There are many ways that a virtual classroom can be improved. However, you should not only think about the tools and programs that you can use. You should probably concentrate on giving the learners the best learning experience.
There are a couple of benefits when you concentrate on this aspect of your online course. First of all, you can heighten the retention rate. Not only that, it will also help instill the love for learning in the learners. After all, if learners have such a good time during the learning process, they will look at education in a better light. This positive impression could instill a thirst for self-learning – which will make them productive and efficient in anything they set out to do.
Of course, the challenge here is improving the learning experience of learners in a virtual classroom. Online learning may be convenient but it can sometimes be lonely. Among the benefits of learning online is you can choose when and where you will study. But then again, that can also be its downfall. At least, this is true if the online class fails to give the learners a great learning experience. Their boredom might make them postpone learning – which could end up with them giving up altogether.
To keep this from happening, here are a couple of tips that will help you guarantee the best learning experience in the online classroom.
Be generous with your use of audiovisuals.
Graphic tools are more effective when it comes to retention. Our brain is wired to process images better than words. But beyond that, it is much more fun to learn through audiovisual materials. Words can be boring and flat. Audiovisuals are more lively and can probably teach more in a shorter time compared to text. Complicated concepts can be transformed into charts and animation that will make it easier to for both the senses and brain to absorb.
Make it interactive.
We mentioned how a virtual classroom can be lonely. Even if the learner chooses to learn in a public place, that can still be lonely – not to mention distracting. There is a challenge to keep them glued to the screen. This is why you need to focus on making the lesson interactive. Using audiovisuals may not be enough. Make sure learners are encouraged to participate in discussions with both the instructor and fellow participants. Incorporate games that will encourage them to collaborate with other learners. Role-playing can help open channels of communication between learners. Any of these can improve the learning experience to make it more memorable as it is shared with others.
Encourage self-learning.
Since a virtual classroom happens via the Internet, you should learn how to tap into that vast source of information. Place links and resources that learners can explore on their own. If you will cite a study to prove a point, make sure there is a link that learners can go to so they can expand their knowledge about this fact. When they get used to clicking on links, you will instill the love of learning into them. You can also open their consciousness when it comes to navigating the various information portals on the web.
Provide learners with feedback tools.
Finally, you have to make sure your online course allows learners to provide feedback. This will make the learners feel empowered by giving them a voice. At the start of the course, learners should be made aware of the tools that will allow them to provide feedback and also communicate with their instructor and fellow learners. That way, they can use it during the learning process.
All of these tips will help increase the learning experience in the virtual classroom. Make sure you incorporate these in your online course to heighten the effectiveness and retention rate.
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