Reimagining Student Success: The Critical Role of Quality Learning Materials in Higher Education
Higher education institutions bear the responsibility of empowering their students and setting them on the path to success. This duty must encompass the mandatory provision of dedicated, constructively aligned learning materials. These materials are pivotal, as they enable students to develop the essential knowledge and skills that they require in order to thrive in their […]
Custom Content Solutions
Here’s a prediction: As we progress deeper into the 21st century, the traditional dance between academic publisher and educational institution will be disrupted. In a shift accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, institutions are beginning to take greater cognisance of the value of academic content, and affordances of digitisation are empowering educational institutions to take greater […]
Engaging with purpose: Game-based learning
Recent trends reveal that games are becoming increasingly important to younger generations (Saxena and Mishra, 2021: 2–3). Evidence also suggests that students have a positive attitude toward using commercial games to practice higher-order ‘graduate skills’, such as problem-solving, communication and resourcefulness (Barr, 2018: 283). This general positive regard for technology provides educators with an opportunity […]
GOING VIRTUAL: Essential skills for eLearning professionals in virtual teams (Part 2)
By nurturing essential learning skills, eLearning professionals within virtual teams can be better equipped to thrive in the dynamic context of Industry 4.0.
GOING VIRTUAL: Essential skills for eLearning professionals in virtual teams (Part 1)
In an eLearning environment, soft skills are becoming increasingly important for successful team collaboration, as well as for the delivery of innovative and engaging learning experiences.
Addressing individual learning needs through effective eLearning design
‘What any person in the world can learn, almost all persons can learn if provided with appropriate prior and current conditions of learning.’ – Benjamin Bloom (1976: 7) Traditionally, learning has taken place in face-to-face contexts, where educators have relied on lectures and print materials as a means of disseminating information. While this unidirectional, industrialised […]
Social learning: Buzzword or best practice?
‘Social learning’ has become a buzzword among eLearning professionals, and it continues to gain traction in the wake of Covid-19, where digital learning solutions are becoming even more prolific. This is hardly surprising – for years, eLearning experts have advocated for the inclusion of social learning tools and technologies in online education. However, decisions surrounding […]
The digital divide: Overcoming barriers to digital learning in post-Covid-19 South Africa
The worldwide progress in digital education has been exciting to watch, with new advances being made seemingly each week. Following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the reliance on digital learning solutions has undoubtedly increased (Dwolatzky and Harris, 2019). This raises the question as to how well South Africa will be able to address the […]
Local relevance: A key factor in learner engagement and motivation
In recent years, the topic of ‘local relevance’ has gained increasing attention in the field of education (Albrecht and Karabenick, 2017). But what exactly is ‘local relevance’ in education, and what value does it contribute to the learning experience? Local relevance in education To answer this question, let’s begin by considering hypothetical examples of a […]
Engagement, inquiry and community: What are Gen Zs looking for in learning?
“Speak to the youth and you will see your future.” Is this a quote? If not, it should be. One of the benefits of a year-end break is that, as a parent, you get to really engage with your children and their friends. If you ask the right questions and listen carefully, it’s amazing […]
Promoting self-directed learning through EDGE Digital CourseBooks™
The 21st century has altered the way in which information is obtained and used – there is now an entire interconnected database of information available online. However, this knowledge base is underutilised, as traditional teaching methods often neglect to encourage learners to embrace information outside the pages of their traditional print textbooks (De Beer, 2019: […]
eLearning for the visually impaired student: Barriers to online learning
Visual impairment (VI) is the most common form of disability in South Africa (Naidoo et al., 2015). This impairment is defined as an eye condition characterised by reduced visual capacity, which cannot be improved with glasses, contact lenses, surgery or medical treatments (Naipal and Rampersad, 2018).According to the South African National Council for the Blind […]
Structuring an argument – Infographic
Good academic writing relies on a solid argument structure. In this infographic, our Academic Manager, Nadia Ellis, provides an overview of what an argument is, and outlines different approaches to structuring an argument successfully (click infographic to enlarge). Share this Image On Your Site <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span></p><br […]
Using pedagogical agents to increase engagement in eLearning
Many eLearning practitioners would agree that a successful digital learning experience relies on student engagement. However, facilitating engagement online can be challenging – particularly when it comes to sustaining students’ attention over time, in the absence of traditional face-to-face interaction. Fortunately, recommendations arising from numerous research studies have highlighted ways to address this issue. One […]
Digital citizenship education: Equipping effective ‘digizens’ in the online classroom
Perhaps more than any year in history, 2020 has showcased the power of digitisation. In recent months, countless individuals and organisations have turned to digital technologies for efficient problem-solving. One of the most obviously (and deeply) affected areas has been that of education. Throughout the year, educators and learners have found themselves catapulted into ‘emergency […]
Using Graphics in Education – Infographic
