5 Benefits of Interactive Online Learning

Over the past several years, industries across the board have evolved to incorporate at least some form of virtual accessibility. From the way we shop, dine, and play to the way we learn, work and socialize, almost every part of our lives has shifted to exist in an increasingly virtual world. And while some in-person experiences simply can’t be replicated, others have benefited from moving online and have introduced innovative methods that are likely here to stay. 

With the shift of education from in school to online, educators have sought out ways to engage their students and introduce more interactivity to their virtual classrooms—proving, at times, to be even more effective in capturing their students’ attention than traditionally in-person lesson plans. 

In this article, we’ll be breaking down the five major benefits of interactive online learning.

With interactive digital classrooms, teachers can take advantage of all of the amazing features that online learning platforms now have to offer. While in the classroom they may be limited to the physical materials they have access to, moving online allows teachers to introduce a wide range of engaging tools like animated trivia quizzes, student polls, and colorful leaderboards that grab and hold their students’ attention. 

What’s more, since students typically associate being online with leisurely activities—playing video games, watching tv, socializing—they are more likely to take an interest in your lesson plans, and start affiliating e-learning with something exciting that they look forward to each day. Keeping lessons interactive online works to increase student engagement rates, avoid distraction, and entertain and educate at the same time.

For example, an auditory learner may love the format of a watch party where they can take part in a discussion and share their thoughts aloud; a visual learner may be excited by image sliders that give them a visual representation of their quiz answer options; and a hands-on learner may love testing their knowledge with polls or cheer meters that require a kind of physical interaction. 

With a wide range of tools that cater to every type of learner, online students are more likely to stay involved and interested in the learning process, and in turn more likely to retain the information they’re being given. As well as increasing retention, interactive online learning also works to boost student motivation, since they are more likely to feel engaged and excited about the lessons. This is great for introducing new, challenging topics that they may otherwise not have been willing to learn or to simplify complex information.

What’s more, by adding interactive elements that can be customized to reflect your school colors, class subject or even each individual student, you’ll add a sense of personalization and community to your classroom. Teachers are often limited by the tools available in a traditional classroom, often working with blackboards, whiteboards, and textbooks, not to mention a typically low budget for creative materials. 

By moving to a virtual space, teachers are no longer limited by outdated technology or budget cuts and instead can use their imagination to make their classrooms as colorful and creative as possible.

By being given the security of being in their own space where they may be more comfortable, and removing the system of raising hands to contribute, these students get much more out of the learning experience. With options to ask their questions through anonymous AMAs, test their knowledge with fun trivia quizzes, and engage with their peers through polls, shyer students can participate more meaningfully and perhaps gain more confidence than they would in the in-person classroom.

Moving to a virtual classroom involves embracing technology; and in such a digital world, learning how to use digital tools effectively is becoming more and more crucial every day. But despite the technology being a permanent fixture in most kids’ lives, very rarely are they given the chance to learn how to use it effectively, responsibly, and productively. And because of this, students need to be taught important digital literacy skills in their formative years that take them beyond using technology as simply a means of entertainment. 

Almost every industry, whether it’s sports, finance, education, or entertainment, now requires some level of digital literacy or technological know-how. By moving to the virtual classroom and introducing exciting new digital learning tools, teachers not only create a fun, interactive online environment, they also empower their students by providing them with the skills they will need to succeed in the digital world. 

The virtual classroom is the perfect opportunity to teach students how to navigate various digital platforms effectively and responsibly, and expose them to lessons on digital etiquette and e-safety.

While the past few years have seen sectors like education majorly adapt to a new online environment, it has proven to not always be for the worst. Interactive e-learning can be more inclusive, effective and even more engaging for students than traditional learning. All in all, with such major benefits of interactive online learning as those listed above, it’s safe to say that e-learning isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Want to learn more about how interactive features can enhance your virtual learning experience? Check out our student engagement tools now.

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