In recent years, corporate eLearning has seen remarkable growth, skyrocketing by an astonishing 900% since 2000. Despite this progress, it's disheartening to observe that multiple training programs still cling to outdated methods of delivering courses. However, we understand that these shortcomings can be addressed with a compassionate approach, considering the needs and preferences of modern learners.
Let's explore the common pitfalls that eLearning programs face and how we can approach them with empathy and understanding.
1) Fostering Engagement:
We've noticed that some trainees might lose interest or even skip classes if they find the courses dull. In the past, training programs were primarily text-based, but we recognize that today's learners crave media-rich content. To truly engage users, we must incorporate ample videos, sounds, and graphics. Additionally, it's essential to create a sense of progress and achievement for learners. Everyone loves the feeling of accomplishment, and employees are no exception when it comes to training. We can achieve this by introducing gamified tests and ways for learners to track their progress. By adding leaderboards and a ranking system, we can encourage healthy competition and enhance their dedication to the program.
2) Emphasizing Interactivity:
Merely demonstrating new knowledge isn't enough. We understand the importance of allowing learners to actively engage with their tutors, peers, and the course material. This interaction is crucial for overcoming the insecurities that distance learning can bring. Educators play a pivotal role in fostering this interactivity, encouraging students to participate in meaningful activities and conversations, both synchronously and asynchronously. Building a supportive learning community can make all the difference.
3) Empowering Educators:
Our educators should never dominate the learning experience but rather guide the conversation and encourage participation from all learners. They must be active and well-informed, providing continuous support and regular feedback. Feeling abandoned in an inactive or low-value training program can be discouraging, so our educators play a vital role in creating a nurturing environment.
4) Managing Information Overload:
We recognize that intensive, time-limited training programs can lead to information overload. To address this, we adopt a microlearning approach, breaking down content into easily 'digestible' chunks. This way, learners can focus on one objective at a time, improving retention rates, especially considering the shorter attention spans of modern learners.
5) Applying Knowledge in Real-Life Situations:
While eLearning has proven to increase retention rates, we acknowledge that the true value of training lies in its real-world application. Our programs should offer opportunities for learners to practice their newly acquired skills in practical scenarios. By doing so, we ensure that knowledge retention remains high, and the training aligns with employees' expectations and enhances overall business performance.
Last but not least...
6) Embracing Mobile Accessibility:
In this mobile-centric world, we understand that easy accessibility is vital. If our training programs are not mobile-friendly, we risk alienating a large portion of participants. We must adapt our courses to be easily accessible on various mobile devices, recognizing that people use their smartphones and tablets throughout the day. This way, learners can engage with the material wherever and whenever it suits them best.
By taking these considerations to heart, we can start to address the most common issues faced by eLearning programs and create a more compassionate and fruitful learning experience for all participants.
But most of all, technologies like popular photo / quick video sharing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook have no place in the classroom. Many educators try to integrate these mediums in the classroom setting, but our research and the research of others who study Human Computer Interaction (HCI) indicates that social media platforms debilitate the learning process and have detrimental health outcomes on the developing brain.
For more information on online safety and wellness, visit Drugfr33.org and read the books Delete Me and Faith Over Technology today.
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