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
training
Conducting Needs Analysis: Is it Really Important?
Have you ever developed training that wasn't really needed? Unfortunately, it is not always easy to convince clients that what they have in mind may not be the best solution from the training perspective. However, good instructional designers must be able to recognize the ultimate reason the training is needed and seamlessly help the clients select the most appropriate training modality. To do that, it is crucial that instructional designers review the available information about the company and the current need. It may also be necessary to talk with some of the employees and managers to get their perspective about the situation in the organization. After conducting analysis, instructional designers should formulate a measurable business goal and create an action plan to reach that goal. During the initial research, instructional designers should determine why people are not doing what they should and whether the real problem has to do with work environment, motivation or lack of … [Read more...] about Conducting Needs Analysis: Is it Really Important?
Leveraging Performance Support Tools and “Just In Time” Training
Today, I want to talk about Performance Support. As we all know, the main difference between training and Performance Support is that training is trying to fill the gap between the missing and the needed knowledge while the Performance Support tools provide on the job support when it is needed. Unlike training, which often includes some of the “nice to know” information, Performance Support tools offer “just enough” assistance to get the job done. Naturally, Performance Support can be either Electronic (EPSS) or Paper-based. Instructional designers have been developing quick reference guides and job aids to supplement their training courses for ages. Nowadays, most of us are used to having the information available to us when we need it at any time and place. This is where the Electronic Support System comes in handy. Many EPSSs offer a contextual, step-by-step, immediate solution to people’s needs. When instructional designers conduct their initial meeting with the client, they … [Read more...] about Leveraging Performance Support Tools and “Just In Time” Training
Designing Device-Agnostic Content
A while back, when mLearning became popular, instructional designers trying to accommodate all learning modes began designing two separate versions of their courses: a regular eLearning version and a Mobile version. Since creating two different versions of the same course can be very time consuming, most courses were still created just in the eLearning format. As time went on, the need for building device-agnostic content became apparent. So, what is device-agnostic content? It is learning content that can be accessed on any device including ipads, smartphones, laptops and TVs. Device-agnostic content adjusts to the browser and the size of the screen the learner is using. One of the most valuable benefits of creating device-agnostic content is that it allows learners to start their training on one device and continue on another device. Thanks to HTML 5, eLearning developers can develop device-agnostic content quickly and effectively. The main limitation here is that not all … [Read more...] about Designing Device-Agnostic Content
Instructional Design for Technical Training
Let’s face it, developing technical training is not easy. It’s much easier to design a course about Sexual Harassment than about a new software that has just been released. However, many companies want to train their employees on using new tools or applications, and those who understand the importance of high quality training, hire professional designers to create the most effective and instructionally sound training solutions. Unfortunately, many instructional designers create technical training the same way they design all other training courses. The problem, however, is that the goal of any technical training is not to “show and tell” (even in the interactive manner), but to “practice and do.” Teaching learners how to use a new tool or application is not enough as doing so will not help you achieve the ultimate goal of a training program, which is to help learners obtain new knowledge and skills. In fact, if you teach your learners how to use the tool, they will most likely leave … [Read more...] about Instructional Design for Technical Training
