Is the fact that a learner completes a prescribed set of training, sufficient evidence that they’ve accomplished what the course set out to teach them? In most instances, the answer to that question is: No, it is not! When designing test questions that demonstrate achieving “real” learning outcomes, L&D professionals must use evidence-informed tactics for question construction. They must also consider the context in which they’re administering the test, what evidence they need from their students to prove that they understood the material and if they can substantively demonstrate that understanding. Use Evidence-based Tactics to Contextualize Your Questions There has been considerable research to understand the impact of question construction and its implication on how learners respond to them. The adaptation of Response Modelling (RM) techniques, and Item Response Theory (IRT) to academia, has produced a vast body of statistical evidence for helping test question preparers … [Read more...] about How To Write Better Test Questions to Assess Learning: Evidence-Informed Tactics for Test Questions
Instructional Design and ELearning
How to Create Stunning eLearning Content in PowerPoint
Creating eLearning courses isn’t rocket science. You can build a professional-looking online course with quizzes, role-play simulations, and interactions right in PowerPoint — even with no tech or design skills. Hard to believe? Then read on and see for yourself. iSpring Suite — A PowerPoint-Based Authoring Toolkit All you need to create a course is iSpring Suite and a good vibe, of course. iSpring Suite is a comprehensive eLearning authoring toolkit that’s integrated with PowerPoint. Once you download and install it on your computer, it will appear as a new tab on the PPT ribbon. On the iSpring toolbar, you can see the entire set of its tools that can be used as easily as any other PowerPoint functionality. Just click on Quiz if you’d like to create a quiz, or choose Screen Recording if you need to make a video of your screen. It’s as intuitive as can be. Create Slide-Based Courses in Minutes Do you have existing PPT slides? Then leverage iSpring Suite to turn them … [Read more...] about How to Create Stunning eLearning Content in PowerPoint
7 pro tips for creating effective eLearning scenarios
Scenarios, as teaching aids, are one of the most powerful tools in the arsenal of eLearning course creators. When developed properly, Scenarios encourage critical thinking, help course attendees to learn by doing, stimulate learner emotion by linking them to specific outcomes, and give learners a way to practice what they’ve learned, and improve their level of understanding. When eLearning content requires participants to make important decisions, there’s no better tool than Scenarios to help accomplish that objective. But to do that, course builders must create effective scenarios. The genesis of an eLearning Scenario Before we share some expert tips and techniques for creating effective scenarios, let’s cover some scenario-writing basics. Don’t just start writing your scenarios! Before doing that, it’s important to know your audience, understand what the course is all about, and be clear about what you wish the scenario to accomplish. This knowledge will help you more … [Read more...] about 7 pro tips for creating effective eLearning scenarios
Top Tips for Writing Engaging eLearning Scripts: A 3-phased, 12-step approach
Powerful, engaging scripts are the glue that holds eLearning together. It’s true, that the quality of graphics and visual effects matters. But with a “lackluster” script in place, the bells and whistles of 3D images and flashy transition effects won’t entice your audience to come back for more. The challenge for most eLearning scriptwriters is that scripting courses is unlike writing a book or producing an essay. There’s a certain method to eLearning scriptwriting “madness”. Deviate too much from that method, and you’ll end up with scripts that are less than engaging. The Scriptwriting Process The secret to producing great eLearning scripts lies in following a tried-and-tested 3-phase approach to any scripting project. At the heart of that approach, is the Planning phase. That’s where you put on your thinking cap and envision what you’re going to do. Then, in the Execution phase, you bring that plan to life by putting your scriptwriting knowledge and skills to good use. Finally, once … [Read more...] about Top Tips for Writing Engaging eLearning Scripts: A 3-phased, 12-step approach
How To Conduct A Training Needs Analysis?
The ability to conduct a Training Needs Analysis is a skill set every eLearning professional needs. It helps an organization determine whether training is required and what should be the focus of the training. It also helps to understand if the organization’s performance is being impeded by something else. As such, let’s discuss Training Needs Analysis (TNA) in more detail. What Is A Training Need Analysis? Training Needs Analysis is a data-driven task done in the beginning phase of a learning project. Many organizations skip out on this phase because allotting extra time, resources, and budget can feel like a waste. In reality, it is crucial because it helps you determine the right training solution. As you conduct your analysis, you may also realize that training is not needed at all and recommend considering another intervention. So, what are some common questions/issues companies may need to solve? There could be organizational changes that the employees need to be aware of. … [Read more...] about How To Conduct A Training Needs Analysis?
How To Deal With Too Much Content In Your eLearning Course
One of the interesting realizations of working in eLearning is that not having enough content is rarely a cause of concern. The problem occurs mostly when it comes to having too much content and not knowing whether you need to cover everything or what content can be easily dropped. Knowledge has no end. When people are well-acquainted with something, it’s natural for them to pour it all out. What many SMEs don’t realize is that in an attempt to teach everything, the content can become overwhelming for the learner. If too many slides, images, and knowledge are packed into a single course, focusing on core content and, most importantly retaining the information becomes difficult. In the end, if learners can’t understand the actual message, retain the information, and transfer learning to the job, what’s the point of creating the course? This is where instructional designers come into play. It is our job to make genuine efforts to ensure our eLearning courses … [Read more...] about How To Deal With Too Much Content In Your eLearning Course