The connection between interactive learning and knowledge retention
Interactivity is a vital part of eLearning. It encompasses equal importance with that of the teacher-student interaction in classroom learning. Interactive learning seeks to provide the learner with the information where the learner can interact with the facts and information given in an e-platform. Interactive learning also has a massive effect on knowledge retention which further helps the learner to be more affiliated with the information unlike in a classroom where there is more room for distraction.
Instead of presenting information or teaching a lesson through slides or narration on eLearning platforms, it is always important to promote interactive learning where the learners themselves can engage with the information they are learning. This makes the learner-focused, interested and a participant in the eLearning process.
This can be stimulated through the use of games, quizzes, puzzles, stories and various other methods in eLearning videos. The colors, the language and the presentation of the content also contribute to the interactivity carried through to the users of eLearning videos.
It is a fact that viewers tend to learn better and retain 95% of the message given through a video as opposed to reading where only 10% of the message would be retained. This further supports that video-based e-learning has a much bigger effect on the user.
The most important part of using eLearning videos for learning is being able to rewind, pause, and play whenever the learner needs to do so. The “real” or the more personalized part of learning is what is expected to be produced and focused on through interactive learning.
The key as it has been discussed already is to be creative and to keep the learners drawn to what is on the screen. Creativity is important during the process of creating the video as a result of it being the central part that helps the learner in knowledge retention.
Therefore, interactive learning seeks to present reality through the screen of the learner. Creativity is important at the point of making an attempt to get the learner’s attention.
The other most important aspect regarding knowledge retention and interactive learning is the safe failure that is allowed through interactivity where its users learn through many attempts that allow a safe failure. This also boosts the confidence of the learner since it is a form of receiving feedback on the learner’s progress.
The learners also become confident and free in their thinking as a result of the attention they receive through the video since it creates free space. Interactive eLearning also helps learners who are neglected and those who will be potentially neglected in a classroom or a training program because of their lack of attention. In such cases, interactive learning is the most important key that will help these learners out of their shells.
Interactive learning elevates the eLearning experience by presenting a story to the learners. This in turn takes them on a journey through learning. This is especially useful in training employees in a more fun and engaging manner.
Therefore, interactive learning also eliminates the only fallback of eLearning which is preventing the learner from engaging with the necessary material. Interactive learning methods have been created so that the interaction which is necessary for learning on e-platforms be fulfilled. Thus, the retention levels remain high when the learner is more involved. Interactive learning not only makes eLearning convenient and flexible but also more and more engaging.
By Jithmi Athukorale