We’ve discussed the different eLearning tools for education, but even with all of the tools in the world, you still need to navigate through the development process.
As we continue to watch eLearning evolve in the education sector, it’s time to take a closer look at the fundamentals. In this article, we’re going to explain how to make eLearning course development easy, even if you’re hopeless with computers.
Different Types of eLearning Courses
To understand the development of eLearning, you must start with the basics, including the different types of courses available. When you break it down fundamentally, there are two primary eLearning categories; synchronous and asynchronous, or you can blend the two together for a hybrid option.
Synchronous
Synchronous eLearning requires real-time learning involving an instructor with a group of students. In this style of eLearning, the students can be in attendance in a classroom setting or entirely remotely.
Helping to differentiate synchronous learning, you can imagine that traditional teaching in a classroom is synchronous learning. The way that this style of learning translates to the eLearning environment is that through the use of the technologies available today, the physical classroom presence is no longer required. Students can engage with fellow students and instructors in real-time with the help of tools such as:
Video conferencing
YouTube live streams
Zoom
Etc.
Today, synchronous learning can look very much like in-person teaching, without having to make students appear in class every day.
How Synchronous eLearning Works
In the same way that in-person classes meet at a regularly scheduled time, synchronous eLearning meets the same way, only remotely instead. Classes can consist of different materials, including:
Open discussions
Presentations
Lectures
Students utilize the webcam and microphone from their computer or other devices, such as a tablet, to interact with the rest of the class, including with instructors.
Pro
The material covered in courses is provided in a consistent schedule
Instructors are able to answer questions as they arise throughout the class
Through real-time discussions, students can exchange information and ask pertinent questions
Students and instructors can openly communicate with one another
Students are not required to commute to a classroom
Cons
A computer (or other devices), webcam, and stable internet connection are required
Students and instructors need to be in a quiet place through the duration of the class
Less schedule flexibility as everyone needs to be on time
Asynchronous
While synchronous learning allows students to interact with instructors in real-time, asynchronous learning does not. Students still have access to the necessary tools, including physical learning materials or access to online learning materials through asynchronous learning.
Online courses and distance learning we are more familiarized with today are prime examples of asynchronous learning. In the past, correspondence courses were the infantile stages of the asynchronous courses we know today.
Materials that are commonly found in asynchronous learning environments include:
Online forums
Pre-recorded video lessons
PDFs
Reference materials
Digital lessons
The primary feature of asynchronous learning that sets it apart from other learning styles is that there is a heightened sense of flexibility. While there is a structure in courses, often expectations and deadlines are more flexible, pending the direction of the student specifically.
How Asynchronous eLearning Works
The flexibility in asynchronous eLearning courses comes in terms of the amount of time students have to complete them. As students progress through the courses at their own pace, teachers are able to track their progress and identify any potential setbacks and questions that arise.
Common coursework in asynchronous eLearning courses include:
Online education portals
Traditional lessons
Online lecture questions
Quizzes
The interaction with other students and instructors looks different in asynchronous eLearning, with students relying on discussion boards, emails, and forums for communication since learning is not occurring in real-time.
Pros
Since students are interacting directly with the material, participation and understanding is nearly guaranteed
Students can allow themselves more time to focus on educational content
Students are able to absorb more knowledge from the content
Instructors and students are not required to communicate regularly
More flexibility for students in terms of when they are able to complete assignments
Cons
Students can be distracted more easily and procrastinate
Lacking real-time discussions between instructors and students
It can be easy to shift focus away from learning
Hybrid
Hybrid learning combines the best features of synchronous and asynchronous learning and is arguably, therefore, the best option all around. In hybrid courses, certain aspects of the course have hard deadlines, such as homework assignments and quizzes, information is accessed online at will, and instructors are available during set times for real-time interactions.
The idea behind hybrid learning is that students are able to have some of the flexibility of asynchronous learning while still having the opportunity to discuss with fellow students and instructors in a more synchronous and real-time format.
How Hybrid eLearning Works
Hybrid eLearning works by taking the best of both worlds, both synchronous and asynchronous education. Especially for those just starting the shift into eLearning, hybrid courses may be the best option to help make the transition more seamless.
Pros
More consistent student interaction and clarification
Students can get answers from teachers in real-time through the synchronous environment
Student participation is prioritized
Students can be kept on track to complete coursework with a structured schedule
Live labs can be made available through hybrid eLearning
Cons
Students may prefer full synchronous or asynchronous eLearning courses
ryco.io eLearning Course Development
At ryco.io, we believe in developing eLearning courses that are explicitly designed to focus on the success of students and educators alike. We build both student and teacher versions of online courses in our course development.
Since we develop eLearning courses for both students and teachers, we can provide instructor guides to help teachers find the best practices for their students.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, ryco.io continues to make strides in terms of making eLearning course development easy, even if you’re hopeless with computers. Now that you have a better understanding of the fundamentals of eLearning, you can begin moving towards the highest levels of eLearning, prompting the best results.
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