One thing I have learned that can offer compelling insights into how to support my students is how trends in technology can influence learner-centric learning and curriculum development. According to Aithal (2016), the learner-centric model of learning and curriculum development is a developmentally appropriate approach for designing educational programs that prioritize the needs and interests of individual learners. This course has demonstrated how technological advances have enabled new tools and techniques to improve learning and access to vast amounts of information. With the pace of change in society and the workforce, learning systems must be flexible, adaptive, and responsive to learners’ needs. Thus, most traditional approaches to learning are no longer sufficient to sustain the needs expressed by modern learners.
New technologies are required to make learning engaging, interactive, and personalized. An example of this phenomenon as the world reels back from the pandemic and its impact on learning is that online and remote learning has made education more accessible to a broader audience, creating new opportunities for learners to engage with educational content regardless of their circumstances. Therefore, this project has demonstrated how trends in technology can significantly impact learner experience and curriculum development and adopting a learner-centric model can address individual needs and interests.
E-learning issues, trends, and research have played a vital role in my professional development by equipping me with valuable insights and knowledge that have enhanced my understanding of the field. One significant contribution of e-learning research has been its focus on identifying and addressing the challenges and barriers that learners face in the online learning environment. As an e-learning professional, this knowledge has helped me to anticipate and mitigate potential challenges, such as technological issues, learner engagement, and motivation, and tailor learning experiences that effectively meet the needs of my learners.
Furthermore, e-learning research has also contributed to my professional development by giving me a deeper understanding of the pedagogical principles underpinning effective e-learning design. Research has shown that effective e-learning design requires a learner-centric approach, which prioritizes the needs, interests, and learning preferences of individual learners (Yahiaoui et al., 2022). This insight has helped me to design e-learning experiences that are more personalized, engaging, and effective for my learners. Therefore, the insights and knowledge gained from e-learning research and trends have significantly contributed to my professional development by expanding my skills, knowledge, and understanding of the field and enabling me to provide my learners with the most effective and engaging e-learning experiences possible.
References:
Aithal, P. S. (2016). Student-centric curriculum design and implementation–challenges & opportunities in business management & IT education. IRA International Journal of Education and Multidisciplinary Studies, 4(3), 423-437. https://ssrn.com/abstract=2849809
Yahiaoui, F., Aichouche, R., Chergui, K., Brika, S. K. M., Almezher, M., Musa, A. A., & Lamari, I. A. (2022). The impact of e-learning systems on motivating students and enhancing their outcomes during COVID-19: a mixed-method approach. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.874181
