Today, I want to talk about synchronous vs. asynchronous eLearning. Most clients who request eLearning courses are unaware of these two options. Furthermore, most of the time, they seem to think that asynchronous is the way to go. However, this is not always true. Before deciding on the delivery method, instructional designers should look at the advantages and disadvantages of both options. Asynchronous eLearning allows people to take courses at any place at their own time and pace. Synchronous eLearning, on the other hand, requires an instructor and occurs in real time. In other words, synchronous eLearning is similar to a regular classroom experience except learners can take courses at any place, assuming a computer and Internet connection are available. When it comes to learners’ preferences, the best delivery method often depends on their learning styles. Younger generations tend to enjoy asynchronous courses better because they are so used to all the “clicking” on … [Read more...] about What Are The Advantages Of Synchronous And Asynchronous ELearning That Most Clients Don’t Know
Instructional Design and ELearning
What Is The Real Value Of Instructional Design?
You will be surprised how many people do not know what instructional design is. And even those who do often underestimate its value. If I ask you why we need instructionally sound training courses, you will probably respond by saying that training helps people acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform their jobs. However, the true reason for training goes beyond that. A person can certainly acquire new knowledge and skills by reading a book on the topic or spending a day or two doing Internet search, gathering data, and acquainting his or herself with the content. Nowadays, people can learn almost anything without ever leaving their houses. They can download books, print articles, take free courses, and even watch videos completely free of charge. Informal learning is becoming a popular training solution for many organizations because it is cheap, can be done in people’s free time, and does not require many resources. Managers often assume their employees … [Read more...] about What Is The Real Value Of Instructional Design?
3 Popular Video Types That Instructional Designers Use In Modern ELearning Courses
Traditional learning saw teachers "pushing out" pre-determined syllabi to students over a pre-defined period of time. Over the past decade, however, eLearning has changed that approach of delivering education. As the age of the intra and internet progressed, instructional design has evolved from the "push" to the "pull" approach, with students favoring the "on demand" and "at your own pace" learning method. Too often however, these self-study eLearning courses are based on a "read-listen-click" flow, turning the act of learning into a rather dull and mundane task, instead of something students look forward to. Thankfully however, the introduction of video in modern e-learning courses is quickly changing how new concepts are more effectively taught to young students and adult learners alike. Video-based learning plays on the age-old saying, "When I observe, I can understand and do much better". Thanks to advances in video technologies today, there are a number of visual eLearning … [Read more...] about 3 Popular Video Types That Instructional Designers Use In Modern ELearning Courses
The New Frontier Of Successive Approximation Model
The need for useful instructional design models has always been at the forefront of all types of the educational experience. Throughout the years, various instructional design formats have been introduced to assist with the process of creating curricula and course planning options that would prove successful in helping people learn. Although some of these models such as ADDIE have proven the test of time, currently the use of the Successive Approximation Model has become quite popular for its unique, flexible approach to producing learning modules that have proven quite successful in application. What is the Successive Approximation Model? Successive Approximation Model (SAM) is an agile development model created by Michael Allen, a recognized pioneer, and leader in the design of interactive multimedia learning tools and applications. SAM is a method that Allen applied to his instructional design models as a means of creating more effective and efficient ways to build quality training … [Read more...] about The New Frontier Of Successive Approximation Model
How To Select The Best LMS Provider
A decade or so ago, organizations, schools, colleges and universities had many options for commercial E-Learning development software products. However, because of mergers and acquisitions, and Learning Management Software (LMS) industry consolidations, the options for developing and hosting E-learning courses have declined. As a result, more and more, knowledge providers are looking for viable alternatives. If you are looking for commercial LMS providers, then some names for you to consider are: Blackboard http://www.blackboard.com Desire to Learn http://www.desire2learn.com Sumtotal http://www.sumtotalsystems.com/ Saba http://www.saba.com/us/ and eCollege http://www.ecollege.com/index.learn However, if you have budgetary constraints (as most organizations face today!), then perhaps you should look at some popular free and open source LMS solutions, including: ATutor http://www.atutor.ca/ Claroline http://www.claroline.net/ Dokeos http://www.dokeos.com/ … [Read more...] about How To Select The Best LMS Provider
ELearning Instructional Design Considerations That Accelerate The Pace And Quality Of Learning
A firm understanding of the mindset of adult learners and andragogy, along with its related theories and assumptions, is essential to effectively teach adult learners. When you use instructional design time-tested principles, adult learners are more likely to effectively receive, understand and retain knowledge being imparted via eLearning, than they would when using other non-systematic design approaches. Good instructional systems design is the foundation for building learning modules that adult students can relate to. That is because andragogy (the most celebrated theory of adult learning) recognizes that adults Learn differently than younger learners do Are self-directed and self-motivated Are more practical in their learning goals and objectives, and Learn better when respected and treated with dignity. By strategically combining all the elements of this theory into relevant instructional design principles, instructional designers can build truly effective … [Read more...] about ELearning Instructional Design Considerations That Accelerate The Pace And Quality Of Learning