Do More Than Watch -- Active and Adaptive Learning in eLearning Solutions

When it comes to education or training, it can be a tricky issue, sometimes, as there have been constant changes in technology and hence, the institutional methodologies have to be altered in sync with it. Online learning became a star for some period of time due to the factor of convenience as well as accessibility. However, the huge problem came when the static presentations or videos (without animations, examples, or detailed explanations) came off more like seeing paint dry rather than enkindling the required curiosity in learners. Also, the most essential aspect of instructional mode was the inability of the students or even the adults (working professionals) to recollect what they had learned. So, in simple words, for children and grown-ups, learning through static presentations or videos was like another mandatory exercise without serving any purpose -- passive and dull approach.
 
Thankfully, it all changed with the introduction of the eLearning courses which encompassed both adaptive learning and active learning so that no learners felt bored or got a sense that the learning materials were not suited as per their learning style. In fact, the introduction of these aspects in the virtual platform refined the way knowledge was grasped by all types of learners.

A Quick Brief about Active Learning and Adaptive Learning 

When the concept of active learning comes into the picture, the focus lies on getting the learners involved rather than passively watching something continuously for hours like a movie. In other words, learners are not left on their own to decipher various interpretations of the subject matter explained in the video or lecture as an interactive form of learning takes place -- asking learners for their opinions, and then, feedback is provided accordingly.

When it comes to adaptive learning, instructional delivery takes a better shape as content is modified to suit the learning style and pace of the knowledge-seekers. In short words, this type is akin to having a personal tutor who would teach students as per their knowledge intake capabilities.

With both methods, the students are not left high and dry or they don't feel like they have got stuck in some quagmire where learning is slow or doesn't take place. There is positivity owing to the introduction of adaptive learning and active learning methods in the eLearning materials -- the best part is there is no information overload.

Addressing Challenges with Active and Adaptive Learning in eLearning Solution

We shall discuss about various strategies based on active learning and adaptive learning that can be implemented in eLearning courseware.

Strategies for Using Active Learning in eLearning Courseware

Given hereunder are techniques through which active learning can be included in the eLearning solution to make learning effective.

Interactive Activities:
Sometimes, traditional learning forms of instructional methodology can be dull without any type of interaction. But with eLearning courseware, this issue can be circumvented as interactive activities (active learning method) can be incorporated. 

Imagine a situation wherein trainees or students get excited to play games or puzzles based on a subject matter -- they no longer see such tasks as a burden but as something fascinating and fun.

To elaborate on this, think of a situation wherein an eLearning course that contains topics related to project management does not follow the typical textbook approach but instead utilizes simulation -- isn't this active learning fascinating?

As a project manager, one would get the hang of making crucial calls when there are pressure cooker scenarios or when unforeseen circumstances arise. they will also be tested on the kind of strategies that they put into use and gradually gather a rock-solid understanding of various types of concepts.

The same can be expected with students as they will be presented with different types of scenarios based on the curriculum -- students have to answer the questions. Their replies will be checked by teachers and some by the AI-based eLearning engine and feedback will be provided on where they need to improve. 

Collaborative Learning Tasks as an Active Learning Methodology:

Students no more have to have a hard time studying everything by themselves -- it is like studying in solitary confinement! Thanks to the incorporation of collaborative tasks as a part of an active learning journey in eLearning, students get to involve themselves in various team tasks with classmates or in a group project.

The same applies to the trainees as they get to solve problems by teaming with people from different departments.

Through this phase, learners also emerge not only with honed communication prowess but also develop a remarkable facility for working efficaciously with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

This also helps both parties -- students and working professionals -- to absorb new knowledge from others.

Problem-solving Exercises and Case Studies as Active Learning Methodology:

When learners are given problem-solving exercises, they develop the acumen to think differently and even come out with a solution for a tough situation. In a similar manner, even case studies based on realistic scenarios or even real-life examples can help the learners to gain fresh insight related to a topic. 

With both, they start seeing everything from a fresh perspective and apply their skills so to understand a particular situation and apply the learned knowledge wisely. 

Importantly, since they engage themselves actively, they are able to address challenges of different natures in the real world with a practical and out-of-the-box thinking approach. 

Strategies for Using Adaptive Learning in eLearning Courseware
Given hereunder are techniques using which adaptive learning can be introduced in the eLearning courseware to make learning efficient.

Smart Assessments as an Adaptive Learning Technique in eLearning:

Adaptive eLearning does not rely on the one-size-fits-all approach, instead, it is based on a personalization of content to suit learners' information intake style. To kick things off, eLearning employs the method by using an intelligent algorithm to sniff out an individual's areas of strengths along with weaknesses, and even the preferred learning styles. 

This smart information that is gathered through the smart system comes in many flavors: pre-assessments that are capable of gauging knowledge-seekers starting point -- can be a short knowledge quiz, and adaptive questioning that is created with high-end algorithms so as to adjust difficulty level on the fly. To be precise, more like those game that presents tougher levels as you move to the next level.

The best part that serves as the charm: These assessments to the students/employees turn out to be something way better than usual written tests as they have different types of questions based on a branching storyline to decipher where there may a probable knowledge gaps.

Furthermore, this assessment idea when implemented as adaptive learning offers a double win: 

Firstly, the learning path turns into a custom-made suit that works perfectly so as to address each individual unique learning needs and secondly, no more wading through the content that students/trainees are acquainted with, or getting unnecessarily lost in topics that may be advanced for some learners.

This adaptive learning technique brings a big improvement in students as well as working professionals over a period of time and helps them to rectify themselves and gain new knowledge.

Other Methods to Incorporate Active Learning in eLearning:

    1. Modifying Course to Suit Learners: Tailoring content as per the needs of the learners so as to fit their unique style of learning -- an adaptive learning style. In elaborate words, comprehending the difficulties that learners are facing through the eLearning system and modifying the content accordingly. This adaptive learning supports the students as well as the trainees as the content is changed to suit their needs.
    2. Personalization of the Content: This adaptive learning method is similar to the above technique but before creating the course materials all the information about the learning pace and style of the learners can be gathered and then accordingly, eLearning content can be created. Even later on, if required, course material can be further tuned to ease the grasping of concepts.

Conclusion 
There are multiple techniques of active learning and adaptive learning that can be incorporated into the eLearning system to make knowledge acquisition for the learners easy.

If you as a company are keen to get both adaptive learning as well as active learning into your eLearning platform along with other desired features, you can contact VK Creative Learning. We are an experienced firm that has developed many types of eLearning courseware for schools, universities, corporate, and industrial firms.