Tag: online learning

Posted on by Edsys

Technology in education has paved way for drastic changes in the field, adding to the efficiency and ease. Educational institutions, teachers and students have all equally benefitted from it.

Online learning is one of the notable edtech that has grown popular over the years that many reputed educational institutions have joined the league in providing online courses. You can now pursue the courses of your choice from any educational institute around the world, without it actually affecting your schedule.

Most of the educational organizations provide courses in almost all subjects, with flexible study hours that there has been an increase in number of students who prefer online learning over on-campus learning.

Online learning is generally considered as pursuing education online without any interactions like in a traditional classroom set up. But, institutions have already realized the need of educational support despite the method of studying. And with the latest technology, students can study online while interacting with their classmates, taking part in subject-based discussions and attending lectures.

Also Read: (Online Learning: The benefits and challenges)

Online Learning at Present

What is exactly is happening in the world of online learning?

Let us find out.

  • Statistics

The COVID-19 pandemic is an obvious reason for the rise in number of people opting for online learning. Statistics say that over 20 million people had registered for online learning in the year 2021. (Source: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/01/online-learning-courses-reskill-skills-gap/)

One reason could be educational institutions making use of online learning platforms to cater to their students. Another reason is the rise in competition in the work front that has caused an increase in demand for job-specific skills. People made use of the remote working set up during the pandemic lockdown as an opportunity to develop their skills. The fact that majority of new online learners come from emerging economies is a proof of that.

According to Purdue University and The National Center for Education Statistics (Source: https://www.educations.com/study-guides/study-online/), over 6 million students are pursuing their higher education through online learning. Also, about half of the online learners are attending different courses through distance education. 85% of the students agree that online learning is similar to or better than traditional education methods.

  • Online Learning Resources

While pursuing online courses, you might require different learning resources. They include

  • Ebooks
  • Journals
  • Recorded lectures
  • Videos
  • Quizzes
  • Forums for discussion
  • Live Q and A sessions
  • Interviews

The learning resources you get depend on the institution you are taking the online course from. Your institution and instructors decide on the course format, the resources suitable for your course, and how they will be delivered to you.

The learning resources are generally delivered through the online learning platform of the institute. The platform varies with the software used; however, all platforms are accessible to students through their PC, laptops or mobile devices.

  • Assessment

Like in traditional learning, students will be tested about their knowledge on the topics they have learned so far through online learning. If you are new to online learning, it can be a bit overwhelming. However, educational institutions make sure that the assessments are unbiased, make you comfortable and help you make the most of your learning experience.

The different types of assessments you might come across in your online course include

  • Assignments

You will be assigned with tasks related to what you have learned that you have to complete and submit within the deadline.

  • Discussions

Online discussion activities might feel a bit different in the beginning, compared to face-to-face academic discussions. These activities differ based on institution.

Usually, the instructor starts the discussion with a question or topic. You should research further about the topic and provide responses in the discussion board that reflect your understanding about the topic. You might also take part in debates regarding the responses from your classmates.

  • Journals

Journal activities are exclusively part of online learning. You can update your journal entries where you can mention about what you have learned so far in the course and how you are going to use your knowledge on the subject in the future.

This gives an idea to the instructors with regard to your progress and analyse how much you have understood and the areas that need further improvement.

  • Exams

Exams are important to test your understanding of the subjects you learned online.

Many educational institutions allow students to attempt the exams in the form of an essay or final assignment. Meanwhile, some institutions use tools to monitor your activities while you attend online examinations.

Also Read: (15 Best E-Learning Tools for Online Education)

  • Qualifications

Most institutes providing online courses are fully accredited. You can earn different qualifications for different learning programs, ranging from bachelors and masters degrees to certifications through online learning.

The type of qualification you receive depends on the following factors:

  • Where the online institutions in located
  • Whether the institution is private or public
  • The title of the organization
  • Type of programs offered by the organizations

Before enrolling, you should make sure to fully learn about the type of educational institution you will be studying at and how the qualifications provided by the institution are recognized your native country.

Sometimes, you can see that many online learning institutes also partner with campus-based universities to offer different learning programs. In such cases, learning happens through online learning platforms while the validated degree courses are provided by the university.

  • Learning Support

Learning support is essential when it comes to education, be it online or offline. The support students receive has a direct impact on the quality of their learning experience. Over the years, educational institutions have recognized the importance of learning support and are ensuring that all students’ needs with regard to their education are met.

In online learning, this support is provided using technology, like video calls, voice calls, emails, etc.

  • Student Support Teams

Student support teams allow students to share the issues they face during online learning and provide them advices. You can also receive support from your peers.

Institutions also provide online discussion groups, in Whatsapp and social media, where you can create online communities to provide support and come together to help other fellow students to overcome their hurdles.

  • In-house and freelance educators

Academic support is as important as emotional support in creating a positive learning environment for students. Many online education providers have both in-house and freelance instructors, who create and deliver courses. They are also qualified subject experts who can guide the students academically and provide them feedback for their performance.

Some online learning platforms allot personal tutors to students. These tutors will be available for individual sessions that you can use to clear your doubts and further improve your knowledge.

  • Current Trends

With innovative technology being introduced, new edtech trends emerge every year. The following trends are what 2022 has in store for online learners.

  • Metaverse

Virtual Reality is already a trend in online learning. Introduction of metaverse takes it one level higher by providing a memorable learning experience. You will get to see realistic simulations and will be able to practice new skills in an environment devoid of risks.

  • Collaborative Learning

Online learning is convenient and effective. This year, online learning will focus more on creating a community-like environment, with the learning programs involving interactivity and collaboration.

