Learning is a process or a skill by which you gain knowledge. Online learning is a virtual form of learning in which the students and teacher are not in a classroom but are taking while sitting in their house. For this purpose virtual software is used for arranging classes and lectures. The other components which are a part of online learning are internet connection, any device like a mobile phone or laptop. And all these components together help in making online learning possible.
Online learning and physical classes are very similar in many terms like the use of the book and slides for delivering lectures, question-answer sessions, and assessment. But the only difference is on the way all of them are conducted. Although, the presence of all students in online learning is difficult but is still being the most effective way of learning.
The most important thing about online learning is that people from different parts of the world can be part of them. If any seminar or online class is being conducted by a tutor then all students can join it even if they are in another country. There is no boundary line in online learning and because of it, the value of education has been increasing in the world.
Online classes allow all the students to attend the international sessions where teachers and scholars from different parts of the world take part and give their part of knowledge on a particular topic. For an example of if Quran classes in Riyadh are being conducted online then students from other parts of the country can also make themselves a part of it.
Table of Contents
How E-learning is beneficial for students and teachers?
Online learning is considered a beneficial form of learning for both teachers and students because of several reasons. Research has been made on e-learning and physical learning and the results show that the amount of knowledge gained in online classes is always higher and all the facts, and figures can prove it.
When it comes to the benefits of the student’s e-learning is less costly and you only need internet connection and a device for it. You do not have to pay for transport and stuff which students are supposed to pay for when they join a school or college.
Online learning brings down the expenses of education and is a valuable form of education for students. Also, it adds flexibility to the life of the student as they can decide what they want to learn and at which time of the day.
Teachers work hard to provide quality education to their students and for this purpose, they prepare their lectures before they go into their class. And sometimes because of the busy schedule in school and due to lack of time they are not able to do their task properly. But online learning allows them to do proper research on their lecture, and they can also prepare it well by giving it some time.
The Best ways to make online learning interactive
Online learning is no doubt is an effective tool but engaging students in online learning is a challenging task. And without the engagement of students learning is not possible. You have to make your interaction with students engaging and worthy. Because when there is a healthy interaction between the students, and the teachers in online sessions it cannot stop the learners to play their active role in them. They benefit from it and gain as much knowledge as possible from that limited amount of time.
There are different ways by which you can make your online classes interactive, and they include
Invite students for discussion
In an online session, the teachers feel difficulty in identifying who is paying attention and who is lost in his or her thoughts. So arranging a discussion related to the topic or relevant to the lectures keeps the students engaged. In a discussion, everybody is supposed to say something on the topic and in this way, the participation of all students keeps the environment of the class healthy and fruitful.
Discussion on any topic could be arranged at the start of a lecture or the end because it is totally up to the feasibility of the teacher. In this way, the students would not only stay attentive, but will also consider themselves a part of online learning sessions.
The discussion always motivates students and if they get appreciated for saying something correct they love to do it again. And it also makes the online session interactive as a student takes part in a discussion and give their point of view on a particular topic.
Ask questions about the previous and current lectures
Asking questions about the previous lecture and asking questions in the middle of the lecture is a classic technique used by the teachers to keep a check on their students. It can also be used in online classes as it keeps the level of interaction high. When students have an idea that their teacher asks questions regarding their lecture they make sure to stay attentive.
As they fear getting embraced in front of their classmates they remember all the important points discussed in the lecture. The question-answer sessions are always valuable, and it also helps in keeping the learning session interactive even if it is online.
It also enables the students to review their work and the work of their classmates. They get to know how everybody else is preparing their lecture, and what is lacking in their preparation.
Mind making before starting a lecture.
Mind making is one of the most effective ways of keeping students interactive during class. If you start the lecture directly, it will get boring because you already do not know what is going inside the brain of your students. But if you will give your students a proper introduction to your lecture before actually delivering it Then, things will be different.
Mind making is considered an effective technique that can be used to make an online session interactive. A mind map is an outline of related thoughts and ideas that can be utilized as a guide for examining the interest of students. It is also a method of getting sorted out what you are going to teach your students, and how they are going to collect important points from it.
Mind mapping is a way of making a room of ideas, and thoughts for your students. It allows students to focus on what is coming next and the students also decide how much interest they are going to put in their online class.