Implementing JavaScript In eLearning
In earlier times, teachers used to teach in classrooms. With evolving technology, methods of learning and teaching have also evolved from human-dependent to machine-aided forms. eLearning or digital learning, or learning based on websites (in laymen’s terms), is a popular method of learning for the last two decades or so. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed its popularity to new heights. The reason behind the success of eLearning techniques are their interactive nature and anytime, anywhere capability, which is not possible in the traditional mode.
eLearning modules work on the basis of certain APIs. API is nothing but the short form for “Application Programming Interface.” The API is a tool used to pull data from a server to a client. In simple words, APIs enable a computer to pull data from a website. We can understand this by using the example of a waiter in a restaurant. The customer is a client computer. The restaurant kitchen is a server or website where the data are present. The waiter is the API, they bring the food from the kitchen (i.e., server) to the customer (i.e., client computer). You just get what you wanted, where you want it.
How Do These APIs Help In Digital Learning?
There are digital learning APIs that keep capturing data about a person’s learning activities. There are many sources for capturing data, such as courses, mobile apps, etc. Learning and Development (L&D) managers can access and analyze this data with the help of the APIs. Thus, APIs enable L&D managers to offer appropriate and tailored learning paths and courses to the learners. Another capability of the APIs used commonly in digital learning is its ability to curate content as per the learner’s needs. For example, showing relevant content or articles from different sources in the learning app/webpage.
Role Of JavaScript
This is where JavaScript comes in. JavaScript enables efficient and seamless data communication. JavaScript, as the name suggests, is a “scripting language.” It is extensively used to create and control dynamic/moving website content. JavaScript makes it easy to refresh updates, highlight important content, etc. Scripting languages are used to automate these tasks.
Implementing JavaScript in eLearning tools expands the capabilities of any course and opens up a lot of opportunities for fun activities and projects with the help of some simple codes. JavaScript in eLearning takes the load of searching and compiling and tells computer programs, such as websites or web applications, to do the actions they are meant to. JavaScript tells images to animate themselves, photos to pop up or cycle through a slideshow, or hints/suggestions to respond to prompts, making the learning process more interactive and drawing the attention and interest of the learners toward a specific topic.
Another advantage of JavaScript is that most popular web browsers come with built-in JavaScript engines. Thus, JavaScript can be used without the requirement to download any additional programs. Learners just have to click on the dynamic structures and the request is served. Some of the common uses of JavaScript include:
- Creating math functions to generate random numbers, round numbers going up or down, etc.
- Working with dates and times
- Splitting text to count the number of words
- Searching and replacing text
- Checking the text for keywords
Designing very complex, highly interactive courses requires the use of many triggers. JavaScript comes in handy here as it allows the grouping of variables and makes the course development process speedy and smooth. Thus, JavaScript enables achieving complex coding using fewer codes.
Moreover, JavaScript is very fast. Within the client-side browser, it can be run immediately. JavaScript is unrestricted by network calls to a backend server. JavaScript is simple and anyone who wishes to can learn it easily, and its implementation is also easy. It can be used in a variety of applications, from light programs to heavily loaded programs. JavaScript gels nicely with other programming languages.
Client-side security is the biggest concern with JavaScript. As the code executes on the user’s computer, security can be breached easily and information can be used for malicious purposes. Thus, keeping aside a few negatives, the use of JavaScript is a must in eLearning for better learner interaction and a better learning experience altogether.
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