The Learner-Centered Approach to eLearning: Key Steps to Creating a More Engaging Learning Environment

The learner-centered approach to eLearning is an emerging philosophy that has been gaining prominence in the educational space in recent years.

The approach emphasizes creating a more engaging eLearning environment by putting the needs of the learner first and creating a situation where the student can succeed.

In this article I will explore what this new way of thinking looks like in practice.

According to several research studies, a student-centred approach to education is far more beneficial than any other method.

I discovered that such an instructional method encourages students to adopt a “I can do” mindset. Students are enabled to learn autonomously, in a positive manner, and be motivated. Psychological positive researchers believe that motivation is tied to autonomy.

We will see how using an inquiry-based, learner-centered approach to education can help shift your current classroom practices into something more engaging, empowering, and personal for students.

What is the Learner-Centered Approach to eLearning?

The learner-centered approach to eLearning education emphasizes creating a more engaging learning environment with activities and immersive experiences where the learners have an high level of engagement by putting the needs of the learner first.

Every time a learner encounters a tough situation, their brain is forced to work harder and think about past knowledge, process new information, reflect, and then make a decision.

It is not enough for a learner to simply recall knowledge when they are confronted with challenging situations; they must apply it as well.

Why is the Learner-Centered Approach to eLearning Education Important?

An instructional approach that focuses on learners rather than on teaching emphasizes learners' capacities to bring:

· Their own knowledge,

· Past experiences,

· Education,

· And ideas to bear on new learning.

In order for genuine engagement to take place, students' brains must be involved. When you include moments of thoughtful reflection in your program, you may encourage students to think.

The content should connect with them on an intellectual and emotional level in order for lasting change to occur.

It should also connect with their work. Only with deep and meaningful engagement will lasting change occur.

How to Create a more Engaging Learning Environment Using the Learner-Centered Approach

When we talk about transforming your classroom into a more engaging learning environment it can be easy to fall into the trap of implementing the latest so called trend.

To avoid this, we want to emphasize that engaging learning is not about adding more flash words. Rather it's about shifting your mindset and thinking about what it means to create an environment that supports student engagement.

Think:

· Activities

· Engagement

· Own research

· Own Work

· Manipulations

· Interactions

As we’ll discuss throughout this post, the learner-centered approach to education is focused on four main principles:

Establish a learner-centred mindset Align instruction with learner's preferred learning style and pace Use visual aids and technology tools that support learner engagement Establish a learner-centred mindset First, it’s important to establish a learner-centred mindset so that you can think holistically about what it means to transform your current teaching into an engaging learning environment.

To do this, it’s helpful to take a step back and reflect on what your current Learning Management System (LMS) features look like.

Features check list:

· Authoring Tool

· Video Based Learning

· Visual and Design focus

· Multimedia elearning platform

· Audience Management

Now that you have a clearer vision of what you want to change, you can start to think about how to shift your mindset in a way that will lead to more positive change.

An instructor should be providing advice and encouragement rather than a lecturer delivering a monologue to learners:

Create collaboration, Think e-coaching:

· Let learners develop content via personal or/and group research

· Social Learning (chat and forum) are key to your project

· Leaderboard will create a positive sense of competition

· Live Webinars / Virtual classroom with create a great dynamic in the group it will help to hold debat

Connect, engage and give responsibilities

Learning is not a solitary task. Students form symbiotic relationships when they learn in a classroom, interact with a partner, or read from an author.

There seems to be a common theme among the various learning theories:

· The more invested employees are in the learning process,

· The more they will remember when they return to work.

Let them work together by providing them with opportunities to actively seek and share information, devise interesting insights, and produce a variety of thoughts and viewpoints. By including collaboration, you are simultaneously encouraging students to benefit from each other’s knowledge.

Step 1: Establish a learner-centred mindset

Create A learner-center approach activities: To shift towards a learner-centered mindset, it’s helpful to start by reflecting on where your mindset currently stands.

Once you have a clearer view of your current mindset, you can start to think about how to shift towards a more learner-centered way of thinking.

Now that you have a clearer vision of what you want to change, you can start to think about how to shift your mindset in a way that will lead to more positive change.

Step 2: Ask questions and focus on individual strengths of learners but also foster the collaboration group projects

When we approach learning in this way we tend to focus on the most basic components of learning and forget to take a step back to think about how they add up to create a meaningful learning experience.

Step 3: Align instruction with learner's preferred learning style and pace

One way is to ensure that the pace of the classroom is set at a pace that is comfortable for the learner.

This can be particularly important for students who might have a learning disability or who are older or younger than their peers.

Also think Neurodiversity! For example I am Autist Asperger… Do I learn differently? Yes

Actions:

· Fixe the goals with the learners

· Be a facilitator instead of a Leader

· Focus on discussions and exchange

· Create visual, audio and video supports

Every course should address a student's current needs or learning gaps.

Does your course connect with students?
Is it both helpful and meaningful to them?

Before publishing, make sure your answers are yes. Otherwise, ask your students for feedback and modify your course to meet their needs. Student-centred eLearning courses seek to bridge the gap between what is learned and the real world.

Step 4: Use visual aids and technology tools that support learner engagement

The heart of an online course design is centered on the applicant's desire. An individual may study at their pace and employ their own teaching methods.

Furthermore, learning should be tailored to the person's issues rather than standardised.

You are not here to check the boxes! Forget Off the shelf content.

However, problem-solving, critical thinking and reflective thinking are at the core of the learning process.

Working in pairs is more profitable than working in trios.

Select an innovative Learning Management System like The Learning Lab!

While you may use hi-tech training techniques and gimmicky methods in your schooling, it is not always necessary.

Pick a topic that your elearners would like to learn more about and ask them to volunteer what they already know. As a result, they are likely to know a lot and can be trained on anything that is missing.

Conclusion

Participants in learner-centered classes and programs are incorporated in the planning, execution, and evaluation process.

Latest Check list:

· Your eLearning courses should be creative with custom content

· Brand Matter so design in details

· Focus on MicroLearning

· Bet on Video Based Learning

· Engage your learners with Social Learning and Interactions

In order for this modification to take place, educators or instructors must be willing to adapt their leadership strategies. Students must be permitted to participate in the decision-making process. They must also trust in the learner's ability to lead.

Learner-centered Approach