Using various strategies in e learning for kids will help you create a great learning experience for them. If you want the learning process to be enriching, you may want to consider using knowledge sharing. This is a type of learning strategy wherein you are tapping into the mind of the children participating in the learning process.
The great thing about using this in online courses for kids is that you are also developing their social skills. They are not only learning from the course. They are also learning how to be observant and open to the opinion of others. Of course, this type of learning strategy is only ideal for older kids. The younger student may not be able to appreciate it.
If you can accept the value of knowledge sharing in e learning for kids, the next question is how can you implement it? Here are a couple of suggestions.
Have a centralized resource library where they answer their own questions. Obviously, this should be online. You want to set up a platform that will allow them to collaborate and discuss their thoughts. This should also be a place where you can send information that will be needed to help the children expand their knowledge. This is a great way for you to make them explore answers on their own. It could help some, if not all of them, develop a love for learning. You can set it up so that the children can get the information on their own. Or you can time the release when everyone is there so they can share in the experience of acquiring the new knowledge. It depends on how you want to set up the learning experience. It might be a good idea to release the information while everyone is there and then leave it there for the group to access when they need it.
Identify who are the active sources of information. Through the centralized library, you can observe the group and identify who among them are the active sources. Most of the time, someone in the group emerges as more assertive and vocal than others. These are the children that you can probably ask to take on a role in the learning process. You can observe or you can ask them to take a short assessment test to help you determine their level of understanding of the students. You can those who know more in a relevant position – like the moderator of a particular group. This will help develop not just their knowledge, but also their character and leadership qualities.
Set up groups. When you have identified the people who can be a possible source of information that is relevant to the e learning for kids, you want to set up groups that they can lead. Take note that these so-called student leaders will not be the main source. They will facilitate the discussion and make sure that everyone will have their say and contribute something. Sometimes children are more open to sharing if the one facilitating is someone they consider as a peer or they can relate to.
These are only some of the ways that you can implement and encourage knowledge sharing in e learning for kids. Remember that the cognitive capabilities of children are different than adults. Their attention span is shorter but they can absorb a lot more. This is why you need to make the course as engaging and interactive as possible. Knowledge sharing is one of the best ways to do that.
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