We are in 2023, and the shift toward individualized learning has started. Given the expansion of e-learning tools during the past three to five years, we have many platforms to meet our student’s individual learning needs. With adequate planning, we can now help each student make learning gains.
Adaptive learning platforms offer learners tailored experiences that lead to mastery; online e-learning tools can now be used inside and outside the classroom. “Technology integration” should no longer refer to instances of use but should be part of the overall learning experience.
“A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies” was conducted by the U.S. Department of Education in 2010. This study showed that “instruction combining online and face-to-face elements had a larger advantage relative to purely face-to-face instruction than did purely online instruction” (p.17).
As with all tools, student learning gains depend on the effective use of online media.
What are the best ways to integrate e-learning platforms?
1- As a school, explore different e-learning tools and identify the most appropriate individualized e-learning platforms for your students.
- Consider age-appropriate accessibility.
- Pilot platforms and survey students to determine:
- the best assessment tool that will provide the student’s scaffolded performance level to inform the e-learning platform.
- effect on student learning gains.
- student experience.
- the best ways to integrate e-learning platforms for your learners.
2- Create a timeline with specified pre- and post-assessment dates and progress-monitoring dates.
3- Teach students how to access and use online e-learning platforms.
4- Explain to students why each e-learning platform is part of their learning experience and the desired outcomes.
5- Help students set individual goals.
6- Plan for the adequate integration of the e-learning platforms:
- Will the e-learning platform be used to introduce, reinforce, or review concepts?
- What is the best time to use the e-learning platform to maximize the learning experience for the students?
- How will I monitor the students’ use and learning on the platform?
- What type of intervention will I provide, and what will that look like if each student’s plan is individualized?
7- Embed student reflection and feedback in the learning experience, as this data will help your school evaluate the impact of each e-learning platform on individual student growth and learning.
References
Means, Barbara, et al. “Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning.” U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development Policy and Program Studies Service, Sept. 2010, https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf?ref=brainscape-academy.