Last Updated on September 1, 2022 by Arif Chowdhury
In this modern high-technology era, everything has become digitized. We no longer send mail through the post office, no more sending a fax or using telegrams, these are all obsolete now. Even the landline telephone is also backdated. Instead, we now have many tools, such as email, for instant formal communication. Social media is a revolutionary discovery in the history of humanity where people around the globe can connect from their homes.
Though schools, colleges & universities remain the same as before, they are using high-tech devices to make it flexible & easy to get access from a distance, for example, the online learning platform. It’s a virtual classroom where students & teachers do not have to leave their homes to join. We can do almost all kinds of activities through this virtual space.
In the recent pandemic crisis of COVID-19, online learning platforms have become even more popular than before as the government instructs to maintain social distancing in all types of organizations, including education institutes. Virtual classrooms are now perfect alternative tools to maintain social distance and keep regular activities alive.
Thus, there are four methodologies you can use in online learning platforms to maximize the outcome. In this article, I will walk you through these four methodologies briefly.
Methodology 1: Asynchronous.
It is the most common learning methodology available in almost all online learning institutes. There is no standard fixed timeframe to study & no requirement for a classroom. A student can create an account and download all necessary study materials online. Then, learn at their own pace. If they face any trouble, they can discuss it with their faculty through an online communication channel, not only with faculty but also with other students through an online discussion board. Students can collaborate just like a physical University campus.
Quick Note: For the development of skills and knowledge, anyone can find online courses and learn in real-time through various online conferencing virtual classrooms.
But the good thing is, unlike a regular course, there is no fixed time, which means if a student is talented enough & if they can finish their study earlier, they can sit for an exam.
It is why the Asynchronous method is prevalent among students from various fields. As you can see, it is entirely up to you to decide when you are going to study & sit for an exam. Especially helpful for people who also work in a full-time job as fixed time is sometimes quite impossible for them to manage.
Online is even better than a physical resource for downloading study materials and courses. It offers various valuable methods to learn. Just think this way, you won’t have to visit a library to purchase a book; instead, you can get it with a simple mouse click. The same goes for communication, as learners may never have to leave their room to communicate with other students & faculty.
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Methodology 2: Synchronous.
This methodology differs from Asynchronous as you will participate in a live virtual classroom instead of studying alone. Just like a physical classroom, you & other students will join & a faculty member will give you a lecture through a virtual classroom face to face. It’s similar to a group video chat, where everyone can see each other & can instantly communicate.
This methodology sometimes felt more interactive than the first one. You can do everything like a physical classroom. Share your thoughts, and ask questions instantly in the classroom; group discussion can also be done without interruption. The only difference is that the whole online class takes place in a virtual space. Everything else is quite similar to a physical classroom.
Though it’s similar to a physical classroom, these methods provide more benefits than usual. For example, every class is automatically recorded by the system & can be downloaded later in audio/video format. It can be tremendously helpful for revision purposes at your own pace. Sometimes you may have missed an important lecture or the entire class; in that case, you can download the whole class lecture & later watch it at your good time. It, however, would be impossible in a physical classroom.
Apart from this, everything else is quite similar to a physical classroom. After a certain period, faculty will take quizzes and give assignments with limited time; you may have to give a presentation in a virtual class using your webcam. The course will have limited time, let’s say, for example, three months’ duration, unlike Asynchronous methodology, where you won’t have to worry about any time frame.
For your reference, Synchronous methodology is currently in use in every school, college & University, as it is instructed by the government to maintain social distance.
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Methodology 3: Hybrid.
It is a combination of both Asynchronous & Synchronous methodology. Students can have both pre-recorded video/audio lectures and a live classroom feature. All resources are downloadable in pdf/MS Word format, and you can download an entire classroom lecture in audio/video format for later study. This hybrid methodology is mainly used in an online institute where various people admit from full-time students to full-time job holders.
Methodology 4: Competency.
This method’s primary objectives focused on the organization’s environment. It is not a study-based methodology but instead performance-based. For example, how has your performance improved after three months based on the current training session?
Your senior will give you material and instructions and then monitor your progress. And based on your performance, the company offers you a promotion. Unlike a course, here in the competency method, there are no academic books & lectures, perhaps you may receive formal training, but the ultimate exam is your work performance. You may receive lecture sheets, audio & video resources from the instructor & can have the opportunity for online discussion.
Most of the time, you will start this training in a batch alongside your colleagues. Thus it is very competitive, unlike a regular course where you only have to get a passing mark for the certificate. However, the company will only reward promotions to the top-performing candidates in an organization.
And if you complete the training, the organization will offer you a senior role.
Conclusion.
The online learning platform is very flexible for all types of environments. Whether you want to learn alone or in a group, you will have that option. You will decide your own study time. The exam will take place according to your demand.
You can do it with this platform to train your new or existing employees. It is a fast & effective learning & teaching method for all candidates, from young academic students to professional personnel.
For an organization, it is an easy, flexible & cost-effective method to train their employees. At the same time, for a learning institute, it is a lucrative opportunity to get more students & faculty. And finally, for a student, it is a cheap, effective & flexible option to learn from the comfort of their home.