Deep and Meaningful learning experience in an eLearning context: A perspective

Deep and Meaningful learning is a personal, joyful experience a learner comes across in any formal or informal learning environment. These terminologies are in fact an outcome of observed experimental research, which distinguishes between a surface approach to learning and a deep meaningful in-depth approach to learning (Mystakidis,2021). A quantitative conception of learning considers learning as merely a process of accumulating information. In contrast a qualitative conception of learning views learning leading towards comprehension and interpretation of meaning. Let's summarize the qualitative conception of learning as:

Fascinating, isn't it?- An affective component to learning.

A deep learning checklist would involve:

• Does the design, visual experience, caselets, expert talks and information embedded promote polymorphic thinking (creative, critical, reflective, and caring (Valtanen et al., 2008)?
• Does the flow of the holistic experience in the eLearning program promote inquiry and problem solving to identify the connect existing with work and the new concepts? In other words, will the learner make a personal cognitive contribution?

Meaningful learning hinges on the course design linking theory and practice with strong experiences which results in an expression of positive or negative emotions (Kostiainen et al.,2018).

The Caring category of learning: One of the six categories propounded by Fink(2003) really draws my attention though the others are equally important.

An evaluative statement linked to the above could mean:

Does my eLearning program create an emotional shift regarding their values, perceptions and interest towards the studied domain?

Let's constantly strive to create meaningful and deep learning experiences. Then true enough like Pooh, we will all begin to feel the learning experience.

Below are the research references from which these insights have been drawn:

1. Mystakidis, S. (2021). Deep meaningful learning.?Encyclopedia,?1(3), 988-997.
2. Valtanen, J.; Berki, E.; Kampylis, P.; Theodorakopoulou, M. Manifold Thinking and Distributed Problem-Based Learning: Is There Potential For ICT Support? In Proceedings of the E-Learning’08 Conference, Las Vegas, NV, USA, 14–17 July 2008; Volume I, pp. 145–152.
3. Kostiainen, E.; Ukskoski, T.; Ruohotie-Lyhty, M.; Kauppinen, M.; Kainulainen, J.; M?kinen, T. Meaningful learning in teacher education. Teach. Teach. Educ. 2018, 71, 66–77
4. Fink, L.D. Creating Significant Learning Experiences: An Integrated Approach to Designing College Courses; Jossey-Bass: San Francisco, CA, USA, 2003

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