  • Personalized Learning

This year, online learning focuses more on the requirements of the learner—what exactly they need to gain from the courses they choose. There is an increase in choices available for on-demand and self-paced learning that allows learners to fit the learning program into their schedule.

Online Learning is the Future of Education

Online learning is said to be the future of education, which means it has much more to offer in the upcoming years. The following reasons justify the statement.

  • Flexibility

Online learning allows both students and educators to create a learning pace that fits their schedule. Also, it tends to create a balance between learning and taking up other responsibilities that learners do not have to give up one thing to pursue the other. Online learning also improves your time management skills, allowing you to manage everything without any issues.

  • Plenty of Learning Programs

Whether it is for your higher studies or to learn new skills, there are a wide variety of online learning programs to choose from. Educational institutes are providing online versions of their programs at different levels. Students can get their certificates without actually going to the campus.

  • Accessibility

The best part of online learning is that you can learn or teach from any part of the world. There is no hassle of commutation and related extra expenses. All you need is a working Internet connection.

  • Customized Learning

Conventional mode of learning sometimes requires you to learn everything that is actually needed and not needed. Online learning is, however, flexible according to the requirements and ability of the learners. Also, the one-on-one learning sessions with educators give chances for more interactions and feedbacks.

Learners can also access different types of study materials, and online forums and discussions that provide them with greater opportunities to learn.

  • Cost Effective

In-person learning requires extra expenses, such as transport, rent, study materials, etc., all of which can be saved by opting for online learning. Also, there are many payment options that allow you to pay for the courses in instalments or per class basis. There are also discounts and scholarships available that make online learning affordable.

  • What to Expect in The Future?

In the future, there will be more online learning tools and technology that would cater to the needs of educators and learners. That would make the online learning a definite part of the future of education.

  • New Learning Environment

With new advancements in teaching and learning that would emerge in the future, normal video conference tools and existing platforms will not be enough. Therefore, we will get to see better learning environments with tools and platforms that are flexible, accessible, inclusive and collaborative.

  • Engaged Learning

Active learning has been found to have positive effects on academic performance of students. It improves focus and lets them grasp the concepts without any pressure. Therefore, there are chances that in future, online learning educators would adopt methods to drive engagement.

  • Flexibility

Online learning is flexible, in terms of the requirements and abilities of learners. However, the future would see another level of flexibility in online learning with fully live, virtual classes and different hybrid combinations. It will solidify the method of learning from anywhere, anytime, using any device.

  • Connected Learning

Conversations, group work, feedback and similar collaborative learning methods are very helpful in creating a positive learning experience. In the future, we might see online learning platforms that allow students to stay connected with educators.

  • Insights

There are already many tools available to check the learning progress. Future online learning platforms will have integrated tools that might provide real-time learning data and insights that not only improve the performance of students, but also the way educators teach.

The advantages it has over traditional learning, the convenience and efficiency are all factors that are influencing learners to turn to online learning. Also, you can take up online learning programs by being an officially registered student at an educational institution. You can also gain access to the same resources as an on-campus student. The best part is you will be awarded with degrees and certifications in the same way as taking a degree program on campus, but with the freedom of choosing your own study schedule.

That is why there is a general belief that online learning would definitely be an important part of education in the coming years. You just have to keep yourselves updated about the upcoming trends and brace yourselves to experience the best of online learning.

Posted on by Edsys

As the name implies, online learning is a way of teaching in which classrooms and subject matter are all covered virtually. Traditional learning occurs in person, where students attend face-to-face classes at pre-determined time.

Get Best Free Art Learning Apps (Check it Now)

Below we have mentioned the pros and cons of both Online and In-Person learning.

The Pros of Online Learning

Online courses can provide you with a wealth of benefits that help you grow professionally and personally.

1. FLEXIBILITY : – You can learn from any location with online learning. You can finish your tasks whenever you like, as long as you satisfy the weekly deadlines. You have greater flexibility working your education schedule around other commitments in your life, such as your family, profession, and other duties, owing to the flexibility that online learning gives.

2. TIME AND MONEY SAVING :- It is a major advantage of online learning that you don’t have to commute to the school/college campus to take classes. That means you can complete your coursework earlier and allocate more time to your other priorities.

3. WIDER NETWORKING POSSIBILITIES :- If you take an online course, you can interact with other students around the world. This could lead to professional opportunities you wouldn’t have had in a traditional classroom setting. It’s easy to be a passive participant, but if you’re investing the time and money, it’s much more fulfilling to take advantage of networking opportunities.

Also Read: How Does Online Education Differ From Traditional Education

The Cons of Online Learning

1. NEED FOR SELF-MOTIVATION :- Need to complete self-paced courses on schedule, you’ll need to be extremely disciplined. If you delay, it may be more difficult to enjoy the full benefits of online education if you don’t have a tight class schedule to motivate you to attend a class at a specific time and location every week.

2. DISTRACTION :- Some people don’t have the luxury of a calm study environment. If your home environment is cluttered and full of distractions, such as screaming children or a noisy surrounding neighborhood, it may be hard to concentrate on your studies.

The Pros of Learning in Person

1.  DISTRACTION-FREE ENVIRONMENT :- Effective education requires concentration and focus. Classrooms, labs, and lecture halls provide distraction-free learning settings with all of the equipment and space you need, allowing you to focus on the lesson rather than the bothersome vehicle noise, or other disturbance noises during household work.

2. PRACTICAL LEARNING :- Everyone learns differently, and some students learn visually, while others prefer to take meticulous notes, and yet others prefer to learn by interacting. Additionally, some professions, such as learning to fix equipment or perform a medical procedure, require practical knowledge. In-Person Learning is a better option for those who need practical knowledge.

