The preceding decade has been witness to the advent of e-learning and the digitisation of the education sector. By incorporating the latest technological advancements, the factors preventing access to education have been stripped away – costs are massively reduced, geographical distance is no longer a concern, and overcrowded classrooms and a lack of qualified teachers become issues of the past. This transition has been supported by the increased proliferation of home computers and internet-capable smartphones, combined with increasingly affordable data nationwide.
The trends shaping new learning paradigms
As the field of education advances, so do the trends and practices that shape learning outcomes. E-learning opens a multitude of new avenues, each with the potential to revolutionise the academic ecosystem. Some of the more prominent trends include:
- The incorporation of Learning Management Systems (LMS): A core component of e-learning is the LMS. This system is the platform upon which the entire e-learning ecosystem rests, providing key functionalities that drive the efficiency and functionality of any digital programme. By serving as a central, personalised database through which each student accesses course material, uploads assignments, and interacts with professors and co-learners, the LMS automates the administrative side of the learning process. This results in both professors and students being free to focus solely on academic coursework.
- Gamification as a learning tool: Gamification is the process through which game mechanics and elements are integrated into non-game contexts. Applying these principles to traditional teaching methods has been proven to have a wide array of benefits. By presenting information in a fun and interactive manner, learners are more engaged in the lesson and therefore more likely to retain imparted concepts and information. The introduction of aspects such as scores, leaderboards, and prizes further incentivizes students to fully commit to the topic and ensures a fun, competitive element to their lessons.
- The advent of AR and VR: While Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality may not be new concepts, their implementation in digital learning curriculums certainly is. This implementation has been driven by advances in the technology and hardware behind these technologies, making their use in e-learning ever more feasible. By transforming a passive learning experience into an active one and completely transforming the manner in which information is presented, these immersive experiences have the potential to reshape the face of e-learning.
The outlook for India’s e-learning sector
With parents more committed than ever before to providing their children with every advantage in life, e-learning is rapidly gaining acceptance as a viable alternative to traditional education options. This shift in mindsets is only accelerated by the rapid pace at which the world is digitising, and the opportunities being opened by these new methodologies. It’s therefore only natural for digital platforms to rise to prominence, offering the latest, globally certified curriculums taught by certified professionals and experts. The shift is underway – the only question is how long you’re willing to wait before making a change.
Rahul Puri
Head of Academics, Whistling Woods International
