I have been asked a few times “How to make an e-Learning Course Successful”there are a lot variables, In my opinion what stands out the most is:
Is the learner learning?Does the learner want to learn more?
Here are 5 steps to help you improve your next course.
1. Grab the learner’s attention
This may seem like it is a difficult task to do via an e-learning course, we all know how to grab the learner’s attention in person. But how do you do this via a computer or handheld device? It would be super cool if we could reach through the screen andsmack them around and say,HEY, PAY ATTENTION!I don’t foresee this happening or to be effective. However, letting the learner know what they will learn, what is in it for them and what they are going to be able to do differently by the end of the module will grab their attention. If someone told you in 30 minutes you could save 45 minutes by preparing a document differently wouldn’t you pay attention? I know I would.
2. Getting the Learnerto think
Getting the learner to think about what they are being asked instead of just clicking through the course is really imperative. This is the first step in getting the knowledge stick. Sure, we can prevent this with built in features that will prevent this type action. However, we have found it more beneficial to use open endedquestions as part of a knowledge check point throughout the course. To keep the learner engaged. Asking open endedquestions and allowing the learner to think it through and giving their answers.This will give them time to think about what they already know and any areas they are unsure of. On the next screen, you can show them a model answer so they can compare it to theirs, noting any differences or points they are not clear on. You can also track the results through your LMS and reiterate the bullet points for continued learning.
3. Present content in small chunks of knowledge
Reading on screen is often a difficult task and at times more difficult thanreading on paper. It is important that information is broken down into bite size chunks of knowledge.At Ideaon we created a course, that are built solely with this mind. We developed a series of modules that are no more than 10 minutes long, unique, different and not traditional. We call hem e-LEARNING BURSTS!
Bite-sized learning with big results !!
If you can use interactive means such as clickable text or graphics it works well to keep the learner engaged. It allows gives the learner an opportunity to work at their own pace, drilling down into the information. It allows them to stay on the information as long as they need.
4. Frequent Interaction
Always an important factor, frequent interaction will turn the longest course into a fun and challenging course. By adding frequent questions or games, such as hangman or a drag and drop, will help keep the learner stay engaged, while having fun and learning. It is a proven fact that you will learn more from having fun and being engaged, then just reading words on a screen.
5. Tell stories and make it personal
Everyone loves a good story and everyone loves to be able to relate something to real life. As you saw above in our Learning Burst we used diamonds, everyone globally can relate to a diamond. We find that more a theme can relate to everyday things the more engaged a learner will become. Just like reality TV, it relates to real life situations. So when you are thinking about your next course think about using a theme to enhance the engagement of your learners.
Everyone loves a good story and everyone loves to be able to relate something to real life. As you saw above in our Learning Burst we used diamonds, everyone globally can relate to a diamond. We find that more a theme can relate to everyday things the more engaged a learner will become. Just like reality TV, it relates to real life situations. So when you are thinking about your next course think about using a theme to enhance the engagement of your learners.
40% more learnersare finishing the course with an additional 20% taking it.