The Cons of Learning in person

1. LESS CONTROL OVER SCHEDULING :- You have significantly less control in a traditional classroom than you have in an online class over when and where you attend lectures. You might consider an online class if you have a busy schedule or if your availability fluctuates. You will have more control over your class schedule as a result of this.

2. COMMUTING DIFFICULTIES :- You’ll have to commute to and from campus if you take classes in person. Based on your living situation, this might take up a lot of your time and money. If you’re thinking about enrolling in an on-campus education, consider the difficulties of your daily commute.

3. HIGHER EXPENSES :- Due to relevant factors like student housing, on-campus meals, and public transportation or fuel for commuting, traditional students face higher expenses.

Get Best Free Art Learning Apps (Check it Now)

Conclusion :- The benefits and drawbacks of learning in person or online depend on many factors, including how much each student learns and how well teachers can teach. The costs of both learning styles, and the flexibility they provide, should be considered when choosing one. Recently, students have been exposed to both styles of learning and have become aware of their learning preferences because of recent situations. Although there are varying viewpoints regarding which method of learning is the most effective, it is up to each individual to determine which method works best for them or their kids in today’s competitive environment.

Posted on by Edsys

When it comes to online education and traditional education, there are benefits and drawbacks, which is why students should be aware of what to expect before attending a classroom or logging into one. In this comparison, we’ll look at some crucial areas where students’ experiences can differ significantly.

What is online education

Online learning is a type of distance learning that takes place over the internet, with the teacher providing a course at a specific time (synchronous) or the students completing a course at their own pace (asynchronous). The content is delivered in the form of text, images, or videos. Features such as online assessments may be included, as well as interactive activities.

Also Read: What is Distance Learning: What are it’s Benefits?

What is traditional education?

Traditional Educational Class

Education traditionally takes place in a classroom. A teacher plans and teaches a specific topic lesson, using a variety of educational tools. For example, the teacher might present information on a blackboard or whiteboard, conduct classroom discussions, have groups or partners complete tasks, and engage students in individual exercises. Assign homework, class quizzes, or conduct informal assessments are part of the class.

Flexibility Factor

One of the most important factors to consider when weighing your options is how much time and energy you have each day to dedicate to your studies. Will you be able to attend full-time school/college or do you need more flexibility to accommodate your busy life.

In the first place, the most obvious benefit of online education is its flexibility. It allows you to work, support a family, and take classes all at the same time. Moreover, online classes also have deadlines, which gives students more control over how they spend their time. They can plan when to study, work on projects or assignments, attend lectures, and so on.

There is frequently a lack of flexibility in a traditional class format. You must attend your classes in person, which normally involves a commute and stringent scheduling. However, there are still a number of flexible class options available. If you want to take classes on a school/college campus, you can look for a school that can let you plan a schedule that fits your need.

Educational Apps Directory List

Self-Discipline and Self-Motivation Factor

As previously said, attending school or college classes online provides students with greater freedom and control over their education. This, in return, requires a high level of self-discipline and self-motivation. You must be able to encourage yourself to finish essential reading and projects in an online class. You need to be able to manage your time effectively. However, these capabilities are also needed in traditional education.

Online lessons may be a good fit for you if you can work independently and manage your time properly. If you find it difficult to keep up with an online class, a more traditional environment can be more beneficial. It’s important to remember that becoming fully adjusted to online learning takes time. Setting a daily schedule and setting up a private workspace is just a couple of tactics you might use to ease into online education.

Social Interaction Factor

Many people wish for the traditional college experience, which includes classrooms, whiteboards, and walking around campus. Some people prefer to meet their teachers and classmates in person, and some people learn better that way. A traditional classroom format may benefit you if you are more of a social learner.

One common misperception about online education is that it does not require any interaction. In reality, your classmates and teachers are right at your fingertips! Collaborative resources such as Blackboard and video conferencing software are frequently used in online classes to stimulate regular exchanges, discussions, and brainstorming.

Posted on by Edsys

Online communication tools have become the new normal since the world started adapting to the changes brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. Google Meet has been a popular communication tool used by business organizations to carry on with their work. Now, educational institutes have also adopted Google Meet for education to hold webinars, video conferences, staff training, online classes, etc.

Though it is a well-known platform, Google Meet for education requires further improvement to make it 100% efficient, to be used as an education app.

Free Class Room Activity Apps (Check it NOW)

Limitations in Free Version

With a limit of 30 participants per video call, Google Meet will not be able to accommodate a bigger team with its free version. This becomes a problem when it comes to classroom management. Some educational institutes opt to split the team and hold sessions for each team separately, which can be a hassle for the educators. Also the option does not really work for staff training because of time constraints. Therefore, the only option left is to buy the paid version.

Education App Directory Banner

Multimedia Documents

When we say file sharing, it is not just images or text. It also includes multimedia documents at times. However, it is not possible to share multimedia documents through Google Meet.

Limited Features

Google Workspace comes with various tools and apps that users can put to good use, while using Google Meet. However, the features of Google Meet, in terms of productivity, interaction, and remote collaboration, are limited compared to other applications serving the same purpose.

For example, Google Meet does not have its own annotation feature, which is a necessity during video conferences. Annotations help the users to point out specific parts of a presentation and encourage interactions among participants. At present, such extra features are added using Google Chrome extensions from third party developers.

No Desktop Version

Google meet app has optimized iOS and Android versions for mobile devices; but, there is no specific desktop version of the app. It can only be accessed from a web browser for desktop.

