Applying The Kemp Design Model In eLearning: A Guide For eLearning Professionals

Applying The Kemp Design Model In eLearning: A Guide For eLearning Professionals
Summary: Are you looking for a holistic Instructional Design approach that follows a non-linear format? In this article, I'll share 9 tips to apply the Kemp Design Model in your next eLearning course.

How To Apply The Kemp Design Model In eLearning

Kemp, Morrison, and Ross are the co-founders of the Kemp Design Model. This strategy takes a non-traditional approach to eLearning development, as it follows a cyclical structure. Every aspect of the eLearning course design and learning process is taken into consideration. This allows eLearning professionals to create more meaningful eLearning courses that focus on online learners' needs, preferences, and goals. Here are 9 tips to help you apply the key elements of the Kemp Design Model.

1. Identify Learning Goals And Potential Obstacles

The first step in the Kemp Design Model is to identify the learning goals. Then pinpoint any potential roadblocks that may stand in the way of achieving those goals. For example, online learners must develop effective communication skills. However, busy schedules, lack of motivation, and minimal resources could prove to be problematic. As such, your eLearning team must figure out how to mitigate these issues in order to facilitate the desired outcome.

2. Research Your Audience

Once you determine the overall learning goals, you need to research the needs, preferences, and goals of your individual online learners. Learn as much as you can about their backgrounds, experience levels, and common traits. This data allows you to create more targeted eLearning content. For example, you can develop more advanced online training materials for employees who already know the basics.

3. Gather Resources And Identify Suitable eLearning Activities

The third core element of the Kemp Design Model is identifying which online resources and tasks align with the overall learning objectives. That pertains to the organizational outcomes and individual online learner goals. It usually involves gathering your existing assets, identifying the key takeaways, and choosing suitable eLearning activities. The purpose is to determine which tasks convey the information in an easily digestible format.

4. Emphasize Learning Objectives And Outcomes

Online learners must be aware of the learning objectives and desired outcomes before taking the eLearning course. As such, you need to clearly state how online learners will benefit from the eLearning experience and what they have to accomplish. For example, which skills or topics they must master upon completion of the eLearning course. It's a good idea to create objective statements and bullet lists that highlight the benefits of active involvement. This allows online learners to focus on the learning goals and eliminates unnecessary distractions.

5. Develop eLearning Course Content Based On A Specific Sequence

The Kemp Design Model suggests sequential content delivery. You should develop your eLearning course in such a way that online learners build on existing knowledge. For example, start with a summary that offers a general overview of the task, and then online learners explore each step involved in the order they are performed. Alternatively, they receive rudimentary information about the topic before delving into related ideas and concepts. It's all about breaking the eLearning content into easily digestible pieces that appear in a logical order to enhance knowledge retention.

6. Determine The Ideal Instructional Design Approach

The sixth step is finding out which Instructional Design strategy is best for the subject matter and your audience. For instance, which Instructional Design theories you'll use to create your eLearning course. You'll have to take all of the preceding factors into consideration, such as organizational objectives, personal goals, learning preferences, and the subject matter itself.

7. Choose The Ideal Content Delivery Method And Fine-Tune Your Message

How will you deploy your eLearning course? Are online learners going to follow self-paced learning paths? Or will they be required to attend synchronous events periodically? These are all questions to address during this phase of the Kemp Design Model. You must also determine the message you want to convey to your online learners.

8. Provide Support Resources To Online Instructors And Learners

Both online instructors and learners need support before, during, and after the eLearning course. For example, a microlearning online training library that features relevant eLearning activities and presentations to broaden their understanding. In the case of online instructors, help may come in the form of online discussions that feature tips and tricks. Here are a few support resources you may want to add to your eLearning course design:

a. eLearning Blogs

Start an eLearning blog that features a new topic, tip, or question every week. Online learners and instructors have the ability to share their thoughts and receive important updates. Online facilitators also have the chance to step into the role of eLearning blogger.

b. Podcast Series

Upload on a weekly basis a new podcast episode that explores a new subtopic or thought-provoking idea. You can even invite online instructors to host their own podcast to facilitate knowledge sharing.

c. Social Media Groups

Create a dedicated social media group wherein online learners and online facilitators can post helpful resources and links. Try to keep group sizes small so that online learners feel comfortable sharing their opinions. You can also start a social media page that's open to the general public, offering your course participants even more support from external sources.

9. Create An Effective eLearning Assessment Plan

You need a way to evaluate online learner progress, as well as the effectiveness of your eLearning course design. Thus, you must have an effective eLearning assessment plan in place that focuses on learning objectives. For example, how often you will assess online learners and which evaluation method is right for the task. Simulations and branching scenarios may be the ideal approach for performance-based objectives, while multiple choice exams are great for company policy or compliance mastery.

The Kemp Design Model gives you the opportunity to explore the needs of your online learners and customize the eLearning experience, as well as identify which resources and eLearning activities facilitate knowledge assimilation most effectively. Thus, online learners get more out of the eLearning course design and receive the ongoing support they require to achieve their potential.

How do you know which Instructional Design model is right for your eLearning course? Read the article 8 Tips To Choose The Best Instructional Design Model For Your Next eLearning Course to discover 8 helpful tips to choose the best Instructional Design approach for your next eLearning project.