Online learning is travelling on the fast lane with the unprecedented disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. While countries are still fighting hard against the virus and as more testing is being conducted, Covid cases are still increasing particularly from the resurging waves. With more than 150 coronavirus vaccines in development across the globe currently, the World Health Organization is racing to coordinate global efforts toward delivering two billion doses of vaccines by the end of 2021.
Political leaders and authorities are busy formulating viable regulatory measures for public health safety and economy re-opening. Educational institutions worldwide are learning day by day in integrating seamless remote education with online examination. Educators and teachers are also in the thick of experimenting learning technology for instructional effectiveness.
It has been more than nine months since the Covid virus peaked in many countries early this year. What have educators and teachers learnt about online education? Will the need to have campus education diminish as learning moves online? What will be the roles of educators and teachers in the changing landscape?
Online education and learning will be the “New Normal” for students, working adults and educators even after the pandemic. Therefore, we need to reflect on the insights and learning gained from delivering online lessons as educators and teachers. How do educators and teachers facilitate learners’ participation and learning effectiveness in the online learning environment? Here is what I think.
Firstly, there is a need to create a conducive environment for online learning. Students learn better when they view the learning environment as positive and supportive (Dorman, Aldridge, & Fraser, 2006). This consideration is even more important in an online learning environment as students need to feel a sense of belonging, trust others, and are encouraged to tackle challenges and ask questions (Bucholz & Sheffler, 2009) to fulfil their learning goals.
Secondly, it is critical of learners to understand the level of digital literacy of the learners. Digital literacy is “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.” (American Library Association, 2019). Therefore, educators need to be aware that both the “Digital Natives” and “Digital Immigrants” will have a different level of digital literacy in their online learning journey (David S. White and Alison Le Cornu, 2019).
Finally, educators and teachers are to ensure online learning is a continuous process for knowledge creation. Learning is the process whereby knowledge is gain through the transformation of learning experience and not just based on outcomes (Kolb, David A, 1984). Educators need to know that students learn best by taking the new information derived in class and experiment it with real-life experiences.
The Covid pandemic has accelerated the pace of change in education systems globally. Online learning will remain the key feature in education pathways for students and adult learners. It is paramount for educators and teachers to acquire and apply appropriate learning technology to enhance instructional effectiveness in the online learning landscape.
Lifelong Learners 