How To Create Personal Learning Paths In eLearning
A personal learning path is a learner-centered eLearning approach that emphasizes learner-specific goals and objectives, as well as preferences. It also refers to the path that a learner elects on their own, such as which eLearning activities and exercises they choose to participate in during the eLearning experience. Each eLearning activity gives them a better understanding of the topic, and gives eLearning professionals the opportunity to pinpoint the individual’s learning style and needs. Personal learning paths give learners control over their own eLearning experience, so that they can more effectively acquire and retain knowledge and skills that will help them in the real world.
7 Tips To Create Personal Learning Paths In eLearning
- Consider the overall learning goals.
Even when creating personal learning paths for each individual learner, the goals and objectives of the eLearning course must still be an integral part of the eLearning experience. The key to creating a successful personal learning path strategy is to develop a plan that seamlessly blends the eLearning course essentials with the needs and wants of each learner. In addition to the individualized goals and objectives they set for themselves, they must also walk away from the eLearning experience with the key subject matter. - Empowerment is key.
For a personal learning path to be truly successful, online learners must feel as though they are in control of their eLearning experience. This can be achieved by allowing them to choose which eLearning activities they complete next, how they receive the eLearning content, and even which eLearning assessments they will take. For example, you can offer them the chance to test their knowledge via online scenarios, multiple choice exams, or essay online assessments. The key is to make them feel like they have a direct say in the learning process, rather than telling them how, what, and when they are going to learn. - Stress the importance of online self-assessments.
In addition to the mandatory eLearning assessments that learners must complete throughout the eLearning course, it’s also important to offer them online self-assessments that they can take on their own. Provide them with one or two quizzes or simulations that enable them to test their own progress and knowledge comprehension. Include a self-grading rubric or answer sheet that offers them the opportunity to correct their mistakes and receive the right information. Also, don’t forget to make them aware of the fact that you are there to offer support, should they need it. - Create periodic milestones.
Periodic milestones give learners the chance to check their progress along the way and ensure that they are on the proper path. In fact, it’s a great idea to make weekly checklists that your online learners can follow in order to stay on-track and up to date. If you want to give your learners more control, simply create one list of mandatory online assignments, exercises, and assessments, and then another that features optional tasks. You can even use project management online platforms to keep them organized, or integrate the checklists right into the homepage of the eLearning course. - Cater to multiple different learning styles.
Not all of your online learners have the same personal preferences or learning styles. This is why it’s important to integrate a wide range of online activities and exercises into your eLearning course, so that your learners have the ability to choose what works best for them. Auditory learners can listen to virtual lectures or podcasts, while visual learners can watch eLearning videos and view image-rich content. Those who prefer to read their way through an eLearning course can opt for text-based modules. Variety gives every learner the opportunity to benefit from the eLearning course and create a learning path that is ideally suited for their needs. - Offer immediate constructive feedback.
Even though a personal learning path is, well, personal, learners still need some form of direction and feedback. If they complete an online assessment, you must let them know what they need to correct as soon as possible so that they do not memorize incorrect information or pick up unfavorable learning behaviors. They key is to give them the constructive criticism they require, while still allowing them to learn from their mistakes. Likewise, you should also solicit their feedback so that you can fine tune your eLearning strategy and ensure that every learner is getting the personal support they need. - Learning pathways offer invaluable data.
A personal learning path in eLearning offers online learners a wide range of advantages. However, eLearning professionals can also use them to discover more about their audience and eLearning course design. For example, if you closely examine the learning path of a single learner, you can find out what online activities they prefer, how they are progressing, how they like to receive their information, and if the individual eLearning exercises are successful. Thanks to the analytics and tracking abilities of modern learning management systems, you can view all of this with the click of a button. In many respects, personal learning paths in eLearning give us the rare chance to see learning behaviors, first hand, so that we can improve our eLearning strategy moving forward.
Allowing your learners to embark on their own personal learning paths can make your eLearning course even more meaningful and powerful. Use these 7 tips to successfully integrate personalized paths into your next eLearning experience and empower your audience to take control of the learning process.
Now that you know about personal learning paths in eLearning, read the article 8 Tips To Use Personal Experiences In eLearning Course Design to learn how you can incorporate personal experiences into your eLearning course design so that learners can benefit from the wisdom and know-how you have to offer.
