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Webinars have grown in popularity and consumption over the years and have been increasingly used by industry leaders across multiple sectors. Online marketers have used them extensively in lead generation, while financial institutions and even health professionals have found them useful in some capacity. However, when webinars are mentioned, a sector usually goes unmentioned— this is the education sector.
Over the years, webinars are beginning to find a place in the education sector. This is not surprising, as most webinars produced are used in some form of training and education. Only 24% of all webinars are used for marketing and lead generation, leaving over 75% for education. In schools, using webinars has also garnered popularity with both students and teachers. This article will discuss why webinars are becoming more preferred by educators and students and why they benefit the educational sector.
What are webinars?
A webinar, or a web-based seminar, is an online event where a speaker or speakers present a topic to an audience in real-time. Some have compared attending webinars to being in a virtual classroom where they gain online information in real time. Presenters of webinars use several techniques to make webinar sessions more captivating and interactive.
Some use slides, pictures, and videos to spice up their content and emphasize the information they’re presenting. Some webinar platforms have tools such as live chats, which allow the audience to participate in the webinars and gain more from the event. Webinars come in different forms as a learning tool; they could be live webinars or pre-recorded for the convenience of any attendee.
Students’ growing preference for webinars
Over the last few years, webinars have been increasingly used in the educational sector. This trend has continued for a while but spiked following the pandemic when educational webinars grew by over 35% in just three months. The evidence suggests that educators are not the only ones driving the increased use of webinars.
A 2023 survey revealed that over 70% of students in the United States prefer online educational activities over in-person ones, among which are webinars. But why are students increasingly preferring webinars over physical learning? Here are some reasons:
Cost-effective tool for lecturer and student
Many students spend a lot of money on travel and accommodation; added to the financial cost is also the time and mental burden of actually ensuring that you make the right choices concerning these things. By taking online classes, they can save these funds.
Recordable video conferencing class
Even if the classes are live, webinars offer students the option of recording the class video with the help of web-based software. They can also share information with fellow students and schedule time to interact in study in groups while improving the ease and efficacy of different learning styles for students. So, if you cannot attend the live sessions, instructors can record a class and make it easier to access from different parts of the world.
Interaction through anonymity
Many students experience anxiety when they try to participate in physical classes, but that can change when they attend a webinar. The internet offers a sense of anonymity that could encourage interaction. Many students feel safe asking relevant questions and clearing doubts about a subject. An online platform allows students to share a common platform with their instructor; they can always drop a question in the chat box for the instructor to reply.
Global reach
At times, the location issue could hinder students who wish to attend classes in other countries but don’t have the means to be physically present. Web-based webinar software is important for students who want to access courses in foreign countries, even if they are miles away from their instructors.
Benefits of online classes for the educator
Webinar-based online learning is not only beneficial to the learner but also for instructors and institutes as well. Here are some ways the educational sector profits from incorporating webinars as part of their learning strategies to accommodate students from different locations. Let's explore why webinars are important for students to solve some learning problems.
Webinars can help reach a large audience
Many educators often face serious complaints and limitations when they have to address a large group physically. If the classroom is large, there are usually issues with rowdiness and students struggling to hear what the educator is saying, putting a physical strain on everyone involved. With webinars, educators can reach this large audience more conveniently without having to task themselves physically and suffer distractions from uncomfortable students.
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Improving skills
Some educators have found that by recording their lectures and going back to them, they could spot the weaknesses of each session and identify the areas where they could be improved. This feature can help them hone their skills and improve their class preparation and presentation, ultimately benefiting the students who would get information and the educational industry. Interestingly, the live sessions hosted on a webinar platform also allows students to challenge one another and meet new people from different locations other than where they live.
Saving cost
Repetitive physical learning is costly. Hence, physical classes not only affect students financially, but they are also expensive for educators, schools, and every student. Teachers must also travel to physical classes and seek accommodation, which could affect their finances. The schools must invest in infrastructure like physical classroom setups and electricity, which must be paid for and don’t come cheaply.
Webinars absolve the educator and the institute of this expenditure. Classes can be organized with a laptop, browser software, and a good internet connection. This is a win for everyone involved in the education sector. Hence, it provides a platform for students to meet and make it easier to absorb the learning materials.
Conclusion
Webinars have become popular in education because of their numerous benefits. Webinars encourage interaction, help students access lectures conveniently, and better organize study sessions. They also benefit educators and institutions by allowing them to save money and reach a broader audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of educational live webinars for students?
Educational webinars (live webinar) are used to educate or engage an audience, no matter the subject. Such webinars allow the educator to share documents, videos, voice notes, and slides.
Will online education replace in-person classrooms?
Online education will only partially replace traditional classrooms. While online classes have advantages such as convenience and accessibility, physical classrooms offer students a more holistic learning experience without fewer chances of distraction.
How can educators conduct effective webinars and empower students to learn faster?
After choosing a topic, educators should prepare and practice their presentation, keep it simple and clear, encourage participation, and use lots of visuals to keep the students stimulated and focused.
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