We are in the age where there is accelerated growth of information. Thanks to the Internet, online learning has been made easily available, but it has also led to information overload. The use of infographics in eLearning is proving to be an easier way of simplifying the most complex eLearning ideas. Infographic helps to identify, analyze, and break eLearning content into smaller, manageable pieces. It also organizes learning into suitable graphical structure representation. Some of the benefits associated with using infographics in eLearning include: Offering a step-by-step visual guide Even when it’s broken down into points, learning complicated task can be challenging. Not only that infographics makes information easier to understand, but it also helps learners memorize and process the content faster. Increasing knowledge retention Using infographics in online learning enhances knowledge retention. Learners remember images, slides, charts and other elements … [Read more...] about Infographics and eLearning: Benefits and Tips to Succeed
eLearning
Best Practices for Designing Micro Learning Experiences
Learning is not confined into one set way. In fact, everyone learns very differently. We are all familiar with this concept; hence the existence of multiple studies focusing on learning types. A practice that is starting to catch the attention is micro learning. With all of the social media platforms and digital devices, it is no surprise that a person’s attention span fails to be kept for longer periods of time. Keeping this in mind, micro learning has been said to be a very successful learning tool. What Is Micro Learning, Anyway? Micro learning is any short content, chunked into small, manageable pieces for the purpose of learning. This can pertain to online videos, articles, and interactive games. Micro learning is best for: People who have very short attention spans Learning a lot of content in a short amount of time Learning at your own pace Businesses needing to teach employees new skills Smart-phone, laptops, and tablet devices Make It Fun And Engaging The … [Read more...] about Best Practices for Designing Micro Learning Experiences
Does Training Always Fix Workplace Problems?
Employees in an organization commonly encounter workplace problems. No matter which level a person is on the organizational chart, he or she probably had trouble in the workplace at least once. When management sees problems, they often turn to training as a first-line solution to all work-related problems without realizing that lack of knowledge is just one of the reasons for poor performance. In fact, there are many other performance improvement interventions that can fix work-related issues. This is where conducting needs analysis becomes important. Instructional designers frequently neglect this step in the ISD process for various reasons, such as low budget or lack of time. Prior to meeting with an instructional designer to discuss a new training course, managers should assess every situation they face at work and properly diagnose the root cause of the problem. Once the root is identified, it’ll be easier to decide on the appropriate method of correcting the … [Read more...] about Does Training Always Fix Workplace Problems?
Needs Analysis – How to Analyze ELearning Course Audiences
The ADDIE method is the tried and true method instructional designers use when approaching a new project. The “A” in ADDIE stands for “Analysis” - taking time to review the desired learning outcomes and figuring out how to best achieve them. It is also the time in the project’s lifecycle where the ISD professional should get to know the intended audience. The world’s most beautiful training module, with all the content, interactions, and examples one could dream of, can fall short for the learner, if it does not address the core questions adult learners have - what’s in it for me? Why should I spend my time on training when there is a growing mountain of work on my plate? Determining the core needs of your target audience is both the most important task you may perform when working as an instructional designer, and also the most difficult one. The initiation of the project is most likely not driven by the requests of an end-user, but rather managers or leadership, who determine that … [Read more...] about Needs Analysis – How to Analyze ELearning Course Audiences
Which ELearning Content Can Be Reused -Understanding Reusable Learning Objects
Thanks to many rapid eLearning tools available on the market, instructional designers are able to save time and resources by reusing learning objects such as eLearning modules, videos, and documents. However, the main problem with Reusable Learning Objects (RLOs) is that many training products are customized to address a very specific need, and become outdated relatively quickly. Developing a library of RLOs means designing content with sustainability in mind. Another term used for this type of content is “evergreen,” meaning that in a month, six months, or even a year, the content will still be relevant and applicable to learners. Evergreen content can eventually save a lot of time by not requiring extensive edits and updates. Consider the content you may use for training products currently on your shelf - what pieces of information are easy to recycle and require very little maintenance? Here are some examples: Stable: compliance laws, harassment awareness training, and … [Read more...] about Which ELearning Content Can Be Reused -Understanding Reusable Learning Objects
How to Create Effective Video-based ELearning – What Everyone Needs to Know About Video
Some studies claim that the adult attention span has become shorter than that of a goldfish, which is only about 8 seconds long. Whether or not this measurement is accurate, the message is that the ability to stay actively focused on anything is a challenge for most learners. If you add typical distractions of daily life, such as emails dinging, chat windows popping up, and colleagues stopping by to chat, your training is up against some serious competition! Video-based learning has the potential to make your training products memorable and engaging. However, in order to reap the benefits of this type of learning, videos must be short and interactive. So, what are some things that you can do to make your training videos captivating? First, you should combat the learner’s short attention span by “chunking” videos into small pieces, rather than putting multiple topics into one long segment. Asking your learner to watch a video for 2 minutes is much more doable than having the … [Read more...] about How to Create Effective Video-based ELearning – What Everyone Needs to Know About Video
