Students were more likely to choose learning resources based on peer recommendations rather than teaching staff and more engaging tips.
Since the outbreak of the Kovid 19 epidemic, we have seen an increase in the use of technology in educational institutions in India. The doors it has opened in terms of accessibility and impact, especially in Tier 2 cities in our country, are remarkable. While everyone is aware of the benefits of hybrid education, such as increased accessibility, flexibility and convenience for students and teachers, one of the biggest challenges of the hybrid education model remains – to have an interactive, effective distance learning experience. Given that today, as the epidemic continues, schools and colleges are back in the online learning model, under intense pressure to provide a high-impact learning experience regardless of student location.
Make the most of the hybrid education setup
One of the most common complaints from teachers and parents is that it is difficult to engage with students from afar. Teachers are constantly worried that students will be distracted, and that they may relax during school hours. Therefore, it is important that the learning experience is the same for all students regardless of their location, whether they are learning from the classroom or participating in lessons from a distance.
Here are four tips on how educational institutions can get the most out of their hybrid education setup:
1 – Place the appropriate equipment
School budgets are often stretched, but the epidemic has shown that some priorities need to be restructured. Funding for IT equipment may have to take precedence over some other projects. With virtual classrooms and online classes, Internet connection speeds, audio and video quality are at their highest. Clear audio helps people capture more information.
Studies have shown that about half of virtual meetings have hardware or software technical issues, with frequent problems with background noise and audio quality issues. Providing students and staff with dedicated headsets – which can also help protect against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) – needs to be prioritized.
2- Cure the best sources
Even before moving to the online education system, students increasingly used online resources instead of libraries and textbooks for research. Students were more likely to choose learning resources based on peer recommendations rather than teaching staff.
Teachers must create a library of suggested links and online resources to help students navigate digital materials. By doing this, teachers can help provide students with access to the right study materials and serve as additional research material to better understand the concept. It is estimated that there are over 7 million educational videos on YouTube; It acts as a huge resource in itself.
3- Make it interactive
For online viewers, educators must adapt their strategies. Video tool extensions such as interactive whiteboards, videos, content sharing, quizzes, chats, polls and other methods can help the lesson, improving the online experience for students; Thus, the overall engagement and learning experience increases.
4- Invest in an excellent video conferencing system for teachers
Educators who teach students from their homes want the same freedom of movement as in the classroom. But when they use cameras on PCs and laptops, getting up and pointing something at a board or a temporary chalkboard takes them out of the frame and their audio is quickly depleted.
We can solve this problem by investing in a really good video conferencing device that delivers powerful audio and incredibly sharp video. When investing in this device, educators must keep in mind that it can work with multiple cloud platforms, from Zoom to Google to Microsoft Team. Also, if the device has features like presenter mode tracking that allows the camera to follow normally, from sitting position to walking, it makes the interaction as realistic as possible.
By adopting the right technology effectively, students can stay engaged, feel connected and focused, and educators can provide the best learning experience possible.