With live streamed content popularity on a huge rise, which clocks in at an 80% increase from 2016 compared with 2015 and growing fast, it should come as no surprise that every industry in the world is going to see a change involving this technology. Live streaming is hugely popular within different communities around the world, but more and more people are finding uses for it in the education section. Today, we’re going to explore seven unique and interesting ways this is taking place and how the world is changing because of it.
1. Expanded Learning Opportunities
Originally, education meant students were sitting in front of a teacher in a classroom setting, taking notes, and following exam criteria. Nowadays, however, the education system is far more active and far more dynamic since students can learn from teachers from anywhere in the world at any time.
2. More Dynamic Classes
Instead of just sitting and reading from a textbook or trying to recreate an experiment with everyone huddled around, live stream classes can be broadcast from locations with state-of-the-art equipment in the best facilities in the world. Plus, all students can benefit from this.
3. Reduced Costs for All
One of the greatest benefits of live streaming educational classes is the fact that the lessons cost next to nothing. Whereas previously students have to pay tuition to pay teachers and fund the buildings, online classes are a lot more affordable, and with more people able to attend, the classes can be cheaper and the quality better.
4. Wider Audiences
Of course, classrooms are restricted by the number of students they can handle, but when you’re live streaming, the audience potential is limitless. This means experts in the field can broadcast to thousands, if not millions, of students at the same time, meaning more people can benefit from the teachings they have to share.
“Whether you’re a student in a school or university, or you’re extending your learning by attending a class of your choice, there are plenty of opportunities and platforms to get started, and if you’re an expert, there are plenty of opportunities for you to share your message” shares Christy Styles, an education writer at State of Writing and Australian Help.
5. Meet and Work with Others
Since there are so many people able to go into a live stream chat, and the chances are these live streams are hosted within schools or online communities, it’s a great opportunity to meet other people and get to know like-minded individuals.
Whether they’re working on projects together, or just chatting about the work or life in general, live streaming has introduced a whole new dynamic to education and learning communities.
This level of collaboration can be so much better for students since they can inspire and encourage each other, and if you’re learning via an online course, everyone is there for the same reasons, rather than a traditional classroom setting where you’re forced to be with people you may not get along with.
6. Higher Rates of Interactive Media
“Sitting in a classroom, reading a textbook, or listening to a teacher can be incredibly boring. Fortunately, interacting during a live stream is far more impressive and innovative than many people believe. Questions can still be asked, interactive media can be displayed on screen, and questions can be answered in real-time in the chat and by the teacher themselves” explains Sarah Turner, an educator from Essay Roo and Paper Fellows.
7. Learning on the Go
Mobile learning is now new and improved and has never been as accessible as it is today. With the ability to learn on the move, it doesn’t matter what is going on in the lives of students around the world; they can tune into to learn, as well as watching the recorded broadcasts back at a later date.
This makes the lessons even more accessible, as well as ensuring, as statistics show, higher retention rates and a wider range of multimedia to choose from. This is more options for students who need flexibility and wouldn’t otherwise be able to learn.
Summary
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits that come from live streaming within the education industry, and these are only going to expand as the industry grows, the technology becomes more advanced, and this kind of learning becomes more popular.
Ellie Coverdale, an education writer at Ukwritings.com and Academized.com, shares her tips and tricks on digital and social media education. She’s interested in how students and teachers can improve their experiences in the classroom. She also teaches writing skills for Boomessays.com in her free time.
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