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
Instructional Design and ELearning
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
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
The How-To Guide For Creating Successful Microlearning
With a growing trend for everything “on-demand,” eLearners expect faster and shorter learning experiences too. One way for Instructional Designers to fulfill that need is through microlearning. But what exactly is microlearning, and how should you go about successfully designing micro-courses? Learn How To Create Successful Microlearning We explore these questions in detail below and provide eLearning course designers 8 simple principles for creating successful microlearning. Common Microlearning Misconceptions Myth 1 Microlearning is the latest trend in eLearning. Wrong! Microlearning isn’t a new idea. While the eLearning company Grovo received an official patent on the word “Microlearning®” in 2017, the history of the concept of microlearning dates back even further. In fact, before Grovo received its patent, a competitor, Franklin Covey Co., held that same patent since 2006, until it expired in 2017. Myth 2 Many Instructional Designers new to the field of … [Read more...] about The How-To Guide For Creating Successful Microlearning
7 Signs You Might Need To Outsource Your ELearning Writing Content
eLearning is the fastest growing method that learners consume training content today. As a result, more and more organizations are committing significant resources to write eLearning courses for internal and external learners. When You Should Outsource Your eLearning Writing Content Unfortunately, despite the increased resources, internal eLearning content writing initiatives still don’t come up to par, and course sponsors and administrators look to outsource some of that work. What are the signs that your eLearning writing content could use a bit of outsourcing assistance? 7 Signs To Look For Sometimes, it’s not the number of resources that matter. Despite adequate staffing and budgeting, your eLearning content projects might still not be living up to learner expectations. You need to monitor for signs that there’s trouble brewing and get help as soon as possible. Here are 7 signs that indicate you might need outsourced help with your eLearning content writing: 1. Overworked And … [Read more...] about 7 Signs You Might Need To Outsource Your ELearning Writing Content