5 ways to make e-learning effective

Teachers and students have had to face a challenging few years with COVID disrupting the way knowledge is delivered and acquired. It has paved the way for a significant rise in e-learning.

E-learning is a mode of delivering knowledge to students through electronic modes such as videos, audio, e-books, AR/VR or any other electronic mode.

The global e-learning market size was valued at $197.00 billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $840.11 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 17.5% from 2021 to 2030 based on Allied Market Research.

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I saw this shift from both sides; as a student and as a teacher. I spent the last two years studying for my Masters (mostly virtually) where I was exposed to different teachers with their own unique teaching styles and methods. During the same period, I was also involved in tutoring undergrad students at a high education campus in Sri Lanka. Being a teacher for over 10 years and a close observer of the e-learning transformation, one thing I am confident about is that e-learning is the future and teachers need to shift their mindset from: “we are waiting for things to get back to normal” to “what opportunities are now available to enhance the learning experience”. This also means that teachers need to equip themselves differently in terms of content, skills, technology and delivery methods to cater to this mode.

Below are some aspects I have implemented in my teaching during the last couple of years. I am hoping that sharing some of these ideas will help educators/teachers maximize the potential of e-learning.

1. Encouraging focus- I am very clear and upfront with my students that they will be required to have their videos on during virtual sessions. I believe that committing to learning comes with committing to ensure you have a proper learning environment (especially a good internet connection and a quiet space) so you can remain focused. Looking at my students faces significantly improves my focus and delivery as I can adjust the way I communicate based on the non verbal cues I receive from them. Does everyone comply with it? No! I still have 40–50% of the class reluctant to switch on their videos for various reasons but that’s Alright. I think it is important for teachers to help students understand why this would help them.
2. Mixing up the content- its easy for students to get distracted in a virtual classroom especially when someone is talking continuously for two hours. I make it a point to mix things up. When I plan each lesson, I try to include: videos, virtual whiteboard explanations and quiz type questions to ensure student attention is retained.
3. Creating engagement- classroom engagement is probably the biggest loss in a virtual learning environment. However teachers can bridge this gap using the tools available to them. For example; platforms such as Zoom and MS Teams have the option of breakout rooms which are still underused in Sri Lanka. These breakout rooms allows students, especially in bigger classes to work in smaller groups for activities. It also helps them get to know each other better and makes it more comfortable for people to talk and share ideas. A simple activity that I ask my students to do is to work in teams and draw a mind map of the topic discussed. Each team is then asked to present their mind map to the class. Mind maps are pretty cool because it teaches kids to simplify and connect what they have studied and be creative with it. Other forms of engagement include: topic debates, role plays and polls. I also make it a point to pick students who are less interactive and ask them if they have any thoughts. Some students just don’t take initiative to voice their thoughts and questions unless explicitly asked in any classroom.
4. Extended after class support- e-learning is not just about teaching over zoom. It involves providing students with resources such as e-books, articles, videos and discussion forums that they can access at any time. It is important that students have 24 hour access to their classroom and not just during live sessions. This can be done using a sophisticated LMS (Learning Management Software) or simply through a WhatsApp group. I also make it a point to join 10 minutes before every live session and stay back after each session for students who want to chat.
5. Appreciating and Recognizing- I think it is important to recognize and celebrate the effort students put in. Students are expected to be self driven but I think that the effort students put in should be appreciated because the questions they ask and the ideas they share in class benefit everyone and enhance the overall learning experience. I plan out some random awards for interactivity, creativity, leadership etc. These little celebrations help strengthen the morale.

If you’re a full time educator I would highly recommend an investment in a good webcam and microphone. A drawing tablet and pen are extras. As much as all the points discussed above are important, it’s useless if your students cannot see or hear your clearly. Little tweaks in your visual and verbal communication can help elevate the learning experience significantly.

Think about your time at school. The subjects you chose were largely based on the teachers you found interesting. Therefore as educators we have a strong influence on students and their futures which we cannot take lightly. As the e-learning industry and technology advances educators will have access to more and more tools in their arsenal. This means that educators in the new normal need to be agile and constantly experiment with new ways of teaching to deliver the best value to students.

Any tips and tricks to add? Comment below