9 Tips To Design eLearning Courses That Promote Lifelong Learning

9 Tips To Design eLearning Courses That Promote Lifelong Learning
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Summary: Do you want to pass on your constant thirst for knowledge? Looking for ways to motivate your online learners and inspire them to do their best? In this article, I'll share 9 tips to design eLearning courses that promote lifelong learning.

How To Design eLearning Courses That Promote Lifelong Learning

Life is one big learning adventure. No matter how old you get or how much experience you have, there's always more knowledge to gather. As eLearning professionals, we have the power to promote continuous learning through our eLearning designs. Our eLearning courses can help them achieve their learning goals and reach their true potential. But it requires a constant pursuit of knowledge and self-determination. Fortunately, we have the ability to equip them with the essential skills they need to adopt a lifelong learning mindset.

1. Put Goal-Setting Skills Into Practice

Lifelong online learners are most productive when they strive toward a specific goal. They're able to keep track of their progress, which engages and inspires them to do their best. For this reason, it's important to facilitate goal-setting skills through your eLearning course design. Encourage them to create personal long-term goals in the beginning. This should include milestones and short-term goals that are easier to manage. Online learners who find it difficult to stick with their goals may also benefit from a training contract. This holds them accountable and allows them to take charge of the learning process.

2. Make Time For Personal Reflection

Online learners must be able to find relevance in the subject matter. Every topic they explore should tie into real world situations and struggles. In many cases, lifelong learning is borne out of necessity. People are looking for ways to improve their lives and overcome common challenges. Thus, they seek out information that can bridge their knowledge gaps. Encouraging personal reflection is one of the most effective ways to make eLearning more meaningful. This gives online learners the opportunity to evaluate their own thoughts so that they can find relevance and real world applications.

3. Develop Research-Based eLearning Activities

What is the best way to address this problem? How can I improve my productivity at work? What is the proper way to perform the task? The learning process starts with a question or problem that needs to be solved. As such, your online learners must be able to carry out research on their own to arrive at a solution. They have to know which resources are available and how to use these resources effectively. Create eLearning activities that involve online research skills and content curation. For example, invite your online learners to solve a real world case study by examining the facts and researching possible outcomes.

4. Encourage Online Learners To Evaluate Their Cognitions

An online learner may not even be aware that their beliefs and opinions are holding them back. However, you can encourage them to evaluate their current cognitions by challenging their assumptions. Ask compelling questions that prompt online learners to evaluate their limiting beliefs and perspectives. Develop online group collaboration activities that help them see things from a different viewpoint. The goal is to break down the barriers that are preventing lifelong learning.

5. Stress The Importance Of Time Management Skills In eLearning

Busy schedules, everyday distractions, and personal obligations can stand in the way of lifelong learning. If online learners don't have time for breakfast, they probably don't have much room in their schedule for reading and research. This is why time management skills are essential. You can facilitate this in eLearning by setting deadlines for eLearning assignments and developing timed eLearning activities. For example, an eLearning simulation that gives online learners 10 minutes to complete 3 different tasks. Every second counts and online learners must manage their time wisely to accomplish the goal.

6. Cater To Diverse Learning Behaviors

Everyone has their own way of absorbing and assimilating information. Some prefer visual activities, such as online presentations and eLearning videos. While others get more out of tactile serious games and branching scenarios. Try to incorporate a broad range of eLearning activities and assessments to cater to different learning preferences. This allows online learners to pursue their goals on their own terms, without having to keep up with their peers.

7. Develop Personal Learning Paths

Empowerment is the most important pillar of lifelong learning. Online learners must know that they are in charge. Allow online learners to choose their own eLearning activities, modules, and assessments. Ask them to develop personal learning objectives and give them the resources they require. Personal learning paths are customized to meet the needs of the individual instead of the group. As a result, online learners feel more connected to the subject matter and get more value from the eLearning experience.

8. Incorporate Online Group Collaboration Activities

There are a variety of benefits associated with online group collaboration activities. Online learners have the ability to interact with their peers, gather feedback, and learn from their eLearning experiences. It also makes the learning process more engaging and exciting by integrating a social element. Group members get the chance to explore different perspectives while expanding their knowledge. Lastly, it draws attention to the fact that people are also a valuable source of information. Online learners can use their extensive network of friends and colleagues to deepen their understanding.

9. Invite Online Learners To Step Out Of Their Comfort Zone

Some of the most powerful eLearning experiences occur when we step outside of our comfort zone. Encourage online learners to something that makes them feel uncomfortable or seems out of character. For example, invite them to host a webinar if they are afraid of public speaking. Ask them to assess their performance and pinpoint strengths and weaknesses. Pushing past these boundaries can transform their perspective and become lifelong online learners. Just make sure that you don't force them out of their confort zone, as this may have an adverse effect.

These 9 tips can help you facilitate lifelong learning in your eLearning course design. However, there is one prerequisite: Your online learners must be ready and willing to turn everyday into an educational opportunity. So, stress the benefits and tie it into real world challenges.

Now that you know the advantages of lifelong learning, you may want to go a step further to motivate your online learners. Read the article 7 Tips To Turn Your eLearning Audience Into Lifelong Online Learners to discover some useful tips to help you turn your eLearning audience into knowledge-thirsty lifelong online learners.