I have been advocating Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), online Learning Management Systems (LMS), and most recently Blended Learning for their adaptability, content flexibility, across the medium mobility, on-demand availability, and learner-centeredness. However, I never had the chance to fully exploit these learning environments’ potential and their impact on students’ learning behavior. COVID finally gave that chance of relying entirely on Learning Management Platforms online.
This extensive use finally made me realize how important is the human factor in the learning process. Human interaction, human psychology, humanity, and human values are the traits that drive learning. The core of all knowledge, memory, starts by copying and mimicking, and reproducing the data we gather from our five senses and the sixth sense. Teaching and learning are not transmission phenomena; instead, it is mutual collaboration, two-way traffic that enhances both the facilitator and the facilitated. Distance Learning might be an excellent tool for mechanical-learning, exam-based achievement, and knowledge as a stagnant paradigm. Still, when it comes to learner development in target subject and personality building, the teacher’s human side is the essence that motivates the learner to acquire knowledge and social spectrum. This feat is achieved by being part of a group of people that share this inherent zest under the kind supervision of a person who knows. The closest we can come to extracting advantage from both learning environments: physical and virtual, is the use of Blended Learning. The ultimate objective of learning is to develop an individual who is knowledgeable, socially conscious, law-abiding with a drive to grow, learn, enhance, and transfer his acquired knowledge as a role model. Being human is not writing another algorithm, but it is rewriting consciousness with all enabling human-factor. I will discuss some ways of blending these two paradigms in my next post.
Looking forward to your future reflections, Shams. Traditional learning platforms (i.e. synchronous learning in a classroom or other physical space) are unlikely to disappear but I do think that future student expectations about what learning is and how they can best participate in it is changing even faster than it was before the arrival COVID related emergency remote teaching.
I find this very interesting.
I look forward to your new post.