Interactive and Collaborative Learning

Traditionally, education or training would take place on a face-to-face basis, in a classroom or lecture hall. But as the trend towards online programs grows at pace many fear that the quality of learning provided will suffer, especially because educators and trainers are no longer in control of the sessions at the front of the room.

This new form of learning, dubbed collaborative learning, can occur both in real time and in multiple sessions in ways which allow the participants to become interactive without having to be online at the same time. This is heralded as the solution to the problem of loss of quality and control because it can allow one-on-one interaction, group discussions and other activities to take place. This form of blended learning can encourage interaction and also enable the provider to tailor the content or training to individuals on the course.

Engaging with students and participants is also a concern when it comes to online presentations, webinars and training sessions. Many instructors complain of a lack of visual clues to enable them to judge whether participants are engaged, interested and even understanding what is being delivered. By using collaborative learning trainers and providers can move the course delivery from static one-way presentations to fully interactive sessions which engage the participants and further encourage participatory learning exercises which will involve everyone.