Consumes Hardware Resources

The hardware quality of a device affects the user experience of the apps used in it. Google Meet uses up a large amount of hardware resources, making it difficult for devices with outdated processors and RAM to run a video conference.

Requires Strong Internet Connection

Live meetings and interactions being interrupted due to poor network is a common issue faced by most communication tools. Google Meet also requires strong Internet connection so that the meeting/conference happens without any hindrances.

Free Class Room Activity Apps (Check it NOW)

Accidental Call Drops

Sometimes, technical or network issues cause Google Meet to drop some members from a meeting, especially those attended by a big number of people. However, the app does not have provisions to add back the group members.

Better Options

Most of the above-mentioned issues can be a major let down when it comes to the efficiency of Google Meet for education. It is not wise to wait until the problems would be resolved in the future since the need for an efficient way to communicate has to be met at present. The better option is to go for video sharing and hosting platforms, like Vimeo and YouTube.

Vimeo

Google Meet for Education Vimeo

Google Meet and Vimeo are entirely different applications that seem to serve different purposes. But if you look closely, both have features can help businesses organizations or educational institutes in achieving what they prefer—to impart knowledge. Now, why does Vimeo seem to be the better option?

Let us find out.

Set Privacy

Maybe the file you share is not meant for the entire group. Vimeo’s privacy settings will help you to share the uploaded video content with a particular person or group of people as required.

Maintain Quality of Videos

Sometimes, live online interactions lack quality due to poor network connections. The interruptions will cause you to miss out certain details discussed, which can be a hassle during online learning

Vimeo allows you to share video content without compromising the quality that the team can watch whenever they want. It is because Vimeo has strict guidelines that users must follow while uploading the videos for the application to accept them. This makes the processing load lighter, and as a result, the user can use the best encoding techniques to upload high quality videos.

Replace Videos Without Losing URL

Vimeo allows you to replace an existing video with a new one under the same URL. This makes it easy for the educators since they just have to share the URL once.

Free Class Room Activity Apps (Check it NOW)

Password Protect Videos

Vimeo is a platform accessed by many. The app allows you to set a password for the video content you upload so that it will be accessible to only a particular group of people you want to share the content with

Groups and Albums

Vimeo comes with social resources, like groups and albums. Groups act as a meeting place to discuss and exchange knowledge. You can gather and share videos compiled through Albums.

Livestream

You can use Vimeo Livestream to hold live sessions. The chat section can be utilized to make the session interactive.

YouTube

Google Meet for Education_YouTube

YouTube is another video hosting and sharing platform that works better for education. Popularly known as an entertainment platform, educational institutes and organizations have been using YouTube for online learning and information sharing even before the pandemic.

It is free

YouTube, like other platforms, has a free version and a Premium version that provides additional features. Businesses or educational institutes can create and upload videos for free in their YouTube channels that the students/trainees can access for free. Also, YouTube allows integration of the videos uploaded on a channel into any website to ensure efficient learning.

Can be Accessed By All

Even if it is for staff training or for online classes at school/college level, the trainers/educators usually have to find time out of their schedule to explain the concepts. With YouTube, they can just upload the videos that can be accessed by anyone from anywhere and learn. Learners can also make use of the platform to search and learn more about the topics.

Mobile and Microlearning

YouTube provides opportunities for mobile and microlearning, in terms of online education. You can upload videos with long time duration as well as shorter videos that last 10 minutes or less in YouTube as per convenience. Learners, especially those with short attention span, usually prefer shorter videos for online learning.

YouTube Live

YouTube Live allows you to create livestreaming sessions. The comments section under the livestream can be utilized for interactions and clearing doubts.

Accessibility

YouTube videos are accessible anywhere, anytime, and across different mobile devices, including smartphones, laptops and tablets. It is also compatible with any screen size and does not affect the video quality.

Conclusion

Google Meet, being a popular communication and collaboration platform, is preferred by many. With the pandemic, the number of users has also increased. But Google Meet for education still has a long way to go to ensure a smooth and efficient online learning process. Therefore, it is better for businesses and educational institutes to choose better alternatives, such as Vimeo or YouTube.

Now, to choose among Vimeo and YouTube, see here.

Edsys is an experienced educational software provider and has been catering to the EdTech requirements of clients around the globe for years. If you need development assistance to create online learning tools, Edsys would be a great choice. Connect with us for detailed discussion.

Posted on by Edsys

Microsoft Teams is a popular chat-based collaboration and communication tool. It has been commonly used by organizations for interactions, and file and information sharing these days.  Primarily meant for businesses, Microsoft Teams also has an Education version meant for classroom management, live classes, and for online learning. But as a tool for education, as in schools, colleges, or training of employees in an office, Teams still has a long way to go.

Requires Continuous Internet Connectivity

Teams cannot work without constant Internet connectivity. Any issues in connectivity during an ongoing presentation or meeting can cause users to miss out what is being said.

 Confusing File Structure

This is one of the main drawbacks of Microsoft Teams. Online learning involves lots of file sharing. It is not really possible to find where exactly these files are stored, considering the different folders created.

Even if you remember the file location, it can be confusing.  Whatever files that are uploaded during a Teams conversation are stored in the channel root folder. Finding the one you need among them can be quite tiresome. Trying to organize the files might cause the links with the conversations to break.

Education App Directory Banner

Complex Outlook Transition

Microsoft Outlook is commonly used by all organizations and most employees might be used to the email platform. This makes transition to Microsoft Teams a bit difficult. The best way is for all team members to focus entirely on Microsoft Teams and leave out Outlook.

