Interactive Learning Experiences: 5 Ways to Improve Online Class Engagement Levels

Online learning is becoming increasingly popular because of the convenience it offers to learners. In fact, since 2000, the market for online learning has grown by over 900%. Furthermore, each technological innovation brings several enhancements that improve e-learning experiences and outcomes. An example of how technology can revolutionize the classroom can be seen in the development of interactive learning experiences.

Online classes can significantly boost knowledge retention and engagement by leveraging interactive learning. Digital textbook platforms like KITABOO facilitate interactive learning in five key ways that impact how a lesson is delivered and how a learner grasps it.

This blog will explore how interactive learning experiences can shape online learning and what the benefits are.

Table of Contents

I. What is Interactive Learning?

II. 5 Ways Interactive Learning Experiences Boost Engagement in Online Learning

1. Hands-On Experience
2. Active Participation
3. Healthy Competition
4. Encouraging Curiosity and Creativity
5. Thinking on Your Feet

III. Benefits of Interactive Learning

IV. Wrapping Up

Interactive learning is a strategy in which students are encouraged to actively participate in the lesson by leveraging various pedagogical approaches. For example, by using group discussions, the participants of an online classroom can engage with the topic through a discussion with their team members or the teacher.

Modern technology has enabled significant evolution in applying interactive strategies through techniques such as gamification and quizzes. Such activities ensure learners remain engaged in the lesson by piquing their interest in the module at strategically planned intervals, drastically improving engagement and learning outcomes from a lesson.

Interactive learning experiences are crucial to enhance engagement levels in an online classroom. Below are five major ways in which interactive learning can transform your classroom:

Interactive learning provides online learners a way to experience the lesson hands-on. Using tools like interactive videos, activities, and other media, candidates are encouraged to apply themselves to practical situations using classroom concepts.

Interacting with course content at key points and connecting the curriculum with their own experiences enhances student learning outcomes. Studies suggest that learners can retain up to 80% of what they learn from seeing and doing.

Interactive learning enhances engagement by seeking active participation from classroom members. For example, candidates will be encouraged to participate in an online learning class with a group discussion or a project/activity built into the coursework and evaluation methods.

By motivating learners to participate in the lesson (by answering questions or completing a quick activity), interactive learning prevents the learner’s attention from getting diverted toward distractions.

Interactive learning experiences embody a certain level of competition by incorporating group activities, games, leaderboards, etc. Learners are encouraged to participate in these activities during live sessions and engage in healthy competition with each other students.

Not only does a little competition help improve engagement, but it also induces a level of motivation in the learners to surpass themselves and perform better in future activities. Interactive learning experiences push learners to do better.

Interactivity isn’t always necessarily “active.” Sometimes, interactive experiences can generate curiosity about a subject or help learners think more creatively and critically in their lessons.

For example, after introducing a new concept, teachers can design an interactive project in which students are required to bring new perspectives for solving a problem, raise questions, and explore novel approaches. Interactivity creates a culture of curiosity and creativity, helping boost candidate engagement in the online course.

One of the most effective ways interactive experiences boost engagement is by urging the learners to think on their feet. By introducing timed quizzes or activities, interactive learning helps students quickly assess their knowledge and decide the most logical and reasonable solution according to the conditions provided through the activity.

Since the candidates must apply the newly learned concepts to the activity, they remain engaged and absorb as much as possible to do well. Interactive experiences can deliver instant feedback after every activity so learners can understand which concepts require more attention.

There are countless benefits of interactive learning. However, the four that make a major difference in online learning are as follows:

1. Improved Retention

Introducing visuals, media, and other interactive content in online learning has the potential to increase retention by 30%. Hands-on participation in learning through activities helps learners remember and recall the subject matter more easily. It is also beneficial if they wish to apply these concepts later in life. 

2. Real-Time Feedback

Interactive learning gives immediate feedback to learners when the interactive module ends. For example, by taking a quick quiz in the middle of a lesson, the candidate would immediately get to know whether they answered correctly. Instant feedback is crucial to help learners build a solid foundation before moving on to more complex concepts. 

3. Cost-Effective

Applying interactive experiences to online learning is more economical than arranging group activities by gathering everyone at a single location to participate in an activity. It is less time-consuming and has more options for introducing interactivity to the lesson through gamification and personalization.

4. Greater Accessibility

Conventional learning has long put up barriers to entry for students with disabilities. Here’s the data:

• 15-20% of people in the US have reading difficulties, including dyslexia.
• 3-4% of people in the UK, US, and Canada can’t see well enough to read.
• 4-5% of people in the US, UK, and Canada suffer from hearing difficulty.

With classic textbook material, pen-to-paper tests, and in-person lectures, many students are left out. Interactive learning experiences can be curated for all learners, and digital textbook platforms like KITABOO extend beyond just eBooks. Increase student engagement by integrating interactivity features like audio, video, assignment widgets, and read-aloud. The diversity in teaching material can significantly democratize education and boost engagement in online classes. 

Online learning has quickly become mainstream, and it will only improve as the world innovates and discovers new ways of teaching and learning. Interactivity can take on many forms, like AR/VR, quizzes, games, etc. – however, to implement them in your courses, you need specialized assistance through platforms like KITABOO.

KITABOO is a digital textbook solution that provides publishers with a variety of tools and technologies that help bring more interactivity to online learning. Reach out to us now to understand how you can revolutionize your classroom.

Contact our expert team now and get started!

To know more, please write to us at KITABOO@hurix.com