Transfer Hands-On Learning Experiences to Elearning

One of the challenges we recently faced at Endurance Learning was creating a training program for early learning educators that not only provided information but also replicated the rich, tactile experiences of hands-on activities. For these educators, this is especially crucial when teaching math concepts, as young learners benefit greatly from physically manipulating objects to develop spatial awareness, number sense, and problem-solving skills.

Here are a few of the strategies we used to effectively transfer hands-on learning experiences into an online format:

1. Video Demonstrations and Modeling

Watching an experienced educator model an activity helps learners visualize effective instructional techniques. Videos can highlight how to facilitate student discovery, ask guiding questions, and connect the activity to broader math concepts.

Example of hands-on learning experiences - Early childhood teacher and student exploring math concepts with wooden blocks

2. Interactive Digital Simulations

A well-designed digital simulation mirrors the physical experience while incorporating additional learning benefits such as guided hints and instant feedback. Interactive tools can also demonstrate key instructional strategies, such as scaffolding and inquiry-based learning, that educators can use in their classrooms.

One of the more challenging activities we created for a module was a “build a tangram” activity that allowed learners to drag and rotate pieces to complete puzzles.

Elearning Tangram Puzzle Activity - Hands-On Learning Experience in Elearning

3. Learning and Reflection Opportunities

Providing opportunities for educators to reflect on challenges, brainstorm ways to adapt hands-on activities to their unique classroom settings, and apply their learning ensures they can carry it over into practice effectively.

Elearning Early Math Concepts Reflection Opportunity

Conclusion: Thoughtful Design Strategies

While eLearning presents challenges in replicating hands-on experiences, thoughtful design strategies can ensure that early learning educators gain practical, tangible skills to use in their classrooms. By integrating interactive simulations, video modeling, and reflection opportunities, we were able to create engaging and effective training experiences.

When educators can confidently translate their eLearning experiences into meaningful, hands-on math activities for their students, we move one step closer to fostering a love of math from the very start.

Try the Tangram Activity

Now it is your turn to try your hand at this hands-on learning experience, making a Tangram.

Hannah Radant

As the Elearning Development Manager at Endurance Learning, Hannah Radant is a leader in the field of e-learning development who transforms complex challenges into engaging and accessible learning experiences. With an MA in Education from The George Washington University and decades of instructional experience, she is a master at developing high-quality courses with advanced functionality.

Hannah has published multiple articles on e-learning development, worked on hundreds of elearning projects in Articulate Rise, Articulate Storyline, and isEazy. She has created advanced interactions that drive learning objectives forward using JavaScript to expand the capabilities of Articulate Storyline.

Hannah leads the team at Endurance Learning in implementing processes that ensure all e-learning meets WCAG accessibility standards and is hyper-focused on creating interactions that are effective even in low-bandwidth situations.

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