video information. You can say that a podcast is a great option as the conversations can cover a lot of topics, anything from casual, and formal, to work-related details.
In many ways, podcasts offer a great range of potential and benefits. One, it is easier to share with a team. Two, the audio can be played conveniently using any device. Third, hearing audio is easier to digest and works for multitaskers. You can listen to podcasts while working, exercising, or walking. Fourth, this new digital education method is easier to produce.
8. Video-Based Learning
Similar to podcasts that focus on audio material, video-based learning uses video to deliver the learning material. It is good to say that visual material is easier to learn and it also comes with a wide range of visual styles. You can find a recorder class learning session. You can also find several animated demographic videos to create unique course material.
This type of online and e-learning is also a good option for people who prefer a visual, more interactive, and engaging learning approach. Unfortunately, most video-based learning is only one way of teaching. It lacks interaction with the teacher, but it can be good self-study material as you can play and learn whenever you are.
9. Gamification
Another popular and fun online learning or education is through games. Gamification is the name, which involves a game element in the learning process. How so? Most educational games combine elements such as a point system, reward, leaderboard, or style. Thus, making the learning process feel more attractive and interactive.
This e-learning is available in various shapes. Some formal education bodies use it to engage the students in a more fun learning journey. But you can also find casual games that make an immersive learning situation. It is an ideal online or e-education that can captivate children or workers who are looking for fun and learning at the same time.
10. Virtual Reality and interactive simulations
New technologies can be used in online learning. Education using virtual reality helps build skills in a simulated or virtual environment. The take of this method is the need for advanced technologies, which include virtual reality gadgets, high-end computers, and various scenarios. The best point is that this digital learning is gaining traction for its popularity.
Which one to pick?
Picking online learning and teaching is similar to choosing a school. You should consider a lot of things to get the best gain from online classes or teaching. With the various offers in hand and some of them are not cheap, be sure you get the best class fitting to your needs. What should you do? What consideration to use? The following details is for you.
First, ask the advisor what classes you should take and how to succeed. You can consider online college, classes, or anything else. If you have a certain goal, such as academic achievement, you better ensure you get the proper class. After that, you need to be strategic in scheduling your classes. Truth be told, it is tempting to learn and explore classes.
Online classes, university, or tutoring come with various subject focus. They are also available at different times. So, be sure you can attend the online education that you pick and spend the money on. Don’t waste your time or money for nothing. In this case, you may want to evaluate your time or schedule.
Some online classes can turn into a time-consuming section. A good education time is around 10 hours a week for online college. If you have a job or have different things to do, be sure you got the schedule right. Second, you need to read the class or education descriptions properly.
Read and understand the details of the class schedule, courses, professional needs, and plans. Ensure you have the very best online classes. Similar to reading the class description is to investigate the professors. As for now, there are a bunch of online classes available on different platforms. It offers various great options, but also complicated ones.
Why so? Because some classes may not be taught by professionals or teachers. Some can take advantage of class demands and make classes for bad reasons. That is why you need to investigate the teachers to ensure the legitimate or credible information given in the class. You can pick courses led by a real professor, teacher, subject expert, or professional.
The last consideration is your capabilities. As you know, the types of e-learning range from a simple class to the more technologically advanced class. Which one can you cover? Some may need high-end technology or gadgets. At the same time, some classes may cost higher depending on the subject and the provider. So mind the price or tech!
So, which one is your best Online Education? As numerous e-learning types and methods emerge, you have to be more selective in finding the best one for you. Check out all the possible options and then filter them as you need or are capable of. With that, you will get the best out of the class and learning.
