ED403 Session 3: E-Learning Trends in Higher Education
The inclusion of technology and digital tools into the education system is slowly hauling away the traditional style of teaching and learning. Today’s learners are more comfortable using digital tools and prefer to learn online than to sit in the lecture room with books clearly outlining a bright future for E-learning and M-Learning for higher education. According to The Economic Times, (2023), E-learning is based on some formalized teaching using electronic materials with the help of computers or smart devices and internet connectivity to enhance and support learning. Amongst other higher education providers, the University of the South Pacific (USP) has continuously invested in ICT that many programs are offered online or using blended mode. Following a strong commitment towards E-learning and M-Learning, USP has rolled out numerous initiatives such as proving tablets and laptops to first-year students, use of SMS feature embedded in LMS, professional development for staff, and providing compulsory units for students such as UU100. This really helped when University was forced to go on lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic and students were able to complete the programs online. Academic staff who hesitated to use digital tools before the lockdown is now sharing those best practices and incorporating tools for engaging and active lessons. This is actually great not only for students but University at large. The success of E-Learning and M-Learning typically depends on the platform used which should be user-friendly and should guide students just like a traditional teacher guides students in class.
The success of teaching
indeed should enable lifelong learning. However, in reality, the assessments drive
and control the learning in the classroom. Assessments provide a realistic
picture of learners’ ability to apply concepts in solving real-life problems. Just
like assessments in a traditional setting, e-assessments allow teachers to
track students’ performance, identify areas of difficulties, and re-strategize
so that students have a better learning experience. One thing best about
e-assessment is that through various settings, marking and feedback can be
automated and results can be tabulated with the click of a computer mouse. It
saves a fair amount of time compared to assessments done in a traditional
setting.
Once students are engaged
online, different components of learning analytics can be deployed to determine
the effectiveness of the lesson. There are four levels of learning analytics
which are measurement, evaluation, advanced evaluation, and predictive and
prescriptive analytics. Embedding learning analytics in the course alone will
not bring about miracles in teaching and learning. Instead, LA should be
supplemented by robust communication between the facilitators and students so
that lessons are more active and engaging. One major issue that many students
face is the accessibility of smart devices at the institution. Hence, students
are usually encouraged for BYOD to ensure learning continuity. BYOD can result
in an excellent educational tool if used correctly for the purpose. However,
often it is considered a major distractor in cases where students are on sites
where they should not be. All this needs to be carefully looked into by the
instructor so that lessons are of the highest quality.
Overall, today's learners are considered digital learners and we educators need to use this as a tool for more engaging and active lessons using various teaching pedagogies. They can be easily distracted online so it becomes a challenge for instructors to have lessons that can engage them throughout the learning. In conclusion, E-Learning and M-Learning are the future of higher education and it surely prepares advanced technological students for the future workforce.
Source: https://www.watershedlrs.com/resources/definition/what-is-learning-analytics/
Reference
Very interesting and yes, as we moved into this century, technology is a need. I believe as an educator in any HEIs it is vital to continuously upgrade our digital knowledge in order to be well equipped to facilitate students we teach.
ReplyDeleteThe question is, do we need necessary professional development or trainings for this new digital learning or anybody can learn it from the available websites? I am just curious to learn or know because I for one who always wanting to have this but unfortunately PDs are not available at campus, for instance, using Microsoft Teams for learning and teaching platform at Uni is something that I do not learn it professionally but it's just out of my curiosity as well as Moodle for example, I learn about it through my studies at USP.