Programmed Learning

Programmed Learning – An alternative learning source for children with SLD (Specific Learning Disabilities) during Pandemic. Technology is everywhere and children these days are getting pretty tech savvy at a very young age. There are so many learning apps out there and it can be difficult to figure out which one is actually educational, with activities, which helps our students with specific learning difficulties in enriching their knowledge during this pandemic times. The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to a nationwide lock down and most of our students attending remedial classes are from villages where there is no proper network coverage so reaching out to them for online teaching was a big challenge. Moreover, parents of our students are semi-literate and sometimes either one or both the parents don’t have an android phone. This was another challenge for us to support our students and the parents. Thinking of a solution to overcome this problem, Programmed learning is the best alternative source for instruction. The term Programmed learning was coined from principles of operant conditioning by Psychologist B.F.Skinner of Harvard University. In this method, the learning contents are presented in a graded sequence of controlled steps. Students work through the programmed material by themselves at their own speed and after each step it checks their comprehension and understanding before moving to the next frame. The programmed instructions link was shared via Wapp to parents, which is a visual learning app and can be easily downloaded from google play store. This app works fine in all devices (mobile, computer, laptop, and tablet).The learning objectives of the content had goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Self Pacing. The advantages of this instruction is it’s based on individual differences, students’ involvement and immediate feedback. Proper instructions were given to parents/siblings/care takers as they can access and filter the content based on subject and class. The app had content from KG TO 5th standard with lot of free activities. Parents were happy and students enjoyed and started learning the content with excitement. As we all know, Learning is understood to be a process in which a child acquires individual experiences; that can be divided into perception - motor learning, verbal, conceptual learning and learning how to solve problems. This programmed learning method with its simple, easy steps and immediate feedback would be an effective learning resource for children with specific learning disabilities during this pandemic. Happy, structured and meaningful learning!!!

Dr.S.Manju

Educational Psychologist