Virtual Learning Can Really Enhance Performance

by Tariq Bitar, posted in E-Learning, Online Courses, VLE Software

There are so many different ways of learning.  The old fashioned having just teacher at the front of the class with the chalk board, or blackboard as it was known originally, has a tendency to turn students right off learning.  The dullness of some teacher presentations is a problem – that monologue can seem like a long stream of being talked at rather than to.  The beauty of online e-learning is the variety of presentations, be it a click and respond or simultaneous one to one engagement over video – there is something happening all the time to encourage thought processes whilst emphasising the subject matter.   Virtual learning enviornment is a set of teaching tools which have been developed to really boost the learner’s experience by involving all sorts of other facilities such as computers, curriculum mapping and means of breaking down the curriculum to be able to track and assess.  Online support for and from teachers via email, threaded discussions.  The teacher has additonal user rights and will create or modify the curriculum contemt so as to enhance and track the student performance and result.

CPD – What Does it Mean and Do I Need It?

by Tariq Bitar, posted in E-Learning, Online Courses, VLE Software

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development.  It is the intentional maintenance and development of knowledge and skills which are needed to perform your job successfully.  This might mean brushing up on current skills, or increasing the knowledge you have, or even learning new skills which will allow you to progress up the career ladder.

Most professions require their employees to take part in CPD courses to ensure their staff are fully trained in the necessary skills they require.

A good CDP structure gives employees a clear path to success with their current role and shows the potential progression to future jobs.  If you work in a regulated industry such as the healthcare, accountancy or legal industries, employers can get in a lot of trouble if they do not keep their staff up with their CPD!

CPD activities could include formal educational activities like instructor led training courses, workshops and seminars, or CPD could include self directed learning through online courses and structured reading.

What Makes a Great E-Learning Course? Things to Look Out For!

by Tariq Bitar, posted in Online Courses

Good E-Learning usually features at least some of the below items, demonstrating it’s awesomeness!

It grabs your attention – a good course will let you know what you’ll be doing and what you’ll get out of it, to inspire you to take the course

It makes you think – a good course will get you to really think properly and feature interesting questions

It is presented in small chunks – if you’ve done online courses before, you’ll know that a large block of text just turns you off!  A good course will be broken down into bite sized chunks for you to read easily.

It frequently checks your knowledge – this could be through little questions or quizzes, but a good course will periodically check you understand what you’ve just learnt, that way you know you’ve got it!

It tells stories – everyone loves a good story, and a great e-learning course will deliver information through relatable stories

They summarise information clearly and show you where to look for more information – being able to clearly sum up the key points is a great e-learning tool, and even better if they point you in the direction of further reading on the topic!