Why we aim to simulate the classroom in our online delivery of learning
Since the world ground to a halt earlier this year, the way in which we learn has had to change dramatically. With nearly all higher education establishments redesigning courses to be delivered often entirely online, it begs the question, how is learning changed when that face-to-face interaction is taken away?
At futureCoders, the transition to remote learning was an easy one due to the nature of our work, however we felt that it was important to provide a learning experience as close to the classroom as possible. In the age of the internet, there is a wealth of online courses — in particular for coding — which vary in degrees of interaction. There are courses which consist entirely of independent learning which you complete at your own pace, some with an online community of support if you need it, and courses which mimic classroom teaching, conducted via video link with real teachers and peers. futureCoders favours the latter.
Online versus the classroom
Online learning methods differ across the board, however, can be defined by their modes of delivery. This pertains to either: learners and teachers meeting in real time via video calls on programmes such as Zoom, or the alternative whereby learners learn completely in their own time individually — providing more flexibility but often lesser support. Traditionally, online learning has consisted almost entirely of this asynchronous style of learning due to its increased flexibility. However this may be at the cost of hindered collaborative learning, lack of immediate support for the learning materials and of feelings of isolation. Synchronous learning on the other hand can increase learner motivation and fosters community. That’s not to say that independent e-learning isn’t without any merit. The flexibility it provides enables increased ability to process information. Research therefore suggests that the most successful method of e-learning is a blended approach which combines both modes of delivery. At futureCoders, this consists of real-time lessons with teachers and peers working through a set of comprehensive online learning materials, combined with adequate practice materials for learners to tackle independently.
The importance of peer support to aid learning
Peer support refers to learners actively acquiring knowledge and skills through helping and supporting one another and it is known to to actively aid learning. Studies have shown that when learners move to higher-education environments such as university, there is an increased focus on independent learning which many learners struggle to adjust to. Independent study requires learners to self-regulate their learning. However, many learners lack the skills with which to successfully achieve this. Peer support, therefore, is vital as it helps to vastly improve the self-regulation and helps develop the skills needed to study independently as well as maintain engagement in their studies.
Peer learning refers to the reciprocal learning in which we actively learn through interaction and engagement with each other. This is particularly relevant to futureCoders as, traditionally, we tend to teach learners who may not have gone to, and are unlikely to go to, university and often have not had an opportunity to develop the skills needed to be successful in independent learning. Online courses which rely entirely on independent study therefore will likely only be successful for a very small pool of participants who have already developed successful self-regulation study techniques. Whilst some courses feature forums and communities which learners can access to get help when they are stuck, this does not foster the same environment as peer-support in a classroom due to the lack of immediate response and impersonal relationship with the community.
Collaborative Learning
futureCoders uses a collaborative learning model. Collaborative learning is the educational technique of using groups to enrich learning through the process of learners working together to solve problems, complete tasks or learn new concepts. In the increasingly video-conference-oriented landscape of 2020 this has been managed through breakout rooms in Zoom and video calls in multiple slack channels. We feel we have come as close to facilitating group work in a classroom-like environment as we can achieve in the lockdown environment.
Much like with peer-support, collaborative learning has been shown to immensely improve motivation to learn and continue with studies compared to individual learning. Whilst academic success may largely stay the same whether someone is learning individually or collaboratively, the likelihood of a learner progressing with their studies is improved massively through collaborative learning. Our learners often continue on to further learning, through our learning programmes, through our regular Code Canteen collaborative learning event or through participation in our virtual work experience programme. Collaborative learning in any regard and the active exchange of ideas within small groups both increases interest among learners and also improves critical thinking.
Evidence suggests that cooperative teams operate at a higher level of thought and retain information longer than learners working quietly as individuals. The futureCoders blended learning environment creates a sense of community and allows us to include a team project in every learning programme that helps to increase information flow, co-operation, support and commitment towards group goals. A combination of collaborative learning, access to extensive online resources and peer support vastly improves the experience for our learners.
For more information about the programmes we offer, email karen@futurecoders.org.uk
About the Author
Lila Rose, MA(SoSci) Psychology, University of Glasgow, working with futureCoders as a Graduate Intern
