In the world of education, eLearning isn’t necessarily new. However, as time has passed, it has become a more comprehensive and robust approach for higher education institutions. Then, when COVID-19 forced many colleges to send students home, eLearning was thrust into the spotlight.
While many people have extolled the virtues of eLearning for decades, more exposure to the approach has made eLearning’s benefits clearer. If you are wondering why eLearning is working so well in higher education, here’s what you need to know.
An Overview of eLearning
In the simplest sense, eLearning involves using digital technology to deliver course materials for a class or program. Today, the most common form focuses on online education. However, eLearning can include downloaded coursework on a computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device, as well.
Depending on the delivery approach, eLearning can be an active or passive method for sharing material. Some eLearning courses are highly interactive, featuring virtual scenarios, quizzes, and activities to facilitate learning. Others focus more on visual material, such as text, images, or videos.
eLearning can also include participation from multiple students simultaneously or can feature solo, on-demand material. There may be active discussion through video conferences, message boards, forums, chat software, and even social media groups.
Why eLearning Works Well in Higher Education
For many students, eLearning is the ideal option for furthering their education. First, the online delivery mechanism means a student’s physical location is irrelevant. Students can attend courses from anywhere as long as they have an internet-ready device and an internet connection. This eliminates a significant barrier to education, particularly for students who can’t relocate to go to their preferred college.
However, the benefits don’t stop there. Asynchronous eLearning models further boost accessibility. That methodology takes time-of-day out of the equation, ensuring students can take part regardless of other demands on their schedule.
Finally, by coupling eLearning with active, group-oriented options, the social component found in a traditional college classroom can remain. Whether it’s asynchronous discussions on a message board or a live participation video call, students can get together, discuss their thoughts, ask and answer questions, and otherwise further their understanding.
Ultimately, eLearning is a viable approach for many college courses. Plus, it can make earning a degree more accessible to students, ensuring everyone who wants to further their education has a chance to achieve their dream.
Are You Ready to Enhance Your eLearning Program?
If you need support from learning and development (L&D) professionals to enhance your higher education eLearning program, Clarity Consultants wants to hear from you. With more than a quarter of a century of experience in the sector, Clarity can give you access to L&D experts that can help you tackle your eLearning program development goals. Plus, the Clarity team can serve as your candidate search allies, making securing the talent you need to succeed as simple and straightforward as possible.
If you’d like to partner with a leading L&D team that can make enhancing your eLearning program a breeze, Clarity Consultants is here. Contact us today.
