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How has centered learning impacted education technology and e-learning?

Dawn Legrand

Over the past few years, we have witnessed a seismic shift in the way educators approach teaching and learning. The emergence of centered learning has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of education technology and e-learning.

Centered learning is an approach that puts the learner at the heart of the educational experience. The philosophy behind this approach is that learners should take control of their own learning and be empowered to make decisions regarding what, when, and how they learn. This approach has challenged traditional classroom practices and opened up new avenues for technology to play a role in the education system.

One of the key ways that centered learning has impacted education technology and e-learning is through the proliferation of personalized learning platforms. Personalized learning platforms leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver customized learning experiences to individual students. This has proven to be a game-changer in terms of enabling students to take ownership of their learning journey and progress at their own pace.

In addition to personalized learning platforms, centered learning has also sparked the development of new teaching methodologies. One of the most notable is gamification. Gamification is the process of using game mechanics and design elements in non-game contexts to increase user engagement and motivation. When used in a learning context, gamification has proven to be an effective way to make learning fun and interactive. Through gamification, students are not only learning but also having fun while doing so.

The impact of centered learning is not limited to students alone. It has also impacted the way teachers approach their profession. Centered learning has challenged the traditional role of the teacher as the "sage on the stage" and has instead promoted the role of the teacher as a "guide on the side." In this role, the teacher's role is to facilitate and support the learner's journey, rather than being the sole source of knowledge.

Another way that centered learning has impacted education technology and e-learning is through the emergence of collaborative learning tools. Collaborative learning tools are platforms that enable learners to work together to achieve a common goal. These tools foster a sense of community and provide learners with an opportunity to learn from one another. This approach to learning is particularly effective for distance learning situations where learners may feel isolated and disconnected.

It is worth noting that the impact of centered learning on education technology and e-learning is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that learners are equipped with the necessary skills to take control of their own learning. As such, there is a need for the development of digital literacy skills and for promoting more self-directed learning in the classroom.

In conclusion, the impact of centered learning on education technology and e-learning has been significant and transformative. Personalized learning platforms, gamification, collaborative learning tools have all emerged as a result of the push for centered learning. While there are still challenges to be addressed, the potential of this approach to transform education is undeniable. As we move forward, it will be exciting to see how centered learning continues to shape and impact the education technology and e-learning landscape.