E-learning is the buzz word today. With Covid-19 still being rampant, e-learning has become the norm in schools, universities, and corporates. Consequently, many resources are being pumped in to have an effective knowledge transfer. A million-dollar question then arises – Is e-learning efficient? Are the learning outcomes being achieved?
Increase in the time spent online eventually results in fatigue. For school children not accustomed to sitting still for long hours and absorbing online lectures, the element of boredom also creeps in. Corporate employees who are juggling work, home, and online courses are physically and mentally fatigued to focus on the e-learning content. As a result, they may be in front of the system going through the online lessons, but may not be registering or comprehending the subject. This ultimately does not serve the purpose.
Unfortunately, many a time, course completion within the given timelines is the yardstick by which the learner is judged. There may be quizzes and assignments to know if the assimilation process has taken place but are these the answer? Can there be other ways to manage this fatigue?
E-learning fatigue can be managed by a multi-pronged approach. Some of them are listed below:
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Creative visuals:
Incorporating visually appealing content with animation especially for kids
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Inclusive teaching:
Training the teachers and professors to be emphatic so that the students feel a sense of belonging
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Bring an element of fun:
Channelize participation through games and other innovative activities
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Enthuse involvement:
Involving and including all the learners in the class rather than focusing on a select few. Eg. Asking one participant to summarize at the end of the class and another to recapitulate the sessions at the beginning of the next class to maintain continuity. These participants can be called at random so that all are alert
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Recharge:
Giving frequent breaks to get refreshed
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Focus on a core theme for each session:
Concentrating on one topic at a time rather than bringing in too many concepts. Information overload soon results in disinterest.
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Initiate Teamwork:
Corporate e-learners can be asked to connect through online meetings. An agenda can be set and the participants can come and discuss, bounce off ideas, and engage with their co-workers in other countries.
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Explore offline methods:
Participants can be tasked to create projects without online resources i.e make something with their hands rather than with a PowerPoint Presentation or a word document. This will help break the monotony.
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Chart a learning path:
Giving them the onus to decide their own training needs, resources, and goals. This brings in more accountability
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Adaptive learning technology:
Incorporating adaptive learning methods as per the capacity of each participant
We hope this helps to enjoy the learning journey and have successful outcomes.
