What is Interactive Learning?
The post-pandemic academic life of students has become unpredictable, challenging and uncertain. With these obstacles in the way, it is now more important than ever to make classes more engaging and informative. Innovative tools and creative solutions are a must to maximize learning during this time. This is where Interactive Learning comes in.
Interactive Learning is a pedagogical approach that incorporates social networking and urban computing into course design and delivery. Interactive Learning has evolved out of the hyper-growth in digital technology and virtual communication, particularly by students. Beginning around 2000, students entering institutes of higher education have expected that Interactive Learning will be an integral part of their education. Interactive technology in learning for these students is as natural as using a pencil and paper were to past generations.
The Net Generation or Generation Y is the first generation to contact digital media constantly. Also known as digital natives, their techno-social community bonds to their naturalized use of technology in every aspect of learning and their ability to learn in new ways outside the classroom. This generation of students is pushing the boundaries of education. The use of digital media in education has led to an increase in the use and reliance on interactive learning, which has led to a revolution in the fundamental process of education.
Increasingly, students and teachers rely on each other to access sources of knowledge and share their information, expanding the general scope of the educational process to include instruction and the expansion of knowledge. The role changes from the keeper of knowledge to facilitator of learning presents a challenge and an opportunity for educators to change the way their students learn dramatically. The boundaries between teacher and student have reduced with interactive learning.
Interactivity as a pedagogical technique requires a fundamental change in the way education is delivered. These are two ways this change occurs.
- From linear to hypermedia learning.
- From the teacher as a transmitter to the teacher as facilitator.
To be effective, learning institutions must see computers and associated technology as an essential part of learning. In other words, technology must be seen as cognitive prosthetics. The core concept of distance education is that the real world becomes the learning environment. In this environment, the purpose of the instructor is to help facilitate the absorption of knowledge through both real-world and virtual learning experiences. Historically, one of the obstacles to distance education is the lack of face to face contact. The use of technology as an integral part of course design has attempted to compensate in both synchronous and asynchronous settings.
For the delivery of synchronous content, technologies such as video conferencing and web conferencing are typically used. An example of this is the growing use of Skype and GoToMeeting for virtual class discussions and lectures. For asynchronous content delivery, course designers use a variety of software suites that include various types of interactive elements. Programs such as WebCT, Knowledge Forum, FirstClass and Blackboard Learning System attempt to alleviate the lack of contact with online discussion forums and bulletin boards.
Interactive Learning establishes a learning environment that allows both the teacher/lecturer and students to engage in participatory illustrations, debates, role-plays, games and skits. Such cooperative learning environments make it possible for learners to bond effortlessly and acquire various skills and understand the key points of the lesson. Each activity used in Interactive Learning has unique benefits that learners gain from the hands-on experience. It also makes it easier to practice the skills acquired especially when real-life situations are thrown into the mix during role-plays and skits. Interactive games can promote teamwork and discussions among students, which goes a long way to helping them develop relationship skills, peaceful conflict resolution and emotional management.
There are five core interactive learning benefits that include;
- Making responsible decisions
- Awareness of self
- Social awareness
- Building healthy relationships
- Emotional management
Conclusion:
Interactive Learning benefits are far-reaching and can be the difference between a healthy, happy development of a trainee and the reverse, which is an insecure, low esteem poor conflict resolver. With all the tools available, both offline and online, integrating interactive Learning into a modern learning system is much easier than it was a few years ago. Teachers and students can form groups and learning sessions that attract participation and exclusive discussions to build various social and emotional skills. Platforms like SOPS also allow students to learn outside the classroom environment and benefit from the comfort of their privacy. It eliminates bias and offers an equal chance to all learners. Nevertheless, the trainers must be coached on establishing ideal Interactive Learning environments and using existing tools to help students gain the said benefits of Interactive Learning.
