Learning providers today stand at the head of what is without doubt a revolution in the technology behind how teaching is delivered. New solutions allow instructors the option to supplement – or even replace – in-person classes with online alternatives. They can stream lessons in real-time or on-demand, making lessons accessible way beyond the walls of the traditional classroom. Let's face it, at ZandaX, our entire business model grew out of a long time developing and delivering courses in traditional “bricks and mortar” training locations. So, yes, we're converts!
In this article, we're talking about
OTT platforms (OTT stands for Over-The-Top, would you believe…) which are digital streaming services that deliver course content directly to users via the internet. In this way they bypass conventional channels like DVDs or corporate intranets. They host video-based courses, webinars, and interactive training sessions, and are set up to cope with multiple devices. Because of this, courses and sessions are scalable and flexible, so learners can train at their own pace.
Advanced OTT solutions also provide the ability to develop and improve “on the fly”, and this means that interactive features can be added, making lessons more engaging and personalized. And of course diverse learning styles can be addressed, providing students with the kind of adaptable learning environment that's often needed.
And by using the back end technology that comes with these solutions, instructors can also look at analytics that monitor student engagement and performance. Which is another way that teaching materials, or methods, can be adjusted to better meet students' needs. As you can see, these solutions are poised to transform the world of learning and pave the way for a much more inclusive environment.
Implement Your Solution In Steady Steps
When you're considering how to implement your own OTT solution, your first job is to recognize that it's not a race! Bad choices made in a hurry can mean that you effectively sabotage your success before you start!
So map out what you need to do so you create a logical, controlled path:
- Choose the Right Platform - Compare features like live streaming, VOD, analytics, and multi-device support.
- Purchase or Subscribe? – Owning the solution has long term cost advantages, but needs financing. Whichever you choose, select a pricing plan you can afford and make sure it integrates with your existing LMS and/or IT systems.
- Upload and Organize Content - Add video lectures, interactive quizzes, and supplementary materials. If you need to develop more resources, cost the time and money into your plan.
- Configure Access & Roles - Set up student enrollments and permissions for instructors and admin staff.
- Customize the Learning Experience – Seek ways to personalize content, enable interactive features, and support multiple devices. Establish how much scope you have for ongoing improvement (you'll need it!)
- Launch & Promote – Inform and educate students, promote courses, and set up notifications.
- Monitor & Analyze - Use analytics to track engagement and improve the process on an ongoing basis.
- Optimize & Scale - Expand content, improve delivery, and explore monetization opportunities.
Leveraging OTT for Growth
OTT solutions are set to play an ever-increasing role in enhancing learning experiences. In a short article like this, it's not easy to convey the sheer magnitude of what's provided – and what can be done – but it's fair to say that the ways an OTT system can help you may only be limited only by your own imagination!
Incorporating OTT platforms into the curriculum
Educators can use these platforms to integrate a host of content into their curricula. Video lectures, virtual reality experiences, and adaptive learning algorithms enable delivery to be dynamic and adaptable to diverse learning styles. Interactive courses and quizzes improve involvement further.
Cloud computing also plays a part in storing and accessing vast amounts of content, so students always have the materials they need. Artificial intelligence tools, too, can be used to create tailored learning paths, where they adapt content so it maps what each student needs.
Advantages for flexible and personalized learning
A big advantage here is that of flexible learning – which allows students to access their courses anytime, anywhere. This is ideal for blended learning settings, where online courses are mixed with traditional classroom instruction. This adds an “on demand” element to the mix, where students can fit in their assignments when they need, but still retain the regular “return to base” that scheduled classes provide.
Student engagement and participation
OTT platforms result in much
greater student engagement because of the way interactive content is provided, developed … and shared. It's possible to host discussion boards and quizzes which encourage students to engage actively, and virtual reality and artificial intelligence add to the variety and flexibility of content.
Operational and Analytical Insights
These platforms also enable data to be collected and analyzed to increase understanding of engagement – and identify areas for improvement. A data-driven approach allows continual refinement of content and delivery methods, which is essential in almost every subject area.
Monitoring and progress tracking with analytics
Tools within these platforms, such as Byju and Aagam, provide data on student progress – and, by extension, the effectiveness of the content – and the curriculum itself.
Challenges and their solutions
Amid all this talk of the advantages, benefits and potential of OTT platforms, there are, of course, a few problems to be overcome.
The first – and high on the list of those who are paying for it – is the cost of the internet-capable devices needed for accessing digital content. To address this, some solutions offer a compromise where the level of technology is reduced. This isn't ideal because (depending on what is removed) there are compromises to be made, but if it means the difference between getting the solution or backing out, then a choice needs to be made.
There is the challenge of content security, created by piracy and unauthorized sharing. Measures like DRM (Digital Rights Management), watermarking, and encryption can be used to protect content, and make sure that only authorized users can gain access.
And of course, technical issues can surface. Servers can struggle to cope as user numbers grow, so solutions like CDNs, cloud hosting, and load balancing may be needed. There may also be problems with buffering – fixed with adaptive streaming – and compatibility – fixed with multi-device optimization. So a robust backend infrastructure is necessary to avoid a successful launch turning into an under-performing nightmare!
Conclusion
OTT solutions give users of any learning environment access to a huge range of instructional resources. They enable instructors to improve student engagement with interactive content and continuous development of materials. Different learning styles can be accommodated by allowing students to access materials at their own speed. Which is crucial, especially for people juggling other priorities alongside their studies.
All in all, the benefits we've outlined here put traditional teaching methods in the shade. We're about to see a relentless increase in the adoption of OTT technology which means that those who adopt it will advance the effectiveness of their teaching beyond recognition as the years progress. And those who don't will see the value of their own offerings fall below what's needed.
So which camp do you want to be in?
