Thanks to increasing access to broadband and much improved real-time communication software, we have novel models to learn. An avid learner with a smartphone or computer or (or tablet) and broadband connection can learn many things from anywhere, anytime, and from anyone!
In 2020, I had the opportunity to try out several models of learning. These include:
- Learn from books (traditional approach) and online sites (tutorial and wiki sites)
- Learn from YouTube videos. There are lots of topics and great video content; episodic continuation is harder on youtube app in smart TVs.
- Learn from the MOOCs (Massively open online courses) at coursera.org and edx.org
- Learn from virtual meetups (often done through zoom session)
- Learn from private zoom sessions (small group meetings)
- Learn from social forums (twitter, howdy, discussion boards, etc.)
- and probably there are more places
It is great to see several of these work well with bringing courses for easy learning. Often most of these fall short when the student has difficulty with assessing what is learnt and when the subject is difficult requiring additional assistance. For example, it was easier to assess assignments in a programming course. There are automated tests that can verify if the answers for assignment are correct, using automated evaluator. Such a model does not work for qualitative field like: music theory, storytelling, etc.
In my music theory class I found it difficult to clarify thing when I am stuck. Discussion boards are there, but questions are more complex to ask. And often the discussion board attracts people who have difficulties, so we are double stuck. In contrast a virtual group meetup that we used in a music for wellness class, we were able to clarify things. There was a class ambassador (volunteer Teaching Assistant) who listened and answered questions. Even in a JavaScript class, I took, the assignments were graded. However there was limited feedback on approach like performance, security, etc.
There are several new models are emerging in the coming years. Two of these are of interest to me. Apple Fitness+ for the personalized fitness coaching. Seven years back I had used Xbox Fitness which did a decent job. However, Microsoft discontinued the service within 5 years. Another service of interest is: OnZoom, an open marketplace for hosts to offer free and/or paid classes via Zoom. OnZoom has 100s of providers and classes now with customary introduction and online meeting setup. It seems to be modeled like the meetups, except this is virtual.
I look forward to keep learning and updating skills.
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