Can E-Learning Systems Really Change a Classroom?

A lot of ink has been spilled in the educational community about using new digital tools to revolutionize learning. On the other hand, to many people, going digital seems like just one new trend using the latest popular gadgets. E-learning systems have gained more and more steam, but do they really offer advantages in the classroom? In many cases, they do.

To understand why, it's important to define what we mean by e-learning systems. Lots of different experiments have been attempted to use new technology to remake the classroom, but not all of these new methods involve e-learning systems. An e-learning system is ultimately a real time, two-way, digital delivery system for live classroom teaching. That means that online courses with no teacher are not e-learning systems, and neither is one-way technology like software that only students use during or after class time. E-learning means integrating the strengths of digital technology with traditional, teacher-to-student learning.

That means that e-learning systems are essentially a lesson delivery platform that changes how a teacher can present information to students, and how students can interact with and respond to that information. The best e-learning systems offer tools that increase how engaging the lesson is and allow students to absorb and retain more information. Here are some examples:

Interactivity

Almost by definition, e-learning platforms are more interactive than traditional lessons. That's because every student has a touchscreen device instead of one whiteboard for the whole class. As a result, students can respond individually to the information, and can separately answer questions the teacher raises. Plus, because of the real-time digital whiteboard in the e-learning system, teachers can use more examples, visual references and slides, not limited by what they can draw on a chalkboard in the moment—and information is never erased.

Better feedback

Teachers can instantly take the pulse of a class to see if core ideas are coming through clearly. E-systems allow multiple feedback tools, including a simple poll option where students can all put in their answers and see the results instantly.

Adaptive

Teachers can adapt their lesson plan as they go, drawing on the Internet with co-browsing or dropping in a whiteboard and drawing a visual aid. E-learning systems combine the best features of a slideshow, a lecture, a whiteboard, and the Internet to maximize adaptability.

Of course, these are just a few of the ways that teachers are using e-learning systems to change the classroom experience into one that is more engaging, dynamic, and ultimately successful. Have you used e-learning systems? How did it change your classroom?