Source: Freepik
Following the pandemic, teaching and distance learning definitively transformed the educational landscape, offering unprecedented flexibility and accessibility. Various tools and applications have emerged to enrich the learning experience, while students and teachers adapt to this new standard.
While the home environment is increasingly blending into the digital world, some students may encounter difficulties in adapting to virtual learning formats. These learners can be subject to distractions at home and suffer from uneven access to technology.
Being educators, we are invited/invited to embark on online teaching and to explore the various applications available on the market that facilitate teaching and distance learning. These applications can be put in place alone or in combination, as required.
Applications for online courses we need
Depending on our needs as trainers, we can adopt applications to give online courses.
Videoconferencing tools
Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Classroom. An application to give online courses of this kind is ideal for live education, sub-group rooms (namely “Breakout Rooms”), screen sharing and real-time interaction.
Learning management systems (LMS)
Moodle and Blackboard Offer integrated teaching software to organize courses, exercises, assessments and discussions. In particular, Blackboard is an app for courses widely adopted by universities. In partnership with Microsoft, its creation assistant offers original learning and assessment modules based on AI.
Interactive platforms
The application for Kahoot lessons! Can make our teaching more alive by bringing hot interactive quizs and learning through play.
Online course platforms
Platforms like Racera and Udemy allow us to reach a vast and diverse audience, while offering classes on demand and certifications.
PDF publishers and converters
Electronic document management tools such as Pdf guru allow us to create teaching materials, in the form of forms, exams, and tables, which is easily accessible for learners. In reality, this type of application offers a wide range of services, ranging from fusion and compression, to electronic signature and the possibility of adding annotations.
Teaching and remote collaboration
We can improve learning by promoting collaboration between students: thanks to online platforms, it is easier than ever to work together, regardless of where you are. A set of solutions allows us to get involved with learners during online lessons. Between them, we meet the sharing of resources, ideas and feedback. Thus, they give us the opportunity to offer them Interactive homework and group work.
Tools like Google Workspace (Google Docs, Google Slides) and Canva offer real -time collaboration opportunities. For example, Canva offers captivating layouts and a visual suite optimized by AI to create presentations, dashboards and data visualizations.
On the other hand, group projects can prove to be a challenge in a context of distance learning. In this context, project management tools like Asana and concept can help to empower group members and guarantee their participation.
Advantages and disadvantages of distance education
Distance education has many advantages. Among these, we can quote:
- The flexibility of schedules,
- accessibility for students living in distant regions,
- personalized learning experiences,
- Allows institutions and students to save through multimedia resources.
At the same time, it must be recognized that these apps for courses are unfortunately not able to completely mitigate the multiple challenges of online education, for example:
- lack of social interaction,
- technical challenges,
- reduction in commitment,
- the digital divide,
- Content quality control,
- the integrity of the evaluation,
- control of tools by teachers,
- mental and physical health.
Source: Unsplash
Physical exchanges are the only ones who can reduce the gap, as far as possible. We therefore suggest study groups, discussions and weekly recreational events, if not monthly, face -to -face. We can effectively alternate virtual learning with traditional learning, in favor ofA hybrid formula.
Companies create similar moments of meeting, at the office, and it succeeds quite well. Why could educational institutions not do so much? Learners can obviously mobilize to meet locally.
Educators and students in a digital company
The innovation potential of the education system in a digital world is immense. In the futureonline teaching practices will benefit from data analyzes, better integration of disabled students, multilingual support. RV, AR and better access to learning resources will also contribute to its development.
As trainers, we are called/called to create an enriching learning experience for learners, using the best tools and strategies. The flexibility and accessibility of online education provide undeniable advantages. However, there are also obstacles to overcome, such as maintaining the long -term commitment.
An area that is intended to develop over time
Distance learning is an evolving sector. Without a doubt, we need to undergo continuous training. It is in our interest and in that of students to mitigate the disadvantages of online teaching.
