Today's world is characterized by constant change. The ongoing digitalization of the world of learning and work is one of the main driving forces: end devices such as smartphones, tablets and data glasses are finding their way into personal and professional life and are already shaping the future today. The keyword is e-learning – learning with the help of digital technologies. It is hoped that this will increase individual motivation to learn and enable learning content and speed to be better adapted to personal needs.
Different methods and concepts
E-learning covers a broad spectrum, with webinars, wikis, web-based training and social media at the forefront of the forms and tools used. Simulations and digital learning games still occupy the back seats, but are already catching up. New technical achievements and their permanent availability, combined with the spread of fast, mobile data networks, offer new opportunities for interactive learning anytime and anywhere. Through smartphones, laptops, tablets and co. Anyone can acquire new knowledge regardless of time and place.
Smart shows and interactive videos
Smart shows, also known as explainer videos, are one method of using video production in a cost-effective way. Complex facts are conveyed in a simple and concise manner. For this, objects are moved scenically in the video, while a speaker explains the subject matter in the form of a story. Interactive videos are also popular: in contrast to classic videos, viewers are actively involved in the event. This can be done by a short quiz sequence or by controlling the further course in order to check the learning progress.
Virtual classrooms and moocs
In virtual classrooms, the internet serves as a means of communication, connecting students with teachers from different cities, countries or even continents. In contrast to instructional videos, all course participants must be sitting in the virtual classroom at the same time, i.E. Have access to a computer with internet access. Students and teachers can communicate directly with each other and exchange teaching materials and other files.
A particular version of online courses, used primarily in higher education and adult education, is commonly referred to as "massive open online courses," or moocs for short. Due to a lack of access and admission restrictions, such courses usually have a rough number of participants, which is where the name comes from.
Serious gaming
In the next few years, high-resolution 3D simulations using a variety of motion sensors and interactive data glasses will make their way into further education. Interesting developments are emerging in the field of serious games in particular: since computer games captivate people of all generations, this enthusiasm gives rise to various concepts that ensure a high level of game motivation. This can be used very well for learning purposes. For example, a project called for by the EU is currently developing an interactive learning game on flood prevention.
Interactive learning platforms
Platforms such as amazon are known to automatically derive interesting offers from previous usage behavior. Something similar is conceivable in the field of learning and training, in that interactive learning platforms offer suitable topics in the best individual form on an independent basis. The field of learning analytics will also make it possible in the future to track and control learning success very closely and in real time in the sense of education controlling.
The best of both worlds
New technical possibilities on the one hand and changing needs of learners on the other are the drivers for increasing digitization of the education sector. Starting with an e-learning scare and a subsequent e-learning euphoria, a plateau of productivity has now been reached, although e-learning will certainly not completely displace traditional learning. The best way is a meaningful mutual complementation between classical forms of learning and pure e-learning – a combination of the best of both worlds, so to speak. This sensible mixture of the two approaches is known as "blended learning. This combination of classroom teaching and e-learning aims to organize the learning process in a way that makes sense from a didactic point of view: in simple terms, blended learning adds a virtual layer to the traditional physical classroom. However, this form of learning will only be successful if the two methods are not used in isolation, but in a balanced manner.
