LESSONS IN LEARNING
In the ‘olden days’, the only learning available was attending ‘school’. I am still a fan of this olden day type of learning. However, there are now many new types of learning available to the public. Here is a list of 6 modern learnings.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Distance learning is for those students who are not able to to physically attend an institution. In the past this type of learning was called correspondence school. The student ‘corresponded’ with the school via post. Today, distance learning involves online learning and the World Wide Web. Many universities around the world are offering degrees in distance learning courses to any candidate that qualifies and passes the entry requirement. This provides wonderful opportunity to students all over the world. If you are living in South Africa and dreamed of ‘attending’ an overseas University. With distant learning, this can really be a possibility. Some advantages of distance learning are:
- Affordability: distance learning is often a lot cheaper than ‘physical’ learning.
- Logistics: you can decide exactly when and where you want to study.
- Global opportunity: you can get an international degree.
- Convenience: you can ‘fit’ your learning into your busy life and you can also study at any age.
E-LEARNING
E-learning is a term that is used frequently these days. Especially during a global pandemic. Many have turned to e-learning. E-learning is a type of learning founded upon formalised teaching but relies on the aid of electronic resources. It basically refers to any learning or training on a digital device (i-pad, smart phone, PC etc). There are many advantages of e-learning:
- E-learning saves time and money: students can access the learning anytime and anyplace.
- E-learning is very personal: each student’s needs are different and e-learning is able to cater for these individual needs.
- E-learning is convenient, especially in a pandemic!
- Global reach: e-learning allows people all over the globe to have access to the learning.
BLENDED LEARNING
According to Wikipedia blended learning is ‘an approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods. It requires the physical presence of both teacher and student, with some elements of student control over time, place, path, or pace.’ Many educators enjoy and opt for the blended learning approach. Some of the many advantages of blended learning are:
- Blended learning is effective: this type of learning uses a ‘blend’ of teaching methods and studies show that this is highly effective and the outcome is successful.
- Teacher flexibility: blended learning allows the teacher to be a lot more flexible and in turn pay close attention to each and every student. This is every teacher’s dream!
- Student engagement and concentration is improved: we are living in the digital age. The students of this age respond very well to technology. Thus the fact that it is incorporated into the learning makes the learning environment extremely effective.
MICROLEARNING
Microlearning refers to small learning units or learning activities that are brief and last for a short term. This type of learning is highly effective in the corporate and commercial worlds. People’s lives are extremely busy and concentration spans are not as long as they used to be. As a result, microlearning has become more and more popular. Here are some of the advantages of microlearning:
- Enticing for learners: the modern-day student really enjoys microlearning as this type of learning suits both their lifestyle as well as their attention spans.
- Affordability: microlearning courses are less expensive to produce and fewer instructors are needed to teach the courses.
- Revision and retention benefits: the microlearning courses are short and therefore revision is easy and quick. Research has shown that the more the brain sees something the more likely it is to retain it.
