Children and college students aren’t the only ones taking advantage of online learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working adults have been getting smarter through virtual courses as well. According to educational technology provider Encoura, by the end of March 2020, online learning service Coursera “reported a 370% increase across all courses and subjects from March 2019.” Udacity and edX are similar education sites.
One reason behind this increase is that working adults have more time on their hands due to layoffs, cutbacks in working hours, and the elimination of long commutes due to work from home (WFH) requirements. Other reasons include those not associated with conditions brought on by the pandemic. For instance, remote learning has improved in recent years, with greater convenience and developments in online instruction and technology.
Some professionals, such as software developers who provide IT outsourcing services, can particularly benefit from online learning. Whether for professional development, a hobby, or just for fun, working adults are using online learning opportunities to make the best of the current situation. Here, we take a look at several of the elements contributing to this trend.
Improved Technology
While there is still much room for country wise email marketing list improvement in the technology used for online learning, the tools have come a long way and software developers like BairesDev can help customize additional applications.
Educators can hold online classes supported by the ability to share electronic materials, monitor student understanding, and facilitate dialog. For example, Zoom offers ways for participants to virtually raise their hands or to break into smaller groups for easier communication.
Teachers can also set up online forums swot analysis is made u to allow students to continue discussions between class meeting times. Because they don’t have to take place in real-time — that is, each student can participate when they have a few minutes — such forums are convenient for adult learners with other obligations, such as children or jobs, competing for their attention.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states, “Online learning…allows learners to choose a time, rhythm and place compatible with work and family responsibilities.”
Not only that, but modern technology can help students learn. “Machine learning algorithms use pattern recognition which can personalize the content for each individual. For example, when a student repeatedly struggles with a concept…the platform can adjust the e-learning content,” explains Forbes contributor Ilker Koksal.
Improved Teaching Methods
Because of the pandemic, instructors mobile list who weren’t already up to speed on best practices for virtual learning have had to quickly adapt their teaching style to an online environment. Here are a few of the primary adjustments they’ve made:
- Ensuring digital materials like slide presentations are visible on any size device.
- Recording lectures rather than streaming them live to enable absent students the opportunity to view them after the formal class time.
- Taking advantage of open access resources to supplement their own material.
- Providing interactive activities during class time to keep students engaged.
- Providing virtual office hours to enable struggling students to ask questions.
- Soliciting questions and directing discussions.