What To Do And What To Avoid When Creating The Perfect eLearning Course Intro Screen
You only have a small time window to grab your learners' attention and get them excited about the eLearning course. The eLearning course intro screen sets the tone for your entire eLearning program and offers online learners a glimpse of what's to come. But how can you give online learners something to look forward to and sum up the benefits before boredom strikes? Here are the do's and don'ts for creating a successful eLearning course intro screen.
Creating The Perfect eLearning Course Intro Screen: What To Do
1. Make It Interactive And Emotionally Compelling
You need to create an emotional atmosphere for your online learners in order to form a connection. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is through interactivity and immersion. Create an introductory eLearning video or interactive presentation to get them hooked. Tell them a story that ties into the topic, or give them a brief glimpse of your main eLearning character. Start things off with an eLearning scenario or simulation to give them an overview of the eLearning materials. There is no rule that states eLearning course introductions have to be bullet lists and text blocks.
2. Identify Areas For Improvement Early On
Invite your online learners to complete a quick self-assessment before they start the eLearning course. This allows them to identify strengths and areas for improvement early on. As such, online learners are able to focus on certain aspects of the eLearning course, such as skills that they need to develop. At the end of the eLearning experience they can see how far they've come or seek out additional eLearning resources to bridge gaps. You can even combine tip 1 and 2 to create interactive, real world eLearning assessments that test their practical knowledge.
3. Captivate Your Audience With Visuals
Images, graphics, fonts, and colors should never be an afterthought. Each of these visual elements convey a certain tone and message to your audience. For example, cooler color schemes and calming imagery can soothe stressed online learners. As a result, they know that they can expect an eLearning environment that helps them focus on the subject matter. Likewise, controversial or compelling visuals puts them in a more alert frame of mind.
4. Stress The Benefits Of Your eLearning Course
I saved the best Do for last. Above all else, you must emphasize the benefits of your eLearning course. What do online learners get from the eLearning experience? Why should they spend their time taking the eLearning course? Is this eLearning course going to give them the information they need to solve a common problem? This is your chance to "sell" online learners the advantages of active participation so that they engage with your eLearning content.
5. Create An Intro Soundtrack
Music and audio narrations pull your online learners in and make them take notice. It also solidifies the tone of your eLearning course. For example, classical music puts online learners at ease before a stressful eLearning experience. If you are using a voice over, make sure that the narrator clearly pronounces each word and has a well-written script on hand. This helps to avoid any confusion and ensures that cover all the key points. Intro audio elements are also ideal for online learners with special needs, such as those who are visually impaired.
Creating The Perfect eLearning Course Intro Screen: What To Avoid
1. Don't Use An Impersonal Or Technical Tone
The eLearning course intro screen is your opportunity to let the character of your eLearning course shine through. This is meant both literally and figuratively. Give online learners a preview of the look and feel of your eLearning course, as well as the personas they'll encounter throughout. You can even give the narrator a face and personality online learners can relate to. As such, you should avoid a cold or impersonal tone. Online learners must be able to form a personal connection with your eLearning course, and technical jargon can be off-putting.
2. Don't Overload Online Learners With Information
Your eLearning course introduction is just that, an introduction to the eLearning experience. It should be a clear and concise overview of the benefits, goals, and key topics. Not a barrage of information that causes cognitive overload. You have ample opportunity to explore the subject matter during the eLearning course. As a matter of fact, eLearning course intro screens are a great place to prep your online learners and get them mentally focused. Invite them to take a break before they begin the eLearning course to improve knowledge retention. Offer tips to prevent distractions and ensure they get the most from the eLearning experience.
3. Don't Flood The Screen With Static Text
When online learners see a block of text, their minds automatically disengage. Either they don't have time to read through a page of text, or they get bored after the first paragraph. Break your written eLearning content into easily digestible chunks and use images to add a personal touch. For example, frame your bullet list with a computer screen or sign. Use headers to draw their attention to important points, and pair it with eye-catching graphics. This also goes hand in hand with the "information overload" tip. Only include relevant information about the perks of your eLearning course and what they can expect.
4. Don't Incorporate Irrelevant Images For The Sake Of Aesthetic Appeal
eLearning intro screens are prime real estate. Therefore, you must choose your images carefully, and every visual should earn its place. In other words, don't use images just for the sake of aesthetic appeal. Ideally, visuals must support the subject matter and draw online learners' in. Remember, this is their first glimpse of the eLearning experience that lies ahead. As such, it should accurately reflect of your tone, message, and brand identity.
Do your eLearning course intro screens tout the benefits and connect with your online learners on an emotional level? Or are they flooded with text and irrelevant images? Use this article as a guide to create a memorable eLearning course introduction that captures the minds and hearts of your audience.
Are your intro screen images the perfect fit? Read the article Images In eLearning: 6 Best Practices To Choose Images For Your eLearning Course to make sure that the pictures you select in your next image search are ideal for your eLearning course intro screen.
