Relation between learner engagement and learning outcome

90% of learners are content creators instead of only information receivers. The percentages for learner engagement and knowledge creators when compared to social media platforms, we see that on social platforms there are 1% creators, 9% commentators and 90% passive users.

In social media, there is a 1-9-90 rule (1 % internet culture rule): 1 % create, 9 % edit and 90 % passively watch content. In 2016, EdTech Foundry built a basic prototype for course communication in higher education and tested it in 6 classes, at BI Norwegian Business School 23 % the students were active users. As a comparison, in the old system, about 1 % were active creators. Even though the results were better, we were still left with 77% passive users.

Literature underlines a positive relation between learner engagement and learning outcome. Despite this fact, current learning technology is built to support the existing, but outdated teaching methodology. Today competition is rewarded. As a result, learner engagement is low.

In short, the educational system does not stimulate exploration, collaboration and trial and error. We need to change the educational system to be engaging, open and educate students on how to be lifelong learners "The digital learning environment we need for the future does not exist yet. We need to build it, together. (Anne B. Swanberg, PhD Learning Styles, CEO LearningLab at BI Norwegian Business School)

When faced with a huge learning content, learners often become confused and instead of asking questions, they remain silent. For the learning process to be successful, it is essential to provide learners with sufficient opportunities to ask questions during the learning process. 
 

Author: Mattheos Kakaris