Language is one of the most important tools available to mankind. It helps us transfer thoughts and ideas. Now, while that sounds easy enough, it is actually more complicated than that. For instance, language is often used to assert dominance. Words can be used to portray condescension by framing sentences in a particular manner. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? We all have often made use of language to convey a certain type of emotion: some choose to reflect positivity, and others choose negativity. Keeping all of this in mind, how do these tones of language impact e-learning?
Online learning, also known as e-learning, is a newer mode of learning that makes use of the internet. One of the most important different aspects of learning in this medium is that this mode often has no specific ‘teacher’. This is especially true in the case of online learning platforms, where courses are taught through articles, videos, and other learning aids. Effectively, language becomes not only the medium but also the mediator, as it transfers data for the sake of reception. Here, for learning to be possible in this context, few things are essential:
- The language has to be, for lack of a better word, simple. It cannot be too heavy in academic terms. If it is too loaded with difficult terms, it will deter the person from learning. For a learner to embrace learning fully, the language has to be accessible.
- Coming back to the point made at the beginning, the tone used in the learning material has to be direct. It cannot be too heavy-handed: it has to be on equal footing with the learner. The person attempting to learn should feel like he is being spoken to, rather than mindlessly dictated.
- At some points, the e-learning platforms must take the decision to forego language in favour of other representations — when and where they make that choice is crucial. This is an important choice for every e-learning platform to make.
- Language comes up in formats other than ones in writing as well. In videos, for example, we need short and crisp sentences that add to the images we see on screen, not distract from it. We don’t want learners — especially ones newly introduced to online learning — to be confused by the data flashing on their screens.
- When it comes to audio files, the sentences may be lengthy, but they need to be spoken slowly and steadily. The narrator has to speak audibly and with enough pauses to help the listener grasp the meaning of what is being said. The flow of language has to be easy for the learner to go along with.
Language is something we take for granted because we use it all the time. Yet, it is one of the most essential — if not the most essential — tools for learning. When it comes to online learning, this tool becomes even more pertinent because it is what connects the learner to the screen. While there are quite a few learning platforms available to e-learners, the one you choose for your e-learning has to prioritize the connection between you and the screen. Are you on the lookout for something new? Keep checking this space for more. Till next time!
