How eLearning Courses Can Simplify Learning

How eLearning Courses Can Simplify Learning
Summary: Learning is an on-going process through which we acquire new skills and knowledge. It is essential in practically every aspect of our lives. This is how we grow as individuals. This is how we better equip ourselves for new challenges ahead. This is how we are able to take advantage of new opportunities. It is through learning that we can improve with our jobs. It is how we progress on our various crafts. Learning doesn't just stop when we graduate from school. It is something continuous.

eLearning Courses Can Help Simplify Learning

One of the best ways to learn today is through eLearning. This alternative offers a more interactive approach wherein the audience's attention and interest could be better captured. Gone are the days when learning is associated with mere teacher-student classroom setups wherein the teacher talks and the student merely listens. Nowadays, interaction is highly recommended in order to enhance the learning process.

That is why eLearning courses are rising in popularity. Here, images and voice-overs are used to convey information. Voice-overs, in particular, can help encourage the audience. As opposed to self-directed approaches, wherein the audience can fully dictate the pace and direction of the whole learning process, the use of voice-overs can keep the momentum going. Voice-overs can also make the learning process more interesting, compared to merely reading about ideas and concepts from a book or from a computer screen. eLearning courses provide an interactive and more exciting learning atmosphere, so that the audience is better able to absorb information.

There are some factors, however, to consider in creating an effective eLearning course. Duration and localization are among those aspects which must be taken into consideration. These can significantly help in further simplifying the learning process.

Based on various studies, less is better when it comes to eLearning course duration. It has been shown that approximately 12 minutes is the maximum period of time within which an individual's attention could be fully captured. Hence, within this time frame, it is important to be able to deliver essential bits of information through interesting and creative means.

Localization, on the other hand, refers to tactics and strategies which tailor-fit an eLearning course to the needs and profile of a specific audience. This will allow them to better associate with the actors or models in the videos, in turn, allowing them to better relate ideas and concepts into various scenarios in their own lives. For instance, an eLearning course aimed at a Muslim audience would probably be better accepted if it features models or actors who are conservative and who are wearing a hijab. They might be repelled by actors or models who are wearing more revealing clothing as it is not part of their culture. Since wearing a hijab is part of their culture and religion, they might be better able to relate to the actors or models they see on screen.

Localization also involves the use of language or words appropriate to the target audience. For instance, it would be wise to not make use of medical jargon for a group of students who are just in their first year of medical school. Ideas and concepts might be completely misunderstood this way. The use of British English may also create confusion for an audience familiar only with traditional US English. Translation is also something worth considering. Using the target audience's local language will certainly be effective in getting vital messages across. This will allow them to better absorb new data. This will also help make the learning atmosphere more relaxed. Furthermore, translating an eLearning course into the most appropriate language will help catch and hold the audience's attention better and longer.

eLearning courses have certainly made a huge mark. Businesses, schools, and organizations find this a highly cost-effective tool in making the learning process more interactive, interesting, and fun.

Originally published on May 12, 2015