Much like the computer based instruction - CBI, online education enables the automation of numerous processes which in traditional instruction had to be performed by the lecturer/instructor . Elements of instruction individualisation are especially important in that process , since those elements enable every individual to choose when, where and how they will use online educational materials independently of the rest of the group.
Methods applied in individual approach in distance education are typically applicable for group work as well. However, they will be represented here separately.
Ways of individual learning applicable in distance education can be diverse:
- listening to a lecture, speech, sketch, play;
- reading books, articles, reports;
- watching presentations, simulations, demonstrations, experiments;
- visiting virtual museums, historical and cultural monuments;
- imitating and modelling the behaviour of professionals, experts, scientists;
- using learning games, simulators, virtual laboratories;
- case studies, critical analyses, reviews, essays;
- role play, screenplay writing, writing dramatic dialogues;
- problem solving, doing assignments fostering creativity, projects, research;
- answering the questions, quizzes, tests;
- review and drill during the memorizing process or during the process of mastering skills;
- real-environment experience gathering and writing a report;
- step-by-step analysis of phenomena, processes, models, theories;
- finding and analysing information from different sources independently.
With individual approach one should ensure as simple procedures as possible, as well as intuitively and ergonomically designed interfaces, detailed and easy-to-understand instructions for work, at least periodic feedback about the correctness of the work method applied by a participant, with as fast and as objective evaluation of the achieved results as possible and timely feedback.
Tips & tricks: Choice of pedagogical methods related to individual approach to e-education should be made in accordance with the available financial resources, as some of them require significant investments (e.g. simulations and virtual labs). The need for the instructor’s work when the evaluation of participants requires a significant investment of their time (e.g. reading individual work of the participants after different activities) should also be anticipated. Finally, the participants who did not understand the instructions or are unable to master the given tasks independently should be provided with support, counselling and helpdesk service.