But, at the same time, abandoning Outlook altogether and using only Microsoft Teams is not wise either. Office 365 still depends on Outlook for many other functions. For example, while writing, Teams does not support Group calendars. Also, it is not possible to send links to Word documents through Teams chat. During such instances, email seems to be the better option.

Challenges in Inviting an Outside User

A member from outside of your organization can be added to Teams through External or Guest Access. And then, there are many steps to be followed to make sure that the outside users can access Teams with the right permissions.

Flexibility is Limited

Creating a new Team on the platform requires building everything from scratch. Microsoft Teams is not that flexible when it comes to replicating structures. If you are replicating a Team, everything has to be done manually. This can use up lot of your productive time and affect the efficiency.

Permission Setting Challenges

Most organizations prefer Microsoft Teams because it makes information sharing easy. Though all members can access all channels and all files in the Team and also other features, there are times information sharing has to be more specific. But it is not possible to change the permission settings accordingly at present. For example, you can create private channels in a Team with specific permissions for the channel, but you would not be able to invite guest users.

No Unified Chat

Microsoft Teams does not have a unified chat feature. This makes it impossible to search any information you want from all the conversations. You will have to remember the conversations in each chat and then search for a particular conversation within a specific chat.

Uses up Space

Anyone using Microsoft Teams can create their own Teams and channels. But with each team being created, it takes up space in the institute’s server. Restricting the people to create groups is not a plausible solution, as it requires extra work and maintenance.

No Warning for Similar Team Names

Microsoft Teams does not warn or notify you if you create a team with an already existing name. As a result, more than one team with the same team name will be created, making it confusing to the users.

Channel Limit

In Microsoft Teams, the number of channels you can be a part of is limited. A person can be part of only 200 public channels and 30 private channels. Though it seems enough in most scenarios, it can be a limitation if you want to be part of a few more channels.

Competition

Microsoft Teams is too crowded with many tools having similar or overlapping features. This confuses the users, making it difficult for them to choose the right tool.

White Labeling

 All features of Microsoft Teams were not developed by the company itself. There are some features that have been bought from lesser known brands and were rebranded by Microsoft. White labeling is legal. But, it is disadvantageous to the lesser known brands that actually developed those features, since they will never be given credit.

Online Classes

Online education has become the norm considering the pandemic situation requires everyone to remain at home. Organizations and educational institutes are relying on collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Teams, to carry out their activities.

Before, Microsoft Teams was a collaboration tool meant solely for businesses. But with the introduction of online classes, Microsoft came up with Microsoft Teams for Education. But, is Microsoft Teams an effective tool for online learning? Maybe not.

The most reported issue about Microsoft Teams during an online class is the technical problems. A large part of this problem is due to poor network connectivity, which can interrupt the smooth running of classes.

In January, students in Scotland had reported issues regarding Microsoft Teams. The students were not being able to use the “Join” button to join their online classes. There were also reports of services and chat functions being delayed. Similar issues with Microsoft Teams were reported in other countries as well.

(Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/some-scottish-students-struggle-study-online-due-microsoft-teams-issues)

In terms of usability, Microsoft Teams is a highly customizable platform. But the teachers/trainers have to work on setting up the class just right even if they are using basic features. Also, grading in Teams is a bit cumbersome.

Alternatives

Microsoft Teams might be a good tool for interaction. But when it comes to sharing content and live meetings, there are few flaws that affect the overall productivity of an organization. That is why using alternatives, such as Vimeo and YouTube, seems to be a better option.

Vimeo

Microsoft Teams for Education_Vimeo

Vimeo is primarily a video sharing and hosting platform meant for the arts and creative industry. But, lately, the application has found its way into the field of business as well. Vimeo allows hosts to password-protect videos, which is great if you are only sending to specific contacts.

Livestreaming

Apart from Vimeo being a platform where you can upload and share videos, it also provides a live stream option that businesses can utilize to hold meetings. The chat option that works simultaneously with the livestream can be used for interactions. You can also record your screen, webcam, or both using Vimeo Record.

Keep Your Videos in One Place

This is one advantage Vimeo has over Microsoft Teams. Sure, you can share content through Teams. But you will have to manually record the live lectures, which might not give a good result in case of bad network or similar issues. Vimeo, on the other hand, allows you to store, manage, and host videos and live streams in the video library, which is secure and easy to search, without compromising the quality.

Host Meetings/Conferences Publicly or Privately

You can embed the player on your organization’s website by setting viewing permissions, and also, password-protect videos and live streams. You can also choose to host virtual meetings or conferences exclusively for your team. The videos can also be replaced without changing the URL.

Accessible to Everyone

Sometimes the videos you share is meant for a larger group of audience, may be including some with limitations, in terms of cognition, vision or physical abilities. Vimeo is accessible to anyone, anywhere making it easy for anyone to access.

Make It Interactive

Since Vimeo is mainly a video hosting platform, there is a common notion that the interaction is only one way. But, in reality, it is possible to make the videos interactive with call to actions, video chaptering, or closed captions despite the device used and thus, create engagement.

Customizable

Vimeo is customizable, thus enabling businesses to create videos that match their branding.

Vimeo comes with a free plan, but it enables only a maximum storage of 500 MB per week. Since businesses need a larger space in the library to store and manage videos, the paid Plus or Pro plan would be a better option, and it is absolutely worth it.

YouTube

Microsoft Teams for Education_YouTube

YouTube, another alternative to Microsoft Teams, is commonly known as an entertainment platform. It has been around for over ten years and has managed to gather a wide variety of audience for its different video content. Apart from being an independent video hosting and sharing platform, YouTube can also be integrated to other platforms.