In the Digital Age, we’re constantly receiving information in multiple forms – and the same is true for the educational space. As such, it’s vital to understand how the use of media, such as visuals, impacts the learning process. Well-designed educational graphics can increase engagement, foster understanding, and improve the learning experience. This infographic contains […]
Three assumptions that may hamper online learner engagement
The use of online learning materials has many cited benefits in diverse pedagogical contexts (Appana, 2008). However, when designing online courses and materials, educators tend to hold certain presuppositions about learners’ attitudes and capabilities. This article considers three common assumptions and suggests methods for addressing the associated pitfalls. Assumption #1 – I have the learner’s […]
The future of learning will be community- and inquiry-based
For thousands of years, humans have learned by making personal meaning and by confirming that meaning with those around them – there weren’t always dedicated classrooms, teachers or classmates as there are today. We learned within our community. We learned by watching, listening, thinking, trying and, most of all, by having conversations with those around […]
Five learning theories to consider in eLearning design
Understanding the principles of knowledge acquisition can help educators to create more effective learning experiences. This article explores five learning theories that are worth considering when designing eLearning courses, and discusses why practitioners may find them valuable for enhancing learning. 1. Community of Practice Theory (Lave and Wenger) The Community of Practice (CoP) Theory was […]
Matching Moodle affordances with different knowledge types
The field of eLearning undeniably offers a wide range of affordances – i.e. options that are made available to eLearning practitioners. When used effectively, these resources provide great value in ensuring that learning objectives are achieved successfully. One approach to optimising the online learning experience is to ensure that specific knowledge types are aligned with […]
The rise of digital textbooks: Four features to look out for
When it comes to textbooks, the topic of ‘print versus digital’ is an ongoing debate. Although each person has their preference, there’s no denying that printed materials are somewhat limited in terms of versatility. Digital textbooks, on the other hand, provide both students and educators with more variety in terms of teaching and learning tools, […]
Complexity and the modern curriculum
The curriculum operates in a space where knowledge is recontextualised and organised for various pedagogical purposes. It also exists as a compelling site of personal, social, cultural, political and symbolic reflection. The process of selection necessarily entailed in the design of curricula (on our behalf) almost inevitably results in opposing ideologies competing with each other, […]
Education in isolation: Five tips for moving your courses online
Educators across the globe are currently facing extraordinary circumstances in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, self-isolation and lockdowns have become the ‘new normal’. Consequently, many educators have needed to move their content online – and quickly. For those who normally teach in a brick-and-mortar setting, this may be especially challenging. However, with […]
Five benefits of using eLearning for onboarding
Onboarding or induction programmes are standard practice for ensuring that new hires can perform their jobs effectively. Even when a new hire has years of experience within a field, they still need to engage in an induction process to learn the particularities of their new role, as well as those of the company. Traditionally, this […]
Constructivist learning theory and eLearning
Despite the growing popularity of eLearning, there are still many who question whether it can truly facilitate the actual learning process. To ensure that eLearning resources promote active learning, educators are turning to well-established theoretical frameworks to evaluate their relevance to the online learning environment. Constructivist learning theory is key among these. Specifically, it offers […]
The science behind great eLearning videos
When it comes to eLearning courses, video is undeniably one of the most popular mediums of instruction. It is a valuable tool for creating a diverse range of content, compiling micro lessons, and illustrating knowledge in a fun and engaging way. Recent advances in technology, software and applications have provided video designers with endless avenues […]
CENGAGE and EDGE Learning Media partner to expand access to learning for South Africa’s tertiary education students and instructors
Cengage and EDGE Learning Media are delighted to announce a new partnership in South Africa. This partnership will see Cengage representing EDGE’s leading textbook catalogue within the South African public university sector, as well as in Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini. EDGE Learning Media focuses on improving the student learning experience through its suite of […]
Emotional design in eLearning
When it comes to pedagogical theory, the relationship between emotion and learning is often neglected – or, at the very least, underestimated. However, with an increasing shift toward using eLearning resources in education, it may be useful to revisit this relationship and, in particular, to consider the role of emotions in the eLearning context. For […]
Five UX design principles to consider in eLearning
User experience design, or UX design, is a key concept for businesses wishing to ensure that their products are accessible and usable. The field of UX design aims to achieve positive user experiences by implementing certain guiding principles. These include an interest in user research, design and product use. However, it can be challenging to […]
Multimedia, learning and multimedia learning
Multimedia and learning ‘People can learn more deeply from words and pictures than from words alone.’ This statement by Mayer [a] (2014) is the multimedia learning hypothesis, which encapsulates the importance of using multimedia in learning. Mayer defines multimedia as information that is presented in both words and pictures. These words include printed and spoken […]
Principles of Multimedia Learning Part 3: Managing Essential Processing
