COVID-19 cases are still growing. Yet, many institutions across the globe are already getting ready to go back to normal. The biggest question is: What is (the new) normal?
The pandemic provided us with a chance to rethink our education system and the sudden shift to a 100% online environment has made evident that we still have a long way to go. While it affected us in many ways, it also allowed us to pinpoint crucial flaws in current online systems and better understand how to incorporate it into traditional methods.
Why is online education so hard?
Not only students but educators found themselves in a position where they were not able to fully deliver their message and properly engage with each other. Funny thing, we live in a digital world where people spend a great part of their time messaging friends and families on their smartphones.
So, why are we having such a hard time bringing people together into the online education world? Is online learning inefficient? Well, no. Besides several other, there are two main reasons behind that.
1. Current LMS (Learning Management Systems) are not fit for interaction
Most of LMS in the market focus on delayed interaction. Some may provide forum and Q&A tools, but in the end, they were originally created for either streaming of content or notifications. Real-time interaction was simply not on the priority list.
Students watch recorded classes and reply to questions whenever and wherever they feel like, making it harder to properly interact with each other. Some opted for conference tools like Zoom, but even in such case, interaction is limited to the live streaming time.
2. People are trapped in their houses
Let’s be real, we all thought that it would be fun to remote teach and learn in the comfort of our houses. But after a few weeks trapped… we would do anything to go back to our classrooms.
Besides the distraction from family members, being confined for long periods of time often impacts not only performance but also weakens our psychological state. The CDC even has a separate tab on their website for “Stress & Coping” during COVID-19.
The second reason emphasizes on the fact that the flaws of current LMS are not the only reason behind current online learning inefficiency. And, since the second reason is limited to the current extreme situation, let’s focus on the first one.
The future of online learning
Saying that the future of education will either be online or offline is presumptuous. There is no absolute answer to how the future will look like but we need to understand each need and adapt accordingly. One thing is for sure, hybrid education is growing, and fast. If it will become the ultimate method or not, well… that’s another story.
Hybrid education is where offline and online methods meet to increase efficiency and engagement. On the online side, it can be used in two different ways: synchronous and asynchronous.
Synchronous learning (online only):
A type of learning where the communication between educators and students happens in real time. Simply put, all parties involved must be on the same virtual place at the same time to interact with each other. Live video classes and live chatting are two of the most used methods.Asynchronous learning (online and offline):
On the other hand, asynchronous learning involves communication that does not require all the parties to be at the same place and time. It can happen anywhere, anyhow and anytime. Methods include assignments with deadlines, video streaming and emails.
The problem is that, as mentioned before, current LMS is adapted to asynchronous learning. Educators post notices, upload videos, or give homework expecting students to complete it within a given time.
Even in cases where the LMS does provide some sort of synchronous learning, such as live video sessions, real-time communication is limited to that time-span. While people may try to communicate with each other using other “synchronous” tools such as Slack or Whatsapp, those applications are not adapted to education.
The basic condition for good communication is the ability to express yourself, and learning involves much more than simply texting. Institutions do not choose a different tool for each class but a complete tool that is able to encompass all topics as a whole.
Ideally, to boost learning experience and engagement, online education should include both methods. It provides learning flexibility and
CLASSUM is one of the few communication tools that focus on education and, at the same time, is flexible for both synchronous and asynchronous learning. We offer an environment where educators and students are able to interact with each other and give continuity to offline classes.
For more details on how CLASSUM is reshaping the education industry, access the links below!
CLASSUM, an all-in-one tool: link
The right remote teaching tool: link
Boost student engagement: link
CLASSUM is a communication tool for education used by institutions around the world, including Samsung, Hyundai, LG CNS, Shiseido, and KAIST.
Learn more about CLASSUM 👉 www.classum.com
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