As educators become more familiar with the use of digital tools, they are realizing that most of their face-to-face practices also apply online. Higher education has recognized the value of online education in the aftermath of the pandemic, but there is still work to be done for online education to reach its full potential and serve learners (and faculty) who have only begun to experience it. When working on designing an effective and seamless online teaching and learning environment, it’s critical to keep all learner demographics in mind and to meet them where there are needs by providing equitable and accessible education.

Providing online services such as financial aid, counseling, and registration is crucial because they serve as companion virtual services. When students study online, they expect the services to be available online as well. In this regard, 2020 has undoubtedly been a year of growth for the majority of colleges and universities. Being forced to migrate education delivery and all of its associated services and resources in such a short period of time encouraged many of us to innovate, try creative solutions, and carefully listen to what students require from us in this new environment.

Seamless Learning

Seamless Learning is a learning model that includes the concept of continuity in the learning process that occurs without time or space limits. Learning without borders is a learning approach that has the potential to include learning models that cover many aspects of students’ daily lives and are supported by a variety of technologies ranging from virtual classrooms to e-learning.

The word “seamless” pertains to a smooth flow of events. The term “seamless learning” was not always identified to be associated with the use of technology in education. Only in 2006 was seamless learning defined as continuity in learning with various scenarios using mobile devices or other technology. Although experts define seamless learning differently, in general, this concept refers to the transition between context and learning scenarios that occurs as smoothly or as smoothly as possible. 

Components of an Effective and Seamless Online Teaching and Learning Environment.

Being mindful of what and how much we put out there. It is easy to assume that the more we provide, the more students, faculty, and community members will be aware of it, whether it is digital library resources, online content, training, or websites. However, if there is too much text, information, or anything else, it is human nature to disengage. The digital resource is rendered practically ineffective.

Community-building. The use of Open Educational Resources (OER), materials and textbooks has an impact on the library, IT, E-Learning, faculty, students, and others. By forming communities that include all of these groups, we can address major issues and challenges related to OER adoption while gaining a broad perspective and feedback.

 

Making sure digital resources outside of classrooms (library, career, advising, employer, and other resources) are integrated back into the classroom in specific ways. Learning concepts and theories currently emphasize not only social interaction between learners and learners but also interaction between learners and their learning environment. Learners in “seamless learning” should be allowed to collaborate and interact with one another in a variety of ways, with their peers, learning resources, and the physical world. Now, more than ever, this interaction should also be carried out in the virtual world.

 

How do students benefit from engaging in consciously designed online programming?

Consciously designed online programming means that we try our best to ensure online courses and lessons are dynamic, learner-centered, and based on the highest quality standards and Universal Design Principles (UDL). Online courses are more than just a collection of course materials; they are living, vibrant spaces for connection, learning, and dialogue.

By providing a clear, purposeful route guided by  faculty-to-student and student-to-student interaction, data, and design expertise on how students learn best in virtual spaces, consciously-designed learning can reduce the anxiety some students experience around generalized stereotypes of online learning (“I’m left on my own to learn,” or “I can’t study this subject online”).

 

Conclusion

Seamless learning design is very important and required by society because, as technology advances, seamless learning is also required so that students can carry out learning activities without being limited by time and space.

Finally, a continuous consideration and challenge is ensuring that, in our efforts to become more technologically efficient, savvy, and service-oriented, we do not overlook the issue of access. Not everyone, including faculty and staff, has access to good hardware and high-speed internet. Identifying who lacks access to technology allows for the development of a plan to ensure that no one is left behind.

Learn more by reading this article: Using Design Thinking In Education to Drive Results

We at Abakada Studios make it a top priority to understand our client’s needs in order to provide them with a seamless experience. Check out our services or email us for an answer to any questions you might have. inquiries@abakadastudios.com.