Open Learning in School

"open learning" is used to describe learning situations in which students have a variety of choices in relation to time, place, teaching methods, modes of access and other factors related to their learning process. From this point of view, it should be understood that a learning situation or process should be open to anyone, under any circumstances, in any place and at any time.

What is Open Learning?

Open learning is a form of distance education where the student is not physically present in the classroom - it is developed using the Internet. With a range of course types to choose from, flexible and affordable learning options are on the rise.

Common types of Open Learning

While there are many options for learning (and teaching) online, there are several types that are well supported by existing systems and established pedagogies.

1. Video conference

Video conferencing is a common way for teachers to communicate directly with students in live lessons. This can be a one-on-one session or a classroom-like scenario where multiple students join the teacher live.

2. Synchronous learning

Synchronous learning is when all students learn together at the same time (and often in the same place), but the instructor is in a different location. It often involves video or teleconferencing that digitally connects teachers and students.

3. Open the schedule

Open schedule courses add another layer of flexibility. It's a type of asynchronous course setting, except there are no deadlines. This is ideal for students with other demands on their time, such as professionals or stay-at-home parents.

4. Fixed time

Fixed-time online courses are a type of synchronous course that requires all online users to visit a specific virtual location at a set time and place (Ex, a webinar). Unlike more fixed synchronous lessons, this allows students from anywhere in the world to connect and interact online.

The benefits of Open Learning in School

1. It is flexible

A key benefit of open learning is flexibility. This advantage has encouraged many educators to switch to distance learning after the coronavirus outbreak, as e-learning allows students to continue their education without having to be physically present.

2. It saves time

One of the best benefits of open learning is that it saves you time throughout the day. In a traditional school, a teacher oversees an entire class of students raising their hands, asking for feedback, passing notes, chatting with their friends—you name it. And all these distractions take up time. While there may be live video courses in distance learning, much of the content remains available 24/7, including live recorded class lectures, resulting in fewer interruptions compared to a traditional environment.

Additionally, if your school uses pre-existing curriculum and learning materials or an LMS system, you can easily save time compared to planning and rescheduling lessons on a traditional schedule.

3. It offers more networking opportunities

Another advantage of open learning is that it opens up the world beyond the confines of the typical classroom. This is a huge advantage for older students, especially those in high school and college who might be looking for work. Through open learning, students can connect with experts in their field, various teachers and professors, and many others.

4. Enables students to improve their time management skills

Open learning is suitable for a variety of learners, including procrastinators. It is up to the student how and when they complete their tasks. And whether it's a week or a day before the due date, the process mostly depends on the student.

This accountability differs from the more monitored traditional classroom where all students are expected to do the same work at the same time on the same days. In most cases, there are no set schedules for semester-long online courses, so students have more say in how they complete their schoolwork.

5.Helps students develop their technical skills

Technically skilled individuals are in high demand in the workplace. And most online tutorials use some form of technology to deliver the content. Open education programs support these technical skills, which are relevant to many occupations:

1.      Online research

2.      Text processing

3.      Video conference

4.      Presentation of slides

5.      Discussion panels

6.      Collaboration apps (like Slack)

7.      Social networks

8.      Email Correspondence

9.      Post information on a Wiki/website/blog

10.  Video creation