E-Learning for the junior youth

When it comes to an audience analysis, the most targeted audience is the junior youth. These are teenage learners, ranging from 12 to 19 years. The reason for this is because it is best to initiate them early into self paced learning, and encourages critical thinking, problem solving and independence when it comes to intellectual growth. However, even if this is the most desired leaner group, it is also the most difficult to manage, encourage and inspire. Literally.

So, how can we build this group in e-learning? After an audience analysis, I have devised some ways e-learning can be implemented effectively.?

1: Facilitator Support: This is the most crucial aspect in the e-learning process. The facilitator will invigilate learner progress as well as guide the learner step by step. In addition with an e-learning facilitator present, it is much easier to implement other fundamental aspects of e-learning for this group such as live tutoring sessions, feedback on posts and availability for inquiry. For this age group to be nurtured in a virtual learning environment, a facilitator is an essential puzzle piece.

2: Partnered Exercise: When kids tend to do exercises on their own, they can easily decide to postpone learning but when partnered with someone else or put in a group, it is most definite they will set time aside to do the exercise and engage with others intellectually. The best aspect of this e-learning strategy is that they don’t have to be physically present, just setting time aside can have great benefit to be concurred, guided or corrected by other fellow learners.??

3: Cumulative Assessment: One thing that was noticeable with this age group is their retention ability. It does take a while and requires patience. So basically you have to keep reminding them so they don’t forget or to remember until it is ingrained in their brains. I figured the best way to achieve this is to use cumulative assessments. What this means is; if you cover a certain subtopic, at the end of it there will be a short assessment of five questions, come to subtopic two there will be another assessment but this time of ten questions; five being from subtopic one with the other five from subtopic two. This approach will not only increase their retention level but will also incentivize them to go back to class notes and reread more attentively.?

4: Gaming simulations: This is an active form of assessment. Who does not like gaming? No, is a most definite answer for learners under this age group. Incorporating recap gaming simulations will encourage them to be intellectually active for the session and in addition, it will enhance their critical thinking and problem solving skills.

5: Videography Reports: Most would debate about this but I feel it is a good addition. My reasoning for this is that a video can tell more than a sheet of paper. In a video where the learner describes what they have learned so far, you can note missing gaps of information, comprehension level on what has been taught and what needs to be assessed. This is a more practical manner for them to engage with the learning content.

So here are my approaches. Have you ever worked with the junior youth in your E-learning profession? Have you implemented the above approaches? Which one and what else did you use? I would like to know.