Why You Should Consider Integrating eLearning Blogs Into Your eLearning Course Design
There are so many online collaborative tools today that it's difficult to know which is right for your audience. There is only one of you and a limited number of hours in the day. Which means that you have to be selective about the online platforms you integrate into your eLearning course design. You may be considering to use an eLearning blog, but aren't sure if it's worth the time or effort. Below are the 8 top benefits of integrating eLearning blogs that may convince you otherwise.
1. Enhance Online Collaboration
Blogs are often seen as one-sided affairs. The blogger shares their thoughts and opinions with the world using their chosen online platform. However, your eLearning blog has the power to become a thriving online collaboration hub. Online learners can leave comments, share eLearning feedback, and even upload resources of their own. It's a place where everyone can gather and discuss the topic without any limitations. For example, Twitter has character caps that only allow for brief commentary. This makes blogging ideal for collaborative eLearning activities. Each group can create a private blog to upload files, work remotely, and exchange ideas. eLearning blogs are also available to the masses. As such, online learners are able to reach out to peers and Subject Matter Experts all over the world.
2. Facilitate Peer-Based Feedback
Online learners have the ability to post their work in progress and completed eLearning assignments to receive valuable peer-based feedback. Every online learner has unique skills and talents that they bring to the eLearning experience. eLearning blogs give them an online platform to share their abilities and insights. This process benefits all parties involved. The original poster gets to improve their work process and expand their knowledge. In return, the commenter deepens their own understanding of the topic and improves knowledge retention.
3. Keep Online Learners Up-To-Date
Need to share breaking news with your audience? Or let them know that your upcoming eLearning webinar has been moved to a different date? eLearning blogging gives you the opportunity to update your online learners at a moment's notice. Posts are already listed chronologically. As such, online learners will automatically see the latest information when they visit the site. You also have the option to create a subscriber list, which sends notifications to your online learners once you upload a new post. Most blogging online platforms even feature calendar plug-ins. Just add eLearning assignment deadlines and important eLearning events to the schedule to keep online learners informed.
4. Foster A Supportive Learning Community
An online learning community makes online learners feel like they are part of something bigger. They belong to a group of like-minded peers who can offer their support and encouragement. eLearning blogs are an essential part of this online learning community because they offer online learners a virtual meeting space. They have the power to ask questions, address concerns, and discuss common interests without being judged. To ensure that everything runs smoothly it's always a good idea to create a netiquette for the online learning communicty. Post these rules to the top your blog to serve as a constant reminder.
5. Encourage Online Learner Reflection
eLearning blogs facilitate reflection in two key ways. Firstly, online learners are able to write a post that explores their ideas and opinions. Their peers then have the opportunity to see things from a different perspective and offer their expertise. Additionally, online learners can respond to prompts that challenge their current assumptions. For example, the online instructor posts a case study or real world example and asks online learners to draw their own conclusions. Online learners must reflect on the topic and then use their skills and knowledge to articulate a response. As a result, the subject matter becomes more personal and relatable, which leads to better retention and recall.
6. Assess Online Learner Progress And Comprehension
Every eLearning blog post tells you what an online learner knows and how well they know it at this moment in time. They are only able to write about the topic if they truly understand the concepts and ideas. All of this is reflected in their eLearning blog posts, which serve as a progress indicator. You can track performance improvements and then offer additional support when necessary. eLearning blogs even serve as top notch self-assessment tools that allows online learners to identify areas for improvement.
7. Improve Creative Thinking And Communication Skills
eLearning blogs are inherently more creativity-driven. There aren't any limitations to hamper the creative thinking process, which allows online learners to explore the subject from every angle. They are enable free flowing communication. Meaningful online discussions are typical with eLearning blogs. Online learners can use all of these essential skills in their personal lives to achieve goals and expand their boundaries. Which is further proof that eLearning blogs are the gift that just keeps on giving.
8. Create An Online Resource Library
One of the added perks of creating an eLearning blog is that you also get an online repository. eLearning blogs have archives that allow you to categorize all your posts by date and keywords. As such, online learners can find targeted information quickly and conveniently. They don't have to search the entire thread to get the knowledge they need to complete a task. To take advantage of this feature, tag all of your posts and do some regular housekeeping. For example, remove posts that are no longer relevant or modify them to reflect new trends. If you don't have time to maintain the eLearning blog, consider evergreen content that never goes out of style.
These are just a few advantages of integrating eLearning blogs into your eLearning course design. One of the best things about eLearning blogs is that they are so versatile. You can discuss any topic and incorporate a broad range of eLearning activities to cater to the needs of your online learners. You can add blogs to your eLearning course to make it even more interactive, collaborative, and social.
Are you looking for ways to bring a sense of community to your corporate eLearning program? Read the article 7 Tips To Create A Corporate eLearning Blog to discover some useful tips for creating a corporate eLearning blog that motivates and inspires your distributed workforce.
