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
Instructional Design and ELearning
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
Personalized eLearning: A Customized Approach To Accelerated eLearning
Today's world is far different than the one our parents and grandparents grew up and lived in. The age of "standardization" and "One-size-fits-all" no longer applies. Today, especially where technology is so ubiquitous in every aspect of our lives, "personalization" has become very important - be it in manufacturing, services or retail business. Personalization is needed to make a product or service more endearing to the target audience, and this is especially true for eLearning. As a result, the concept of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) is becoming more relevant in today's academic world. What is Personalized ELearning? The concept of "Personalization" can easily be understood from taking a closer look at some of the existing digital technologies that all of us use. For instance, from the browser that you use to roam the Internet, to the email and messaging systems that you use to stay connected with friends and family, to the digital boxes you use to watch TV shows and movies … [Read more...] about Personalized eLearning: A Customized Approach To Accelerated eLearning
Can Experiential Learning Be Applied To eLearning?
Experiential learning is a process that allows learners to develop knowledge and skills from their own experience rather than from formal training courses. Experiential learning encompasses a variety of interactive and participative hands-on activities and is much more effective than traditional learning approaches. This article is the first in a series about Experiential Learning. Check it out and learn some of the critical elements of Experiential Learning and the reasons why Experiential Learning is important. What Is Experiential Learning? Way back in 350 BCE, a Greek philosopher, thinker, mathematician, astrologer, historian and analyst, wrote: "...for the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them." Even prior to that, the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, wrote: I hear and I forget I see and I remember I do, and I understand! Based on that, one might say that Confucius and Aristotle actually planted the seeds of Experiential … [Read more...] about Can Experiential Learning Be Applied To eLearning?
Social Media Tools – Taking Informal Learning To New Heights
In today's Internet-driven world, more and more knowledge workers prefer to have a say in how the company facilitates their learning. With so much of the world's workforce connected to Social Media, that's where most workers are turning to informally seek their knowledge. In this article, I will cover informal learning and how Social Media tools can be used in learning. I will also cover the points that need to be considered to ensure effective learning through Social Media tools. This is the age of the "knowledge worker" - there's no question about it! Companies, both big and small, invest vastly in delivering workers the knowledge they require to do their jobs successfully. The more knowledge a worker assimilates, and the quicker he/she absorbs it, the more competitive and profitable will he/she become for the company. Informal Learning - Not a New Concept While companies spend a huge part of their personnel development budget on "formal" learning, such as training … [Read more...] about Social Media Tools – Taking Informal Learning To New Heights
How to Design Effective Training Courses Through Facebook Live: Challenges, benefits and opportunities
Everyone knows that eLearning is very popular today – mainly because it enables learners to access training content when and where they want it. However, live-streaming training events are becoming increasingly popular, and Facebook Live is one of the most ubiquitous platforms for live training delivery available today. In this article, I’ll show you how you can get started with live-streaming. Why use Facebook Live? If you’ve ever hosted a meeting using conferencing tools, like Skype, you’ll know how things can quickly get out of hand once you exceed 15 to 20 participants. And if you exceed 25 participants, Skype is no longer a FREE option! Even if you had under 25 participants registered for your training/meeting, you’d have to send out Skype log-in credentials for them to join in- but what if you didn’t know who will come? Other video conferencing platforms, such as Adobe Connect, will charge you based on the number of participants. As a small organization, that could put … [Read more...] about How to Design Effective Training Courses Through Facebook Live: Challenges, benefits and opportunities