Free of Cost

YouTube is absolutely free and is easily accessible to anyone, making it a usable tool to share video content within your organization. You can upload videos, even without having a Google account.

Available Anywhere

Now that the pandemic has transformed work life from offices to the comfort of your home, you will need a platform to connect from anywhere. YouTube allows you to upload videos or go Live from anywhere. A working Internet connection is the only requirement.

Form a Network

Sometimes different teams of an organization have to collaborate for projects and to explain the details to each team depending on their schedules would be a tedious task. With YouTube, you can share the videos containing information related to the projects with all teams at once. They can watch the video whenever they can.

Videos Can Be Watched Again

The best part of using YouTube is that the videos remain there until it is removed by the user. This enables everyone to go back and watch the lessons as required.

YouTube Live

YouTube also has a livestreaming option which organizations can use to hold meetings or conferences, be it for a big or a small group of people.  Interaction between the presenter and the team is possible through the comments section.

YouTube has come a long way from being a platform for entertainment to one used for education and businesses. The best part about YouTube is that whatever you upload is going to stay there until you want it removed.

Conclusion

Microsoft Teams is a good tool when it comes to interactions. But if you observe it as an educational app, there are many features that need improvement. May be the improvements will happen in the future. But, to wait for it until it happens is not reasonable. So the best way is to look for better alternatives, like Vimeo and YouTube.

Now, if you are wondering which to choose among Vimeo and YouTube, see here.

Edsys is an experienced educational software provider with clients around the globe. If you are looking for a development partner to create online learning tools, Edsys would be a great fit. Connect with us to discuss in detail.

Posted on by Edsys

The internet boom is facilitating students and elders alike to browse websites that contain volumes of information.

Tagged as a leisure-time friend of students, it is through the World Wide Web that they can satiate their inquisitiveness.

You name a topic and you have a website that provides tons of information.

If you are looking to nurture the curiosity of students, here are some websites that will ensure that your ward makes the most of his/her internet time.

Below are the repositories of online information that will enable students to lay hands on educational and productive facts that will make learning interesting and safe.

  1. How Stuff Works

The student fraternity is always seen interested in interrogative pronouns, namely: “how”, “what” and “why”. In an attempt to fulfill the curiosity of students, you can check out the HowStuffWorks.com which is loaded with interesting articles about games, current events and quizzes.

You also have videos which provide the much-needed audio visual experience to learning via the internet. Providing answers to the most common or unusual queries that students can come up with, HowStuffWork tops the list of informative websites..

  1. Teen Reads

Students who wish to hone their reading skills can check out this website which offers book reviews and recommendations.

Alongside encouraging students to make reading a favorite and productive pastime, students can also pen their thoughts in the form of blogs while trying to answer FAQs that are posed on the site. All those students who are looking for the next best book to read can bank on this book reading interface.

  1. Spatulatta

All those budding kid chefs can gain an ocean of information that is presented in a website called Spatulatta. You can browse from a wide range of interesting and delicious recipes that will tickle your taste buds, as you start to sharpen your culinary skills.

If you are curious to know about dishes that can brighten up your mid-afternoon meals or the entrees that are rich in nutrition, Spatulatta is the noted destination.

  1. Google Earth

“Gain a new perspective” is indeed an apt tag line that sums up the offerings of Google Earth; an educational website that encourages the curiosity in students about outer space..

You can go on a voyage to the space from the comfort of your living room. Google Earth can become the best friend of a budding astronaut through Oceanic Tours and 3D images of celestial objects.

Through this website, you will definitely experience the feel of having the entire world in your hands.

  1. Scratch

Students do need a helping hand to find answers to questions that keep cropping up in their minds. One such assistance comes in the form of Scratch; an online interface loaded with interactive games, stories and interesting animations.

This website is the noble initiative of MIT Media Lab aimed at nurturing the creative and logical thinking skills of students.

Prompting kids to work in collaboration with each other, students can also showcase their creativity to the online community by sharing their works.

  1. National Gallery of Art for Kids – (NGAKids)

Another interesting way to nurture the learning abilities of students interested in art history is to introduce them to NGAKids.

This art-centric website blends information with entertainment when students share their works on their personalized online gallery.

  1. Curiosity Machine

Living by every single word of the tag line “Imagine a better world and build it together”, Curiosity Machine is yet another online learning platform that deserves a special mention.

This website is specially meant for kids and young students who will be encouraged to design engineering objects using common, household items.

A host of informative videos, design contests and a user-guide engage and support curious students.

  1. Kahn Academy

If you are looking for an all-in-one learning platform that meets the leaning needs of every student, you can bank on Kahn Academy.

Allowing students to learn anything from science and engineering to economics and finance, this is an umbrella of information designed for students aiming to crack competitive exams like SAT, GMAT and LSAT.

  1. Brain Space

An innovative platform loaded with more than 1 million educational subjects is now available.

This website tagged as “Brain Space” was curated by a group of expert software engineers, education industry leaders and user-experience designers.

This educational interface makes use of an array of flashcard models which assist students in mastering foreign languages alongside offering assistance to educate drivers.

  1. Play Kids Games

When learning is teamed with a fun element, it leads to a promising form of edutainment.

The fun element is, when it comes in the form of games makes learning even more interesting for students to try their hand at winning games alongside mastering their subjects.

You can check out “Play Kids Games” as an awesome website that allows kids to master subjects like arts and music, geography, math, and vocabulary, exclusively designed for various grades starting from the 1st all the way to 8th grade.

A number of puzzle and skill building games are sure to spark the inquisitiveness in students.

  1. Energy Kids

All those kids who are curious to learn about science can bank upon the informative website titled “Energy Kids”.

