Education technology or “edtech” has come a long way in the last 10 years, but a constant throughout that time has been an emphasis on learning “styles.” Most career professionals have accepted that lifelong learning is part and parcel of their career path. It’s the mechanics of “how” it is delivered that has changed because of the Internet. Edtech has developed to the point where 98 percent of corporate learning is delivered through an online classroom setting or delivered via video modules or courses designed to self-learn at your own pace.
Cohort Learning
The cohort learning model is very traditional and one you’re already familiar with. Everyone has gone to school and sat in a classroom with your peers. A structured educational course of study is offered, with everyone following the same material at the same time and taking set examinations and quizzes together. Discussion between your peers or “cohorts” about the subject is typically encouraged.
Some advantages to this style of learning are:
- Socially based. You interact with your teachers and peers to discuss topics, collaborate on projects and network in a live environment.
- Structure and support. With the live classroom setting, you have a learning structure in the form of lectures, assignments, and timeframe for completion. Support is offered through teacher assistance and your peers. It’s great to discuss future career paths with your peers. These are relationships you can possibly carry with you outside the classroom.
- Fosters accountability. Cohort-based learning also provides a high-degree of accountability. With this model, you have schedules and timeframes for completion and the expectation that you come to class.
Self-Paced Learning
This style of learning has gained in popularity as the shift from traditional, live classroom settings to the internet has accelerated. It’s especially popular for those who practice lifelong learning and embrace “edtech.” Career professionals are busy people, so the opportunity to learn at home, at their own pace, has definite appeal. There is no one to “keep up with.” You learn one topic to the next, on your own time and at your own pace.
Self-paced learning has some serious advantages:
- No pressure. This model of learning relieves the stress of trying to keep up with classes in an already busy life. In a study by the Journal of Memory and Language, pacing yourself can allow for the maximum retention of material. Confusion and stress over not learning a concept is wiped away by the ability to take all the time you need to make sure that you understand.
- This is important in today’s world. With the rapid pace of the business place, family obligations, or other responsibilities, it’s seriously important to have some wiggle room. The probability that an online learner will drop out is much lower when flexibility is an option in their educational needs.
- Cost-effective. In the past, companies would have to import a trainer to their company or send their employees to a training facility. Either scenario comes with considerable costs. With self-paced learning, you can learn from industry experts in the comfort of your home without the added expenses of hiring a trainer or expensive travel plans.
- Self-directed. The biggest benefit by far of self-paced learning is the self-directed nature of it. You don’t have to worry about depending on someone else to finish an assignment, and you can choose however you want and in what order to complete assignments.
When deciding about the future of your edtech program, consider what potential employees are looking for. If your company has not fully embraced what cohort and self-paced learning has to offer you and your employees, you are missing the bus. Quality employees are passing you by. Lifelong learning is necessary for their careers, and they have come to expect online training from quality companies.
