If you are interested in designing effective and instructionally sound eLearning solutions, then I’ve got great news for you. I just published my brand new “Instructional Design for eLearning” course. The class is rich with videos, articles, templates, and exercises. Here is what one of the reviewers wrote about it: “I have been trying to transition into instructional design for a while and have looked at a few different courses including those from online colleges, but this course is by far the best, you will not be disappointed! Tons of useful information!” I’ve been working really hard on this class and I know you will get a lot out of it! Be sure to take advantage of this discount while it lasts through Friday, March 18th. Check out this video to get a better idea about the course! … [Read more...] about Launch of Instructional Design for ELearning Course
The ELearning Course Designer’s Blog
Conducting Needs Analysis: Is it Really Important?
Have you ever developed training that wasn't really needed? Unfortunately, it is not always easy to convince clients that what they have in mind may not be the best solution from the training perspective. However, good instructional designers must be able to recognize the ultimate reason the training is needed and seamlessly help the clients select the most appropriate training modality. To do that, it is crucial that instructional designers review the available information about the company and the current need. It may also be necessary to talk with some of the employees and managers to get their perspective about the situation in the organization. After conducting analysis, instructional designers should formulate a measurable business goal and create an action plan to reach that goal. During the initial research, instructional designers should determine why people are not doing what they should and whether the real problem has to do with work environment, motivation or lack of … [Read more...] about Conducting Needs Analysis: Is it Really Important?
How to Satisfy Different Generations of Learners
When instructional designers create eLearning courses, they do their best to address all learning styles. However, what many of us forget is that it is necessary to address learning styles across all generations. To do this, you should first conduct target audience analysis. If during the analysis phase, you discover that most of the learners are from Generation Y or Millennials, you should then gear your course towards these generations. In other words, you should make their learning as interactive as possible. You should also encourage collaboration by incorporating a wiki or a Facebook page. Additionally, as you design your course for younger audience, keep in mind that both Millennials and Gen Y don’t like to hear what they already know and they don’t like repetition. They just want to know what they need to know now! When younger generation signs up for training, the expectation is that the same course will be available in the eLearning and mLearning formats. So, to please a … [Read more...] about How to Satisfy Different Generations of Learners
Keeping Employees Engaged and Motivated: Proven techniques that improve performance
Do you feel motivated and engaged at work or do you go to work simply because you have to? According to research, less than 30% of all Americans are considered highly motivated and engaged employees. It is important that all supervisors know how to motivate their employees not just to become better performers, but also to become more engaged workers. Most employees have the need to be respected, they want to have opportunities for personal development, and they also want to establish positive relationships. Without a doubt, managers can easily help their employees achieve the goals mentioned above. First and foremost, managers should create a safe environment for employees to express their opinions. Managers should also help employees optimize their strengths and talents by offering opportunities to develop skills, experience and knowledge in areas of these strengths. Managers should show appreciation towards workers. We all want to feel valuable. If, for some reason, we don’t feel … [Read more...] about Keeping Employees Engaged and Motivated: Proven techniques that improve performance
How to Effectively Use Video in ELearning
Instructional Designers always look for ways to make their courses fun and engaging. Adding video is the best way to involve learners in their learning process. Video is a great way to teach behavioral skills, demonstrate techniques, and provide excellent performance support. When creating instructional videos, it is important to look at them as if they were commercials. As we all know, the main goal of any commercial is to catch people’s attention quickly. However, it is equally important to keep one’s attention on the desired subject. Commercials usually reach that goal in less than 3 minutes by appealing to people’s emotions. Including short, thought-provoking chunks of information in your videos is much more memorable than creating long videos and covering all the material at once. In fact, it is best not to use video throughout the entire course as it may overwhelm your learners. Instead, include it at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of the course. A short introductory … [Read more...] about How to Effectively Use Video in ELearning
Leveraging Performance Support Tools and “Just In Time” Training
Today, I want to talk about Performance Support. As we all know, the main difference between training and Performance Support is that training is trying to fill the gap between the missing and the needed knowledge while the Performance Support tools provide on the job support when it is needed. Unlike training, which often includes some of the “nice to know” information, Performance Support tools offer “just enough” assistance to get the job done. Naturally, Performance Support can be either Electronic (EPSS) or Paper-based. Instructional designers have been developing quick reference guides and job aids to supplement their training courses for ages. Nowadays, most of us are used to having the information available to us when we need it at any time and place. This is where the Electronic Support System comes in handy. Many EPSSs offer a contextual, step-by-step, immediate solution to people’s needs. When instructional designers conduct their initial meeting with the client, they … [Read more...] about Leveraging Performance Support Tools and “Just In Time” Training