It is loaded with plenty of educational games, articles and activities revolving around the history, the various types of conventional and non-conventional energy options and their sources.

Grant your kids the excitement of going on a virtual science trip through this informative website that can ignite and satiate their curiosity about various types of energy and their sources.

Key Takeaways

Curiosity is an attribute of humans allowing them to learn continuously through observation.

Kids are believed to demonstrate a great deal of curiosity when they demonstrate an eagerness to discover and explore new things.

Posted on by Edsys SEO

Learning is an ongoing process and you are really blessed if you get a chance to study in your life. It doesn’t matter much on how you perceive your education but what matters is the way you apply it in your real life.

A majority of the students are regular school or college goers and they gain their degrees by spending a major part of their day at the institution. However, the trend is slowly changing as many of the students are now opting for online courses. And there are enough reasons for students to think different and get their education done online.

Get Best Free Student Apps (Check it Now)

Here are a few among the many reasons why many students are opting for online courses:

  1. Balance time flexibly: Are you running a family or taking care of your kids or parents and finding it difficult to attend a regular course? Then why not go for an online course and get your degree by balancing your time flexibly? Most of the online courses available let you perceive it without restrictions for the time flexibility. You can invest your free time in these courses and take care of your other priorities during the prime time.

 

  1. Learn despite time and place: Are you staying in a remote area and finding it difficult to make convenient transportation to good institutions in the city? The online courses make your dream of learning possible without the hassles of travelling kilometres daily. Online courses won’t demand students to learn in a particular time and this gives them the convenience of studying despite whether it is day or night. Thus you can balance the personal and professional life well.

 

  1. Learn and work in parallel: Some people might wish to learn more but have to get into a work to earn the living. The online courses offer the flexibility to learn on your free time by still pursuing the career. You can work on day time and spend a few hours for the course during night or weekend and manage both things efficiently. Some work demands a lot of travelling and this restricts the option for going for even weekend courses regularly. Online courses with flexible timing are a solution for such students also.

 

  1. Flexible schedules: When you opt for a regular class at campus, there is no compromise on the daily attendance. You have to be present for almost half of your day at the institution to pursue your dream. The advantage of studying in flexible schedules makes the online learning a plus for people with multiple areas to focus. This also gives them a chance to focus on different areas of study in parallel. Missing a class lesson due to fever or heavy rain is out of question in this approach.

 

  1. Student-centered curriculum: This type of learning in fact promotes the student-centered curriculum. Students would get a chance to share their decisions and be confident in their capacity. Their distinct aspirations, learning needs or areas of interest can be addressed well using this mode of study. This in fact develops their communication and social skills and triggers their intrinsic motivation to learn. They can easily identify the ways through which they can transfer their abilities to the real world.

 

  1. Access to online education materials: There is no trouble of carrying heavy text books to the school or college every day. You can have access to the wide range of online education materials with just an internet connection. Moreover, they can review notes, re-watch lecture videos or access other online resources at the time of their choice. There is no botheration of returning books on time to the library as you can refer to the materials that you need at your preferred time.

 

  1. Globally discuss online: The advanced online courses will have a global community of the student members who are taking the courses worldwide. So you will get a chance to discuss about the subject from different students globally which helps you to learn about the subject on a wider perspective. This also improves their online communication and everyone gets a chance to express their views which is not always practical in a traditional classroom.

 

  1. No limits to learning by geography: The flexibility to learn despite the place where you are living is what makes online learning this much special. So you don’t need to give up your dream of pursuing certificate in your preferred subject just because the institution near your home is not offering it. Similarly, students can get courses across the country or globe and thus erasing the barriers of limited students and instructor options.

 

  1. Improved computer skills: When you gain a degree by undergoing online courses, you would be more frequently using the system. So there is a good chance for you to become masters of the computer with good technical skills. The proficiency in using the system and web gained through online learning format are really going to help you in their professional life, as well.

 

  1. More choice of course topics: There may be limitations on the courses available if you plan to pursue your degree on a campus. However, online learning opens a world of choices and you can seek a degree of your favourite subject. Staffing limitations of your favourite subject no more stops you from pursuing what you really wish. The choice can be made from a wide variety of programs that open a world of opportunities for pursuing various careers.

 

  1. Accessibility of qualified teachers: Another important advantage of taking degrees online is the availability of subject experts. Many of the courses allow you to fix a schedule for learning with the subject expert of your choice from a group of qualified teachers. There are also options to send your doubts or queries regarding the subject to the teacher’s email and get a fairly quicker response.

 

  1. Convenient group meetings: Group projects can be more flexible than in a traditional classroom. They can discuss the project ideas and plans in the discussion corner and execute it well on time. There is no need to take trouble in coordinating a time or place for discussion unlike in a regular classroom setup. Moreover, this opens up a chance to grow your professional network and friendship.

 

  1. Learn from comfort zone: Some may not prefer to study by sitting at the desk for a longer period of time. Similarly, some others won’t prefer to wear uniforms and go by the school responsibilities to study their area of interest. Online learning is an excellent option for those who prefer to study from their comfort zone. They don’t need to sacrifice their time, place or other engagements and study at their comfort.

 

  1. Self-paced learning: Independent learners would always prefer to learn at their own pace without any restrictions or pressure. This is possible with online learning unlike the traditional classroom schedules and weekly exams. In this method, a student has the sole deciding power of what to study and when to study and this flexibility proves really good for independent learners. They can invest ample time for their other passions and give dedicated time for learning at their wish.

