The learner-based method is both challenging and pathbreaking for the educators and e-learning course creators.
The paradigm shift of course management to the learners is a welcome spring for students but the execution through an adaptive platform has been a nagging challenge.
So, what are the features that a platform needs to implement a learner-based method with full potential?
Let’s figure out the salient features of the learner-based technique first before going for the treasure-hunt of a worthy platform-
Learner-based method engages participants:-
No intrusion of teachers and free from the gatekeepers- the learner-based method passes the course management baton to the students. The method as the name suggests is always centered around the needs and the interests of the learners. In order to pursue that, the method comes up with course content which has a relatable context and triggers spontaneous participation.
Now, with all these pro-learner characteristics, it’s no brainer that the learner-based method will be immensely engaging for participants.
Learner-based method develops analytical power:-
The biggest perk of the learner-based method that it aims to excel the students by giving them autonomous power.
As the learners remain at the realm of their course-management, they have no option but to construct their own analysis to resolve the issues offered by the course content.
Without getting any help from the teachers or readymade material, students in a learner-based method master the art of “how to think”, “evaluating evidence”, “analyzing arguments”, “generating hypotheses” and “applying own rationale” for a fitting logical conclusion.
Learner-based method fosters self-assessment:-
Students have to play the dual role of the taskmasters and the learners here. And, this is a huge benefit for each one of them.
As they call all the shots of their course-management, they will be able to reflect on their performances, spot the areas of improvement and find out their hidden potentials.
Their decisions of “What to learn” and “How to learn” will eventually shape up their progress, end-result, and their self-assessment.
Learner-based method nurtures peer-to-peer learning:-
Learner-based method celebrates independent and autonomous learning. Beyond the benefits of free learning, the learner-based method has introduced “Collaborative learning” through open discussion among peers.
It encourages the educators and course creators to open a community where all the learners can brainstorm, debate, discuss and seek the insights from fellow participants.
Given advantages make the learner-based method an intrinsic mode of learning.
But, are all these in paper or is there any robust platform that can work out learner-based method? Here comes that inevitable question- What does a platform need to be compatible with the learner-based method?
At a glance, the solution must have-
1. Adaptive platform to produce engaging content
2. User-friendly platform to allow students to develop their own rationale
3. Self-assessment tools
4. Robust platform to build up a community
Moodle is that one great platform which covers all the four requirements for a sound learner-based course. What makes us claim so?
Let’s delve deep into the matter-
1. Adaptive platform to produce engaging content:-
We all hate jargon. So, first decode the word- “adaptive platform”.
An adaptive platform in a learner-based method is the one where educators can tweak and customize the course content as per to make it best fitting for the participants. On the other hand, it must be compatible with all the learners and allow them to control their lesson without a headache.
Without an adaptive platform, there is less scope on producing engaging content.
And when there is no engaging content, how can learners be motivated to be a part of your course. In a nutshell, the engaging content is the life of the learner-based method and an adaptive platform is the first step towards the goal.
Can Moodle be that adaptive platform?
An adaptive platform has to be flexible. Moodle is feature-rich and easy-to-configure.
For the educators, Moodle is a gold mine where they can introduce engaging and interactive content for learners. It’s easy-to-use and the drag and drop feature help them to execute their plans freely. Add tons of content plugins with the existing course features and there you get a robust platform for learners’ engagement. The plugin reservoir will allow course creators to tailor their course content to fit the needs and interests of the learners.
And, what’s there for the learners in Moodle? A simple and seamless interface allowing them to navigate the course with absolute autonomy and freedom.
2. User-friendly platform to develop individual rationale:
The learner-based method seeks a platform where students can develop their own rationale to resolve the given issues. All of your engaging and interactive course content- be it the question-answer module or the gamified course will fail to engage the learners if participants feel stuck in the middle of the course.
Moodle is a real solution here. The developers of the Moodle has built the core of the software around the Pedagogy and made it learner-friendly. Besides the easy-to-use interface, Moodle offers pro-learner features which help them to learn all by their own and further leads them to grow individual rationale–
Wiki: Take Wiki as an example. Though largely known as collaboration extension, Wiki is a potential tool for the individual learners for a systematic learning.
The wiki activity module enables participants to add and edit a collection of web pages. It can have a sidebar with links to other course elements including separate pages for the past and future content. In a learner-based environment, participants can easily use Wiki to navigate separate pages with ease for a hassle-free learning experience.
Introduced with different learning materials, the learners will gather broad perception of their course and be able to develop their knowledge and insights.
3. Self-assessment tools:-
The learner-based method has emerged as one of the most revolutionary mediums of knowledge consumption as it has passed the baton to the learners. And there comes one imperative problem called self-assessment. Can learners evaluate themselves fairly and mark their weak areas for improvement?
Moodle has devoted one entire section of plugins for assessment which allows students to keep a tab on their performance. Plus, Moodle provides grades, reports and integrated badges to mark their each failure and achievement throughout their journey from lesson-consumption, retention to the execution.
Going beyond the individual assessment, Moodle has tools for collaborative assessment in Workshops and quiz where learners can participate, express their views and analysis their performance among their peers.
4. Robust platform to build up a community:
A community is an asset for the learner-based method of education.
Peer-to-peer learning model thrives within an active community enabling collaborative working, giving- receiving feedback and evaluating their own learning.
But, one needs a robust platform to pull all the strings. Can Moodle step up as a competent option? Let’s introspect the potential-
The core of the Moodle is built with the pedagogical principles developing it as a tool of constructivist and social constructionist education, emphasising that learners (and not just teachers) can contribute to the educational experience. Using these pedagogical principles, Moodle provides an environment for learning communities.
Enough of theories. But, how does Moodle make it feasible?
Like other features, Moodle has plugins for collaboration and conversation to set up peer-to-peer learning environment.
Workshop:
Workshop in Moodle is a great option for an active community. Participants can submit work via an online text tool and attachments. Plus, there is the scope of the evaluation. They can evaluate their own work and also conduct the peer assessments.
Chat:
The chat activity module allows participants to have a real-time synchronous discussion in a Moodle course. It realizes the core benefits of collaboration and communication in a learner-based education- a reciprocal learning activity.
Are you with Moodle?
The learner-based method is hugely beneficial for students. However, the execution of a learner-based method asks for a holistic contribution from the platform where it is set to flourish just what we explore in Moodle.
Most of the learning management software provides one or two solutions and never ticks all the boxes. While Moodle is that one software that solves all the riddles and allows students to discover the gems of the learner-based method. Hence, if you are eyeing a learner-based course, Moodle is the most advanced solution for you.
Now, the choice is yours. Will you develop a Moodle course?
