Coolest Online Learning Technologies

A Weapon for Knowledge:

Many educators are taking advantage of advances in online learning technology. This includes accessing teaching activities and resources online. At the same time, it utilizes different forms of communication, multimedia tools and online assessment.

An online assessment is use to gauge what the students have learned. Additionally, it employs Classroom technologies such as interactive whiteboards and personal response systems. One of the benefits of this program is that it provides an increased chance for dialogue between teachers and students. This in turn enhances the learning experience. Choosing the right online learning technology can be a daunting task. However, there are several online learning technologies that are worth checking out.

Webcams:

The use of webcams as a learning and teaching tool is gradually increasing. It also offers teachers an effective means to enable their students to see real time events. At the same time, it brings to life far off places. These two features alone can inspire imagination and curiosity. Teachers also employ webcams to provide lessons on a wide variety of topics. This includes live music lessons and online English language courses. They can be used for collaboration between schools and video conferencing as well.

Video:

This online learning technology helps teachers reach visual learners. These pupils have a tendency to learn effectively by viewing the material rather that reading it. Teachers can gain access to a wide range of video clips using the Internet instead of VHS tapes or DVDs.

Teachers can employ messaging programs as video e-learning tools. These messaging programs include Adobe Connect and Skype. They are also used to interact with experts and guest speakers on a particular topic. At the same time, interactive games are steadily being included in many higher education and K-12 institution curriculums.

Although research on utilizing video as an online learning tool is preliminary, early research shows great results and increased retention when it is employed in a lesson. Utilizing a systematic video development approach holds a lot of promise for making video models that have a positive impact on student learning.

Audio:

Lessons on tape have been around for a long time. They have been used in classrooms around the world long before the advent of computers and video. Learning using audio has been fully implemented thanks to advancements in technology. This has allowed teachers to stream audio from the Internet. At the same time, there are many podcasts and webcasts available online for teachers and students to download.

At the same time, audio is often employed to effectively explain visuals. Examples of visual learning tools may include maps and flow charts. This is because teachers are directing data to both the visual and auditory channels to effectively distribute the mental workload. Using snippets of audio about a subject being discussed also adds authenticity to the content.

Blogging:

Many online users consider blogs to be a platform for communication. However, they have recently started to be used as an online learning tool. This allows pupils to ask questions, respond and interact with other students both outside and inside the classroom.

Students can also utilize a blog to do everything that they usually do on paper. Some of these things include answering homework questions, receiving feedback on project drafts and reflecting on reading assignments. At the same time, teachers can use them to provide feedback using comments. Other students may also utilize them to provide qualitative feedback.

Screencasting:

This is a recent trend in online learning. There are a lot of screencasting tools that are available today that provide users with numerous benefits. One benefit is the ability to share their computer screens directly from their browsers. This allows people to create videos that are available online. Viewers can stream these videos directly.

Another advantage is that it gives the presenter the capability to show their flow of thoughts and ideas rather than simply explaining them. This enables them to mimic one on one experience between the student and teacher. Mimicking this experience enables teachers to deliver complete and clear instruction.

From the learner’s point of view, it provides the capability to rewind and pause the lesson. This allows them to learn at their own pace.

Author Bio:

Alex Faubel enjoys writing about topics related to business and the intersection of technology in career focused education programs.