eLearning attracts a diverse set of learners. Individuals from different educational backgrounds, age groups experience and prior knowledge of the subject matter might be partaking in an online course simultaneously. Each will learn at a different pace, understanding the content differently, and interpreting the message on their own terms. Because of this variation, L&D professionals might find it challenging to deliver their learning objectives using a one-size-fits-all approach. So, what’s the answer? Scaffolding. What is Scaffolding? Not all learners absorb online content equally. The best way for L&D professionals to achieve their teaching objectives is to design and develop courses that meet the needs of a diverse set of participants. Scaffolding is an instructional approach, based on the work of psychologist Lev Vygotsky’s research in cognitive development, that helps online learners move progressively through the learning process. At a very high-level, scaffolding … [Read more...] about How to Scaffold ELearning Content: Effective strategies and tactics to consider
12 Rules For Giving and Receiving Effective Feedback as an Instructional Designer
As eLearning specialists, we work with many different people to pull off our projects successfully. SMEs, managers, content creators, course designers, and stakeholders all play a part in making the magic happen. When things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d like, it’s inevitable that you’ll have to dispense constructive criticism, however. In this article, we'll explore 6 rules for delivering feedback and 6 rules for handling corrective feedback. 6 rules for deliver feedback #1 Be Specific - This one makes the list first, as it is the most important! Clear feedback is critical in actually getting the results you desire without multiple back-and-forths. Deliver it concisely to avoid any confusion, and provide enough detail to get what you want. I once received feedback on an article I had written that stated, “This section needs to be better”. That’s terrible feedback! Did the client mean I needed more examples, better engagement, a more consistent tone, a better focus on the … [Read more...] about 12 Rules For Giving and Receiving Effective Feedback as an Instructional Designer
The secrets to creating engaging eLearning: How to provide your audience with meaningful learning experiences
It’s said that practice makes perfect. For decades now, a tried and tested approach to delivering new learning has been practice, practice…and more practice. Many L&D approaches, in fact, encourage aspects of repeated review and revision. The prevailing thought has been: The more you do, the better you learn. There’s no denying that significant knowledge transference does occur through continuous drills and exercises. However, the big question is: How engaging do learners find practice-intensive eLearning course when trying to learn new concepts and skills? Disengagement through practice The secret to productive knowledge transfer lies in creating learning environments where learners engage constructively with learning content. When it comes to creating engaging eLearning, therefore, it’s not only essential to include aspects of repeated practice; it’s also important that instructional designers and Learning & Development (L&D) professionals design such activity in ways … [Read more...] about The secrets to creating engaging eLearning: How to provide your audience with meaningful learning experiences
Learning Curve: How Employers Can Change Steep To Genial Learning Experiences
There’s plenty of evidence, both anecdotal and empirical, that if you try to teach someone new things when they are anxious, the result is often counterproductive. So, what can employers do to help transform a steep learning experience into a more genial and smooth learning curve? How Can The Learning Curve Help Employers Change Learning Experiences? When new processes, procedures or tools are introduced in the workplace, it’s natural for employees to feel overwhelmed. The steep initial learning curve associated with embracing such change is often what gives workers cause for stress. What Is The Learning Curve? At it’s most basic level when used to measure accomplishments or lack thereof, a curve is associated with a gradual incline, uphill or steep, or decline, down-hill or “less steep”, in reported results. The learning curve is typically used as a measure that determines how difficult or easy it is for educators to impart knowledge, and for employees to learn new skills or acquire … [Read more...] about Learning Curve: How Employers Can Change Steep To Genial Learning Experiences
The Learning Theory Of Cognitive Development In ELearning
There has been an ongoing debate amongst educators about the role of memory versus intelligence in fostering effective learning. It has long been held that learners are more successful in retaining new content if they consciously think about what’s being taught, as opposed to simply memorizing what they see on the slides or on a computer screen. The Learning Theory Of Cognitive Development: Principles And Applications In eLearning The learning theory of cognitive development plays a huge role in the case of the former approach—understanding by thinking. Because of its very nature, where time and distance often separate instructors and learners, the cognitive process plays an even more important role in eLearning. In this article, we’ll talk about Cognitivism and its application to eLearning design. Understanding The Learning Theory Of Cognitive Development The learning theory of cognitive development is a theory in psychology, advanced by Jean Piaget, a Swiss developmental … [Read more...] about The Learning Theory Of Cognitive Development In ELearning
How to Train Your Remote Employees: Top tips, secrets, and best practices for effective remote workforce training
In the last few months, businesses and organizations around the world have been struck by an unexpected challenge: How to train their workforce to work remotely (while still being productive). Organizations around the world have implemented work-from-home policies as a key measure to reduce COVID-19 spread. However, most corporations weren’t fully prepared to leverage flexible work as a strategic approach. Leadership continuously asked the same questions again and again: How do we maintain communication with employees? What technology and other resources does the team need to work remotely? How can employees stay productive? How can employees stay engaged and motivated? SO, WHY TRAIN PEOPLE TO WORK ONLINE? According to a survey from Buffer, a company that develops and supports clients through tools for the web and mobile apps to help manage accounts in social networks, 99% of those surveyed indicated a strong preference for working online. To put that data point into … [Read more...] about How to Train Your Remote Employees: Top tips, secrets, and best practices for effective remote workforce training