In multimedia learning, cognitive overload is the direct result of the learner being given too much information to process simultaneously. However, cognitive overload can be prevented by effectively managing the essential processing demands on the learner. In this infographic, we define essential processing and identify three principles of multimedia learning that can assist in managing […]
Principles of Multimedia Learning Part 2: Fostering Generative Processing
One of the key goals of the cognitive theory of multimedia learning is to foster generative processing. It is this form of processing that allows a student to make sense of the information they have consumed from their learning material. In this infographic, we will define generative processing and identify four principles of multimedia learning […]
Principles of Multimedia Learning Part 1: Reducing Extraneous Processing
When extraneous processing occurs in online learning, it can result in cognitive overload and severely hamper the effectiveness of multimedia learning. However, this type of processing can be reduced through effective instructional design techniques. In this infographic, we will define extraneous processing and identify five instructional design techniques that will help reduce it. Click […]
How to write for attention
ESTIMATED READING TIME: 4 minutes KEYWORDS: Content creation, learning material, writing, attention, engagement. In today’s fast-paced world, people prefer to consume bite-sized portions of information. As such, short-message platforms such as Snapchat, Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter have grown in popularity (MakeAWebsiteHub.com, 2018), displaying this propensity toward quick and easy communication. In fact, Facebook recommends […]
How to use ‘content chunking’ to prevent cognitive overload in online learning
Reading Time: 2 minutes Scrolling through endless reams of on-screen text will turn even the strongest mind to mush. This is what is commonly referred to as ‘cognitive overload’, which results in loss of engagement, lower levels of comprehension, and decreased motivation. However, all of this can be avoided by making use of ‘content chunking’. […]
Using change management to successfully transition to elearning
Reading time – 3 minutes 30 seconds Resistance to change is a well-known phenomenon. Often, making the change from traditional learning to e-learning can be met with such resistance – from both instructors and students. However, by following a few simple but powerful strategies, it is possible to make this transition more effectively, and to […]
Five ways to design elearning materials for millennials
Estimated Reading Time – 3 minutes 30 seconds The millennial* generation is shaping the world around us – breaking the moulds that have traditionally determined how one works, socialises and learns. But what exactly is a millennial? How do they compare to previous generations? And how should you be designing your e-learning course to suit […]
Knowledge on demand: What does ‘just-in-time learning’ mean for your corporate training?
There is something reassuring about knowing you have access to the Internet. It’s that feeling that no matter what gets thrown your way, the answer is just a google away. This notion of accessibility has resulted in a phenomenon called ‘just-in-time (JIT) learning’. It happens every time we find a new recipe online, or watch […]
Infographic: Essential Tips to Create Just-in-Time Online Training Material
Just-in-time learning behaviour has transformed how corporate entities are training their staff. This has created a need to modify training material, specifically for the purpose of just-in-time training. This approach can cut unnecessary costs, save valuable working hours, and improve the effectiveness of the training overall. Here are five tips for creating just-in-time training material: […]
Infographic: 5 Tips for Effective eLearning Videos
Video lectures and tutorials have gained popularity over the last decade, and most online courses will use a form of video instruction. Since videos are a vital tool in a course creator’s arsenal, it is essential to consider every design aspect. Poorly designed videos can decrease engagement and hinder learning. Here are five tips […]
Gamification: The what, the why and the how
The term ‘gamification’ has gained increasing popularity over recent years, and seems to be popping up everywhere. It appears to be the latest trend in corporate training and e-learning courses, with Fortune 500 companies such as Nike applying its novel approach to learning design. But what does gamification entail, and how is this model applied? […]
Infographic: Five ways to implement Gamification in online courses
The term ‘gamification’ refers to the inclusion of game-based elements into a specifically non-game context. It is the latest trend in corporate training and eLearning courses, due to its numerous benefits. Here are 5 simple design tips to implement gamification in an online course:
The role of motivation in online corporate training
Participant motivation is the keystone of any online course. Without it, even the best training efforts will be for naught. If participants are not motivated to learn then they will not engage with the content or persevere with their studies. To put it simply: if you cannot find a way to motivate employees, they won’t […]
Digitisation: Meeting the eLearning needs of the new generation
Digital, digital, digital. Everything we do these days tends to take place on a digital or online platform. This has led to an increasing number of publishers digitising textbooks, to meet the needs of the modern learner. But are we digitising content in the right way? Both the production and sales of electronic textbooks are […]
Predictions for education and elearning in 2018
The year 2017 has been a great success for the e-learning industry. Looking back, we have seen advances in trends like gamification, blended learning, the rise of Experience API (xAPI), and numerous other developments. Being on the verge of 2018, one can only guess what the next year will have in store for the e-learning […]
Five tips to enhance learner engagement in online courses
Developing an online course requires an enormous amount of resources – both in terms of time and money. As such, it can be frustrating to review the course analytics, and see that half the learners haven’t even attempted to work through the material. When it comes to online courses, low engagement is a concern for […]
