The Data You Already Have Everyone knows that universities collect end-of-course surveys. Students fill them out at the end of every term, rating their experience, commenting on the course, and sharing what worked and what didn’t. Institutions gather this data consistently, analyze it regularly, and use it primarily to evaluate instructor performance. As an instructional designer and learning strategist, I see that as a missed opportunity. Student feedback contains some of the most honest and specific information available about the quality of your online programs. The problem is that most institutions are reading it through the wrong lens. When a student says the course was disorganized, the instinct is to look at the instructor. When students say they didn’t know what was expected, the conversation turns to communication skills. When complaints pile up about responsiveness, the focus lands on faculty workload or availability. In many cases, those aren’t instructor … [Read more...] about What Student Complaints About Online Courses Are Actually Telling You
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The Forgetting Curve: What to remember when developing impactful learning experiences
As instructional designers, we want our learners to remember and apply what they learn from our eLearning courses. However, research shows that most people forget between 60-80% of what they learn within 24 hours. This phenomenon is known as the Forgetting Curve, and it poses a significant challenge for eLearning design. To help IDs mitigate the impact of the forgetting curve, we will explore what the curve is, why it matters, and how we can design eLearning experiences that help learners retain and transfer knowledge. What is the forgetting curve? The forgetting curve is a concept developed by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. He conducted experiments on himself to measure how much information he could recall after different intervals of time. He found that his memory declined rapidly in the first few hours after learning, and then gradually over time. He plotted his results on a graph that showed a curved line descending from 100% to near … [Read more...] about The Forgetting Curve: What to remember when developing impactful learning experiences
Professional Development and Networking Opportunities for Teachers Transitioning into Instructional Design
Transitioning from a teaching role to instructional design requires a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. As teachers embark on this new career path, it is essential to explore various avenues for professional development and networking to enhance their skills, stay updated with industry trends, and connect with like-minded professionals. This article delves into specific strategies and opportunities that can support teachers in their transition into instructional design. Attend Conferences and Workshops Conferences and workshops focused on instructional design offer exceptional opportunities to gain insights, learn from experts, and connect with professionals in the field. These events often feature keynote speakers, presentations, interactive sessions, and hands-on workshops that cover the latest trends, innovative strategies, and best practices in instructional design. For instance, the eLearning Guild's Learning Solutions Conference and the … [Read more...] about Professional Development and Networking Opportunities for Teachers Transitioning into Instructional Design
Strategies for Effective Instructional Sequencing: Structuring Content for Optimal Learning
In the field of instructional design, the proper sequencing of content is crucial for facilitating effective learning experiences. Instructional sequencing ensures that learners progress through material in a logical and cohesive manner, maximizing comprehension and retention. By employing strategic sequencing techniques, instructional designers can create a scaffolded learning journey that supports learners' cognitive processes and enhances overall learning outcomes. This article explores key strategies for structuring instructional content to promote optimal learning. Analyze Learning Objectives To begin the process of instructional sequencing, it is essential to clearly define and analyze the learning objectives. By understanding the knowledge, skills, or behaviors learners should acquire, you can guide the sequencing process and ensure alignment with the desired outcomes. For example, when teaching the human digestive system, analyze the specific concepts and processes … [Read more...] about Strategies for Effective Instructional Sequencing: Structuring Content for Optimal Learning
Effective Strategies for Writing Engaging and Interactive eLearning Content
Writing engaging and interactive eLearning content is crucial for creating effective online learning experiences. To captivate learners and ensure knowledge retention, instructional designers must employ strategies that go beyond traditional text-based materials. In this article, we will explore effective techniques for writing eLearning content that grabs learners' attention, promotes active participation, and enhances their overall learning experience. By incorporating multimedia elements, utilizing interactive techniques, and crafting compelling narratives, you can create eLearning content that keeps learners engaged and facilitates effective knowledge transfer. Engaging Content Writing Techniques Storytelling Storytelling is a powerful technique for capturing learners' attention and making the content relatable and memorable. By incorporating narratives that connect with real-world scenarios and challenges, instructional designers can create a deeper emotional connection … [Read more...] about Effective Strategies for Writing Engaging and Interactive eLearning Content
How to Deal With Too Much Content and Avoid Information Overload
Having more content than you know what to do with is a common problem. It's actually more common than having too little, with course creators beginning the process with years of research, SME input, and ideas on what their mega-course will look like. Here are 5 things you can do if you have TOO MUCH content! #1 Keep focused on your learner What skills or knowledge are essential for their improvement? The content being added should always pass the "need to know vs. nice to know" test. If you're having trouble narrowing down what fits into each of these buckets, revisit the learning objectives and measure each chunk of content against that objective. Is it essential in helping the learner achieve the stated learning objective? If it's not, cut it from the course (but hold onto it and I'll tell you what to do with it later). #2 Deliver it like a bullet Just as you can have too many content ideas and topics, you can be too wordy on delivering them to your learner. Master the method … [Read more...] about How to Deal With Too Much Content and Avoid Information Overload