5OS02 – Advances in digital learning and development AC1.1 Evaluate how the development of technology and digital collaboration impacts the design and delivery of learning and development over time.
There is advancements of technology that has impacted on the design and delivery of the learning overtime. In the first phase of the technological advancements, there has been an increased utilization of some basic tools that assist in delivery of learning. Some of the tools that have been used include PowerPoint presentation, flat PDFs, and computer based training. These are basic tools that continue t be used even in the last ten years (Oyarinde & Komolafe, 2020). These tools have numerous strengths: for instance, they use a variety of learning approaches; they enable to improve the visual effect, they increasing the attentiveness of students. In some instances, they can be used in complexity analysis and synthesis; they have an increase in involvement and spontaneity.
On other hand, these tools have the drawbacks in that they are considered traditional teacher-centered practices that should be reinforced (lecture) (Oyarinde & Komolafe, 2020). In addition, they may be prone to limited involvement of the students during slideshows, and they may have poor outcome if they are poorly designed. The learners’ knowledge may be limited since they will only be able to focus on the ‘important points’ (reductive). They also need that learner’s posse’s hardware that is compatible. Some tools like the PDF could hold too much information, which may be presented too quickly, making learners, are not engaged with the subject (Oyarinde & Komolafe, 2020). In some instances, the delivery may be affected by failure of the equipment.
With technological advancements, Learning and development delivery was characterized by increased use of video content as a method to support learning as well as entertainment. The use of video content as a method of learning and development is advantageous as it makes learners get more engaged as a result of watching videos, which helps them to comprehend more (Oyarinde & Komolafe, 2020). In addition, video content allows the learner to pause, rewind, or go through the movie to hold class discussions or go over certain points. Finally, they allow teachers to create a “blended” or “flipped” learning environment in the classroom. A significant disadvantage of video-based learning is that it encourages individuality, which can make learning more difficult. One of the primary advantages of video learning is that it allows you to learn alone in the comfort of your own home. However, this is also one of its disadvantages.
With technological advancements, E-learning got more advanced with the use of branching scenarios and multimidodal services.
A branching scenario puts the student in the role of a decision-maker, enabling them to make their own decisions and observe the results. It may be a safe environment for learners to experiment with different ways and experience the results of their actions, prepare them for comparable circumstances in the real world (Raja & Nagasubramani, 2018). However, maintaining simplicity is one of the most difficult aspects of constructing great branching situations. Branching scenarios tend to become unnecessarily convoluted as the number of alternative events, options, and outcomes grows. Multimodal learning is also a widely chosen approach, which encompasses the use of visual, auditory, and other kinaesthetic methods (Raja & Nagasubramani, 2018). This approach is merited for the provision of various tools that help to keep the learner engaged. However, the primary challenge is to ensure that the learner emphasizes on the concept and not the creativity applied in the tools.
Another phase of using these tools encompasses the use of discussion forums, which have proliferated. This trend has been endorsed widely in the last two to three years, a move that has been exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic across the world. In this case learners are increasingly using virtual classrooms such as Webinar, Webex, Zoom, chartrooms, social media, and other networks that can be availed through the personal computers and Smartphone (Raja & Nagasubramani, 2018). As such, they are merited for the flexibility that they bring one can learn at any location. However, they still require fast internet. They also bring some laxity among the learners, which may make them loose the learning concept.
There is a growing trend, which is also considered as the future of the use of technology, use of virtual and augmented reality, coupled with use of artificial intelligence. These tools are increasingly getting popular as they allow clear interaction with student and make learning more real, immersive, and one that mimics the lifelike (Keser & Semerci, 2019). However, they may require that the users be trained on how to use them. In concise, as the technological advancements continue, there is n