Whether you have been looking to guide your own professional development or your organisation’s, you will undoubtedly have noticed the trend away from the Traditional Classroom Learning experience. That tradition is being replaced by a wide range of technology-enabled learning modalities, from podcasts and webinars to formal, one-on-one coaching and a range of e-learning platforms.
What has brought on this shift in the learning landscape? Is it the inevitable change driven by technology? The result of the budget cuts that have reduced our capacity for travel? Or the globalisation of project teams? It is most likely a combination of these factors and more.A key reason individuals and organisations are embracing technology-driven learning modalities today are the efforts of learning providers to ensure these newer formats deliver strong results. Learning providers that have a solid foot in traditional classroom learning recognise that while the mode of delivery may be different, the commitment to good information, designed for the adult learner and presented in an engaging way is essential to achieving professional development goals.
Regardless of the format, the premise remains the same – learning is vital to any individual or organisation’s success – and successful learning requires an environment where students are exposed to new information, can express ideas, practise new skills and interact with classmates and instructors in a safe environment. Most importantly the learning needs to be relevant to students needs and delivered in a way that helps them not just retain it, but apply it in the real world. E-learning delivers all these benefits and in many cases, more.
E-learning courses divide into two approaches: asynchronous, often just called online courses and synchronous, also known as virtual classroom. With the asynchronous, online course approach, students work independently through a set of course objectives. Interaction with other students and the instructor usually occur via email and discussion boards. Students usually have a set timeframe within which they must complete assignments and the course itself.
The virtual classroom is just what it sounds like. You “enter” the classroom using your computer and a headset equipped with a microphone. Since the class takes place in real time, the instructor and all the students attend classes at set times and dates. Students can raise their virtual hand to ask questions and interact with fellow students. The instructor can show videos, break students into small groups for exercises and conducted facilitated discussions. Just about anything you can do in a traditional classroom you can do in a virtual one.
