Training and learning are not always activities most learners look forward to, even in the cooperative scenario. But this is changing fast as modern learners realize the immense importance of learning regarding their careers. Custom eLearning courses can be built with strategies and interactivities to provide relief, challenge the learners, assimilate and apply more in the area of their work.
1. When Less Is More - Minimalistic Text
To ensure that text does not create tedium, on-screen text should be crisp, to-the-point and minimalistic. A useful instructional tool that is used to create impactful OST is layering. The main objective of layering is to keep on-screen text to a bare minimum. Different layers are formed which present information to the learner in a gradual momentum. While the main points outlining a concept are given on screen, the learner can click on a button or link on screen and read a detailed document to deepen understanding. Another way by which OST can be minimized is with the help of audio. Audio accompaniment can give out details of a concept, while OST remains minimalistic. For the benefit of a learner, the audio-transcripts can be shared separately. Narrative approach should then align keeping in mind preferred styles of learning and providing options to cater to them all. Different narrative styles can be adopted as per the preferences of the learners.
2. Chunking The Text
Chunking is a clever instructional tool when creating text content for eLearning. It creates space for one idea at a time, giving the learner the time to understand and then, go ahead. Ideally each paragraph should convey a single thought or idea. Similarly, long and complex sentences should be avoided. The transition from one "chunk" to another should be smooth. Small introductions can be given before introducing a new topic. In-line knowledge checks or questions can also be used to make sure learner is ready to go onto the next topic. This is also instrumental in increasing learner’s involvement in the course.
3. Engage With Interactions
Interactivities can be built with stories and scenarios in custom eLearning courses. They kindle learner’s imagination and force them to think in practical terms. There are various ways that a story or scenario can be built. Different mediums like text, graphics or audio-visuals can be used to build interactivities, as well as a combination of any or all of the above. The learner can be made part of the story and can be given authority to take decisions. Alternatively, learners can also write their responses in an open text field. Feedback should be descriptive, instead of a simple "correct" or "incorrect". A useful feedback should include how and why the response was correct or incorrect. A scenario can be given and the learner can take quick decisions as appropriate in a given scenario. The beginning of a story can be given and the learner can take it forward. Branching stories can be created to make stories more interesting.
4. Graphical Element Of eLearning
Graphics or diagrams can be utilized to explain a process or procedure. As the learner moves the mouse through different parts of the diagram, they can move or pop up and come alive for the learner. Instead of simple text explanations, explanations can be given through animations and audio. Simple tools can be provided to give out links or see details.
5. Virtual Exercises
Changing perspectives is important for corporate learners to help understand problems or issues faced by their clients, customers or peers. They can thus be better prepared to handle and solve problems effectively. The learner can be asked to act out a scene, for instance, make a call to virtual customer-support executive, with responses from a standard call script. Learners can pin-point where the virtual executive is giving good response and where there is evident lack of clarity. Similarly, a learner can be asked to assemble a product using only the literature provided by the company. This helps them to assess how product documents work and identify the need for support, wherever required.