eLearning has become popular among learners in the digital age. Online pedagogy is evolving with emerging technologies to fulfill learners’ needs and make the process effective and enjoyable.
Emerging trends in online pedagogy
More and more students are enrolling in online programs due to the flexibility and convenience it offers. As a result, the number of institutions offering online higher education has increased to meet this demand. There is growth in massive open online courses (MOOC) too, enabling learners to earn micro-credentials.
An important aspect of online pedagogy is its accessibility. One can complete courses using a smartphone whenever possible. The global mobile learning market has a CAGR of 30.12 percent in 2022–2026 owing to its popularity. Granulated, interactive content allows learners to “micro-learn”—completing small topics that progress according to the learning style of the individual. Artificial intelligence in education is estimated to reach USD 6 billion in 2024 and has a plethora of applications in personalizing learning pathways and administration.
Learning management systems (LMS) generate metrics that provide feedback about learners’ content engagement, progress, and performance, which helps optimize learning outcomes. By changing the pedagogy of a topic, we can also change the level of interest and attention .
Quizzes, discussion prompts, and so on have changed the passive nature of video-based learning, but videos still play a significant role in online pedagogy.
Device and data service upgrades allow seamless online learning and affect the dissemination of information. Immersive learning experiences like virtual and augmented realities (VR and AR) have become more common and accessible. Gamification strategies are widespread and effective at improving cognitive abilities.
Innovative approaches in virtual learning environments
Innovative approaches are important to ensure the active participation of learners in online courses. Online learning itself needs self-discipline and time management from learners for them to complete a course. But it also has to foster collaboration and communication between peers and educators, which are skills learners passively acquire in a traditional setup. Online pedagogy requires a tangible learning outcome to measure the progress of the learner. With LMS, immediate grading, feedback, and real-world examples and simulations facilitate critical thinking and prepare learners for reality. It also improves their digital literacy and promotes inclusivity.
Enhancing the online learning experience
Multimedia content enriches the learning journey by diversifying content delivery to suit different learning styles. Video, audio, and games that require physical movement are incorporated into online pedagogy. We also have to consider the accessibility of these elements. Gamification, with gamelike interfaces, point systems, levels, and badges, promotes healthy competition and incentivizes progress. Assessments can be in the form of quizzes, group projects, and assignments. Educational materials are available in different formats. Gaming, as well as experiential learning, where learners explore historical events, spaces, and places that are physically impossible to visit use VR and AR. Social learning platforms help learners acquire attributes through observations and interactions that are integrated into educational experiences. It brings together physically dispersed individuals on an online forum.
Amnet offers a variety of developmental services that enhance the educational experience of your learners in the digital age. Get in touch with our experts to discuss the possibilities of enriching your online pedagogy with the latest technology.
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