Adult learners typically struggle with understanding new concepts and ideas when such information lacks perspective – their unique perception. That’s because learning theory, be they Behaviorist, Cognitive, Constructivist or Motivational, underscores that, putting information into context, and giving perspective to knowledge produces better learning outcomes. Without adequate contextualization, most learners tend to disassociate from what they are learning. And when that happens, they may disengage from learning, leaving trainers an uphill task of re-engagement. UNDERSTANDING CONTEXTUALIZATION Contextualization is all about framing learning concepts in a way that’s familiar to the individual learner. To bring contextual value to your learning, it’s important to understand where your learner is coming from – not just his/her geographic location (we’ll touch upon that in a moment), but also their previous experiences, the terminology they’re familiar with and their expected application … [Read more...] about How to Increase Learner Retention by Contextualizing Your Training
Instructional Design and ELearning
Assessing Return On Investment Of eLearning
One of the biggest challenges that eLearning professionals experience is demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of their training programs. In order to attract project sponsors and to justify resources invested in the development of eLearning, projects need to prove that they deliver real benefit to an organization. This article discusses considerations that need to be factored in when calculating eLearning ROI. Tips For Assessing Return On Investment Of eLearning eLearning has revolutionized how individuals (personally as well as in corporate settings) learn. There are a number of reasons why businesses and individuals gravitate towards eLearning programs, including: Flexibility Cost-effectiveness Standardization Repeatability Convenience ...just to name a few. However, as with any business venture, eLearning projects need to show that they deliver real benefit to an organization. If they can't demonstrate such value, then they are likely to not attract champions … [Read more...] about Assessing Return On Investment Of eLearning
How to Scaffold ELearning Content: Effective strategies and tactics to consider
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
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