Robert Gagné put forward a unique set of events to help Instructional Designers create effective learning materials. His nine-event based system uses a behaviorist approach to guide Instructional Designers on creating content that can accomplish specific learning objectives set for learners. As eLearning content designers, you can leverage Gagne’s Nine Events Of Instruction to produce highly engaging and motivational courses. Here are some thoughts and guidelines on how you can achieve that. Creating Engaging eLearning Content: Leveraging Gagne’s Nine Events Of Instruction At their very basic, Gagné’s Nine Events Of Instruction can help eLearning professionals achieve the following goals: Help your audience relate to the content you are delivering by associating it with prior knowledge or experiences. Offer supporting online content (prompts, hints, flashcards, cues) in the form of building blocks for the new information you are delivering. Pose probing … [Read more...] about Leveraging Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction
The ELearning Course Designer’s Blog
ELearning Corrective Feedback: Importance and approach
“If you don’t know what went wrong… how will you fix it?” is an often repeated mantra. This applies to feedback about a specific initiative being reviewed and is equally relevant to eLearning environments, where the provider of feedback and its recipient are often physically distant from each other. Here is the challenge, however: How do eLearning designers provide corrective feedback in a setting where they have not met or physically interacted with the learners? In this article, we will look at the importance of providing corrective feedback to learners. We will also review some of the approaches recommended for providing formal corrective feedback. Lastly, we’ll review best practices for ensuring successful feedback sessions. Importance of Corrective Feedback Before we delve into the “how”, let’s pause and think about “why” corrective feedback is important. Adult learners participate in eLearning courses to obtain new knowledge and skills. However, the following questions often … [Read more...] about ELearning Corrective Feedback: Importance and approach
Big Data In ELearning: Relevance, importance, and opportunities
ELearning has experienced a lot of momentum, largely as a result of a number of technological breakthroughs. Newer eLearning authoring tools have been developed, and more sophisticated Learning Management Systems (LMSs) have been deployed. eLearning course developers are also using new multimedia approaches for course delivery, as well as leveraging social media platforms and other online forums to disseminate information about eLearning, as well as to deliver the courses themselves. All of that results in a lot of data! In this article, we will talk about using Big Data in eLearning. Relevance, Importance, And Opportunities: Using Big Data In eLearning Specifically, in this article, we will discuss the role of Big Data in eLearning, the benefits of Big Data for eLearning professionals, and how Big Data impacts the future of eLearning. We will also look at ways to effectively manage and analyze Big Data. Big Data: What Is It? In today’s digital age, almost every interaction we have … [Read more...] about Big Data In ELearning: Relevance, importance, and opportunities
Augmented Learning: An Argument For Its Use
While the concept of “on-demand” eLearning is not new to Instructional Designers, the use of Augmented Learning (or AL) is fast catching currency within learning content creation circles. For those of us who are new to this concept, augmented learning is a technique that helps Instructional Designers adapt learning environments to a particular learner. In this article, we will talk about Augmented Learning (AL) and look at some use cases and tips for augmented success. Augmented Learning In Theory Augmented learning is not necessarily a replacement for conventional eLearning content design – although it could potentially be. The idea behind augmented learning is to create supplemental learning modules, using rich media content, that simulate and interact with learners to further reinforce specific learning concepts. One example of AL would be where Instructional Designers have created core content using text, graphics, and other online content to indoctrinate new nurses at a … [Read more...] about Augmented Learning: An Argument For Its Use
508 Compliant ELearning: Tips and tricks
Whether you regularly work on federally-funded eLearning projects, or whether you are focused on creating privately funded eLearning content, the challenge of making eLearning accessible is always front and center. In this article, we will look at some tips and tricks to make your courses 508 compliant. How To Ensure Your Courses Are 508 Compliant The following are some tricks and tips to ensure your eLearning courses are Section 508 compliant. Before you start creating your content, review the following areas of your course design: Keyboard For learners with certain disabilities, keyboards are their only means of navigating through the course. While the “Tab” key is often used as the primary navigation command, you should also explore the use of alternate shortcut keys – such as “Space bar”. Compliant Video Content Some course designers may shy away from using videos because of the 508 compliance issues. Consider adding text prompts, descriptions, subtext, and closed … [Read more...] about 508 Compliant ELearning: Tips and tricks
Low-Cost Gamification For Adult Learners
Gamification is the process of changing the dynamics of any activity by incorporating several game elements. This technique has gained popularity in various fields because of its effectiveness in increasing productivity, speed, and learning. The field of eLearning also tapped into the use of gamification to enhance the efficacy of eLearning courses and materials. However, not all companies have extra money to spend on gamification features, which can get very expensive. In this article, I will discuss some ways Instructional Designers can use low-cost gamification for their eLearning courses. 7 Tips On Low-Cost Gamification For Adult Learners Many people think that eLearning gamification means incorporating actual games in virtual courses. Although games do complete the gamification process, eLearning gamification isn’t limited to including actual games. In fact, gamification of any activity only needs to include the crucial game elements that actually target the skills discussed in … [Read more...] about Low-Cost Gamification For Adult Learners