 

  1. Character development: An institution is considered the best place where a student develops interpersonal skills and many doubts that it will be missed in online courses. However, learning online is not that easy going as many think. This requires good time management skills as well as a lot of self-motivation. This is the most important skill a student should develop that gives him a self drive to do things in life. It also teaches how to meet deadlines without any external pressure which is going to help you a lot in the work place.

 

  1. Lower costs: Most importantly, you can save pretty decent money if you opt to take up courses online. The payment is needed for just the tuition fees, any book posts and the exam fees. Students can be free of the money they spend for housing and transportation. This helps them to avoid the possible debts and save more.

Get Best Free Student Apps (Check it Now)

If you are trying hard to balance the learning phase for any of the reasons, don’t leave up your dream to learn more. Instead, do a thorough research and join an online course of your favourite subject and enjoy the true spirit of learning. Even when you have enough degrees in your life, you can try your intelligence or excellence in different subjects by opting for various courses online and keep up the passion for learning.

Posted on by Edsys

Whenever you start learning and whatever course you choose, you obviously think of the how-to-make-my-studying-easier issue. The way you organize your workflow matters as it directly influences your productivity and progress.

You can actually go one of two ways: Use classical at-hand tools or take advantage of some trendy digital ones. Saying “classical,” some might think of something like a pocket notebook. Despite the fact that pocket notebooks are always fine, nowadays you’ve got so many other alternatives to pick up. Would you like to try some new online tools?

Educational App Directory List

Check your writing assignments

You might be certain that your written papers and essays are good enough to earn high grades, but double-checking is always a good idea. Sometimes you just need one more pair of hands and eyes to proofread and check for mistakes. Find a person who can do it for you on proofreading websites or use plagiarism detection engines to find out whether your writing needs citing.

Kibin – Editing, Proofreading, Revision Services

Kibin suggests services for different types of clients: authors, businesspeople, academicians, students and others. Kibin can assist you with professional editing, revision or proofreading. As a student, when experiencing some difficulties with grammar or writing style, or just in order to make sure everything’s well-done in your work, well, just submit your paper, choose a deadline for the Kibin team on the payment page, and have your work edited.

Unplag – Plagiarism Detecting Tool

Unplag.com is a plagiarism detection tool that can help you a lot with making your content original. You can both check to ensure your writing doesn’t contain plagiarized elements and, on the contrary, whether anybody else on the web has copied your paper. Unplag is a time-consuming tool since users have a chance to simultaneously check many works, and it takes a few minutes only. Just imagine, a decade ago, people were trying to find plagiarism manually. And it was really, really time-consuming…

Notes and Stickers

Can you imagine studying without taking notes? Noting information can help you memorize it since your notes are always at hand and you can look them through. Tastes differ, and people prefer taking notes differently, too: Some people use sticky notes, while the others are fond of traditional spiral or Moleskine-like notebooks. Now you have a chance to replace pen-and-paper noting with digital methods or just combine these two types of keeping ideas together.

Padlet – Virtual Dashboard

You can create a Padlet dashboard, where you add or upload any kind of material – URLs, photographs, videos, maps, slideshows, documents and other things you need. Drag-and-drop functionality allows you to easily arrange your materials on the board. You can share your dashboards with the Internet community or make them private.

Diigolet – Bookmarking, Highlighting, Adding Sticky Notes

Being a part of the Diigo project, Diigolet is one of the tools suggested on the Diigo website. The advantage is that you don’t need to download or install the tool, you just add it to your browser (so it’s always at your fingertips whenever you’re online), and now you can enjoy all the functions Diigolet performs – bookmarking, highlighting, adding sticky notes.

Data Visualization

Not all the tasks in college are boring and exhausting. Lucky you. So, let’s say you have prepared a report about tools that make students’ lives much better. You can find amazing materials and deliver information smoothly to your classmates, but your audience is quite likely to forget information you picked up so carefully as soon as you leave the classroom.

The proven fact is: People tend to memorize visual information far better than the one presented in text or aurally. First, visual information amounts to 90 percent of all information stored in our brains. Second, visual messages come to the brain faster than text ones. And third, visual messages stick in our long-term memory. You should not have doubts regarding the relevance of visual information.

Easel.ly – Infographic Resource

Nothing can be easier than using Easel.ly. For sure, this service has a place in any list of easy and handy tools. This resource offers a collection of infographic templates with movable elements. A user-friendly drag-and-drop feature will enable you to create the most suitable picture to depict your ideas. Besides, you can use the website templates for free.

Prezi – Presentations

While studying, you’ll definitely need some tools to create online presentations. Why not make use of Prezi? You can present your topic on your iPad, iPhone and Android devices, or alternatively on your browser or desktop. It’s possible to create a presentation even on your phone and later synchronize it with other devices. You can also take advantage of the options available in the website library and have a chance to use Prezi templates.

Time and Tasks Management

Sometimes, managing your time and daily tasks is “Mission: Impossible.” What’s on your list? To write an essay, to make a presentation, to prepare a report for the literary club, to grab some food and get ready for a party? Do you often succeed in doing everything on time? If you don’t have a task manager at your disposal, you can easily forget something vital and then be late with accomplishing some other important task. Mind your time, and mind your tasks!

Tick Tock Timer

It’s high time to write your paper! Tick Tock Timer won’t let you forget about the fact you’re still a student. If you still think that this tool is useless and you’re able to cope with your daily tasks without outside help, check 20 ways to Use Tick Tock Timer.

Remember the Milk – Reminder

You create tasks and lists using Remember theMilk, set due dates, and later receive reminders via SMS, email, and instant messengers. This tool is a great help if you study in a group as well: Share and send your entries with other students. Now you get no chance to be absentminded!