The Power of Self-Directed Learning in a Digital World, Blended Learning.

With the rapid increase of students enrolled in online courses, the traditional college classroom is shifting from a physical location to a virtual meeting space. The result? Self-directed learning has become the new measurement of success.

According to the report from U.S. Education Department’s National Center for Education Statistics, online enrollment has surpassed the six million student mark, and nearly one-in-three students are now enrolled in an online course through a college or university. Today, to accommodate the demands of the part-time, technology savvy student, schools are expanding their online offerings.

Students interested in taking an online course must be prepared to manage and control their education. With many online courses, a majority of the preparation and learning falls on the student, and requires students to view PowerPoint presentations, PDF documents or videos before attending class. Now, more than ever before, establishing self-directed learning and organization skills at an early age are essential.

Even before the popularity of online courses, self-directed learning has been stressed as a major principle in early development. The U.S. Education Department has highlighted the importance of teachers not only being be self-directed learners themselves, but passing this trait along to their students.

This concept has been the foundation of supplementary education company, Eye Level, since its creation in 1976. Eye Level recognizes the importance of building and strengthening the fundamental principle of self-directed learning, and by incorporating self-directed learning into the curriculum; Eye Level has instilled the ability of self-directed learning in millions of students from pre-school to secondary education levels worldwide.

As creative transformation in Eye Level learning have taken place through the introduction of blended learning with our existing program (Eye Level Math Online) and new program (Eye Level Happy Talk). Our new “Online - Offline” blended learning approach aims to provide a new learning experience and to boost our student’s learning effectiveness.

Eye Level Math Online is a holistic Math program which involve blended learning. It caters for Basic Thinking Math (BTM) students who are currently at levels 3-15. Mastery learning can be achieved by studying online thru effective self-directed learning.

Happy Talk is a blended learning, situational speaking program with aims to help enhance students’ speaking skills. The situational speaking program will expose students to core daily expressions from an early age to prepare them for future social blending. Students will be placed in an enjoyable learning environment where they get to acquire practical English through media and characters in fun animation. Overall, Happy Talk provides students with confidence to speak.

What is Blended Learning?

Eye Level strongly believes in children centralized learning, where it caters to their ability and needs. Each child can be the key to success. With the advancement of technology in 21^st century, children are exposed to machines and online elements at an earlier age. Therefore, it is important to provide an approach that aligns with the children’s learning needs.

The technology integrated Eye Level programs make mastery learning attainable when the practice time can be increased with digital online booklets. 

Benefits of blended learning program

• It can keep students focused for longer periods of time

• It makes students more excited to learn

• It enables students to learn at their own pace

• It prepares students for the future

• Improve the quality of teaching and learning as it supports the face-to-face teaching approaches

• Students were able to better evaluate their understanding of course material via the use of computer-based qualitative and quantitative assessment modules

As according to our Chairman, Mr. Youngjoong Kang. The ultimate goal of education is to help children to think for themselves and realize the joy of learning rather than just cramming information. 

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 Article contributed by Eye Level Malaysia. Check out Eye Level website and centre locations to learn more.