Expansion of Digital Learning
Digital learning has changed the way we teach, learn and assess. Many were thrown into the world of online education and digital learning with the rise of COVID-19, and now the educational landscape has fundamentally changed we must now recognise new roles and responsibilities as well as ways of sustaining quality.
The pandemic has advanced the use of technology through necessity with online classes, with meetings held via Zoom, Skype or Teams. Teachers and learners have improved their digital skills as the majority have seen how online courses have made learning more accessible with students learning at their own pace in their own time and from anywhere.
Experiences of MKLC
MKLC Training adopted online learning technologies over a decade ago, and courses such as the Award in Education and Training (AET) have been steamlined and improved over the years to deliver the best possible learner experience. This expertise has widened student participation over the past year as learners worldwide look to experienced training providers offering accredited qualifications.
Students from UK, Europe, Middle East, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, and the United States have enrolled with MKLC Training, coming from a variety of industry sectors – beauty, leisure, personal trainers, dental nursing, opticians and others. All wanting to learn how to teach or train others in their field.
Online Teaching Course
This was designed to support teachers to understand more about the role and responsibilities when teaching online:
When designing a lesson that can be delivered online, lessons need to be shorter with resources that can be accessed online as well.
Feedback needs to be fast as well as constructive to motivate learners
It can be harder to develop relationships when not face to face, so teachers/trainers need to find ways of interacting with learners
Lessons need to include different approaches to accommodate learners and maintain student engagement
Assessment is still important as records need to be maintained as evidence of achievement
Online Activities
Online activities can include:
assignments
chat
questions
quizzes
demonstrations
journals
lessons
videos
activity sheets
recap exercises
interactive stories
games
online discussions
The Teacher’s Role within Online Learning
The teacher’s role and responsibilities are changing with some classroom teaching, some online learning, perhaps webinars or other digital provisions to ensure learners maintain their learning.
Online role and responsibilities include:
guidance
engage and motivate
interaction
variety of methods
create a safe space
encourage
timely feedback
Teaching must be inclusive and offer equal opportunities to all learners and the teacher must maintain contact with all students, whichever mode of teaching is used. Students need to feel they are part of their learning journey in order to stay engaged and motivated.
Professional development is also essential for teachers as they update their skills to accommodate the new role. The education sector needs to keep up with advances in technology and accept changes. The jobs of the future will require different digital skills.
Environmental concerns may see more focus on reducing carbon footprints with more people working from home and fewer people travelling for meetings, but all with need to have the skills and knowledge to harness technology effectively.