How To Create Immersive eLearning Courses
Immersive eLearning experiences utilize modern technology and basic human psychology to mimic real world situations. They offer online learners the rare opportunity to test their skills and expand their knowledge without any risk.
5 Benefits Of Creating Immersive eLearning
1. Provides Real World Experiences
Immersive eLearning puts online learners in the middle of action. They have the ability to test out different approaches and see how each decision takes them down a different path. In short, they gain real world experience in a safe and risk-free environment. There is no fear of failure because they are able to learn from their mistakes. As a result, they are less likely to make these same errors in real life.
2. Mimics Real World Pressures And Challenges
Even though there isn't any risk involved, there is still some degree of stress. This is particularly true for immersive eLearning activities that involve lifelike problems and challenges. Online learners get the chance to see how they react under pressure so that they can identify areas for improvement. For example, an eLearning simulation draws attention to the fact that they need to increase their task proficiency. Therefore, they can seek out additional online resources to remedy the issue.
3. Improves Learning Performance And Proficiency
Immersive eLearning allows for timely feedback and constructive criticism. In fact, most immersive eLearning activities have built-in feedback systems. For example, an online learner chooses a specific branching path during an eLearning scenario. They don't achieve the desired result, which tells them that they need to re-evaluate their learning strategy. Furthermore, online instructors and facilitators can use immersive eLearning exercises as eLearning assessments. The online learner's performance provides them with all the data they need to offer personalized feedback and recommendations.
4. Removes Geographical Limitations
In decades past, face-to-face instruction was the only option. Online learners had to venture into the real world to get the experience they required. For example, travelling hundreds of miles to participate in an internship program. Immersive eLearning activities remove geographical limitations by providing experiential eLearning. Online learners can get the firsthand knowledge and practice that they need at a moment's notice. There's no need to book a flight or arrange accommodations.
5. Reduces Training Time And Expense
When employees make mistakes on-the-job, your company pays the price. You may miss out on revenue or lose a valuable customer. Immersive eLearning equips your employees with the knowledge and skills they need to be proficient in the workplace. It also reduces training time by focusing on practical application instead of theory-based learning. This equates to lower training costs and improved ROI. Lastly, immersive eLearning helps you avoid instructor fees, travel expenses, and site rental fees.
4 Tips To Create Immersive eLearning Courses
1. Incorporate Realistic Situations And Characters
Immersion relies on realism. Online learners aren't able to actively engage if they can't relate to the situation or connect with the eLearning characters. For this reason, you must incorporate realistic elements that online learners typically encounter in the real world. For example, integrate software and tools that they use on a regular basis. This often requires researching your audience, through workplace observations, focus groups, and online surveys. Discover as much as you can about their backgrounds and preferences to create eLearning content that resonates with them.
2. Create An Emotionally Engaging Storyline
One of the most important aspects of immersion is emotional connectivity. Online learners need to feel for the eLearning characters and be able to put themselves into the role. This requires a compelling storyline that pulls at their heartstrings and triggers an emotional response. To accomplish this, you have to determine which emotions you're trying to convey and how they will affect the eLearning experience. For example, stirring anxiety may mimic real world pressure, but it will also put them in a negative frame of mind. As a result, online learners may not be able to focus on the task at hand.
3. Let Online Learners Choose Their Own Path
Each online learner has the power to choose their path in the real world. Their choices lead to outcomes, which result in consequences or repercussions. This is the natural order of things. Which is why your immersive eLearning course must empower online learners and allow them to take charge. Simulations, serious games, and branching scenarios are inherently learner-centered. Individuals make decisions that take them down a particular path. However, you can incorporate freedom of choice into other aspects of your eLearning course design. For instance, a clickable course map that enables online learners to pick their own eLearning activities and assessments.
4. Remove Unnecessary Distractions
It's important to focus on the learning objectives instead of losing yourself in the immersive eLearning elements. For instance, choosing multimedia that is interactive and visually appealing, even though it doesn't support your learning goals. Cluttered eLearning course design distracts online learners and takes away the overall eLearning course value. It's wise to start with basic immersive eLearning activities that align with your learning objectives, and gradually integrate more interactivity. Choose your color schemes, fonts, and layouts with care. Consider how they fit into the larger picture and their emotional significance. Red may be one of your logo colors, but it also symbolizes urgency. Thus, it has the potential to create unnecessary stress, which detracts from the immersive eLearning experience.
Immersive eLearning can turn dry and dull subject matter into an exciting online journey. Even corporate compliance has the power to become engaging and emotionally-centered with the help of eLearning immersive stories, activities and design elements. Use this article to create realistic and enlightening immersive eLearning courses for your online learners.
Simulations are one of the most effective tools for eLearning immersion. Read the article When To Include Online Training Simulations: 6 Instances To Consider to discover some instances you should consider when using online training simulations.
