How To Improve eLearning Content Comprehension For Online Learners
eLearning content comprehension is a prerequisite for eLearning pros and online learners alike. eLearning content creators must be able to comprehend every aspect of the topic before they can impart knowledge to others, while online learners need to fully absorb the ideas in order to apply them in a practical context. Furthermore, all parties involved have to assign meaning to the subject matter to make it relevant and real-world centered. Here are 8 tips to improve eLearning content comprehension on both sides of the aisle.
1. Gather Information From Different Sources
You need to have a firm grasp of the ideas and concepts before you can create powerful eLearning experiences. Your eLearning course becomes the go-to source of expert knowledge. You have to rely on informative articles, sites, and other resources to gather that knowledge. More importantly, you must use a broad range of references to ensure that your eLearning content is accurate. This also allows you to see the topic from different points of view, as each source presents the facts and figures in a unique format.
2. Evaluate Your Current eLearning Materials
You may already have eLearning materials that explore the subject matter. You can use these resources to brush up on the topic and deepen your own understanding or even repurpose them for your current eLearning course. For example, a podcast series that you created for a previous online training course may refresh your task-based knowledge. Or you can pick up on something that may help you create more meaningful eLearning content this time around. You can also request eLearning materials from fellow collaborators in your network. Ask your social media groups for helpful links to add to your personal resource list.
3. Analyze Your Personal Cognitions To Identify Roadblocks
In some instances, you may have assumptions or beliefs that stand in the way of eLearning content comprehension. For example, years ago you learned a piece of information that was inaccurate. You committed this idea to memory, and now it is conflicting with an idea or concept you're currently researching. This is a roadblock that you can only overcome with personal analysis and self-reflection. Once again, it's wise to use multiple resources so that you get a broader perspective.
4. Summarize The eLearning Content To Assign Meaning
Putting the information in your own words and actively recalling the key ideas enhances the value of the eLearning content. In order to teach the subject matter, you must be able to connect it to pre-existing knowledge. This builds on your current mental schema so that you can assign meaning. After researching the topic, sum up the core concepts in a bullet list or brief paragraph. Alternatively, create a visual representation of the data, such as a mind map or infographic that delves into different facets of the subject.
5. Encourage Learner-Generated eLearning Content
Learner-generated eLearning content adheres to the same principles as summarization. In order to create eLearning content about the subject matter, online learners must be able to fully comprehend the concepts. For example, they have to create an online presentation or video that explores a work task. To accomplish this, online learners need to understand which steps and skills are involved, then convey the information in an easily digestible format. You can even gather all of the learner-generated resources to create an online library. For instance, a collection of podcasts, videos, slideshows, and articles that focus on a specific topic.
6. Stress The Benefits And Applications
One of the core components of comprehension is motivation. Online learners will actively participate in the eLearning course and broaden their understanding if it provides practical know-how. For this reason, you should emphasize the real-world applications and advantages of the eLearning content. What goals will it help online learners achieve? How can they apply what they've learned to overcome a common problem? If they know that the eLearning content has real-world value, chances are they will be more motivated to learn. It's best to stress the benefits and uses before, during, and after the eLearning course to refresh their memory. You can also reiterate it using different techniques, such as simulations that put online learners in the middle of the action or infographics that offer a detailed overview.
7. Tie The eLearning Content To Pre-Existing Knowledge
Online learners are more likely to comprehend and remember eLearning content that connects to pre-existing knowledge, such as ideas that improve skills they've already acquired or rudimentary topics they've covered in the past. It offers online learners a frame of reference, which facilitates meaning. Think of it as a solid foundation they can build on to gradually enhance their understanding of the subject matter. To accomplish this, you must first assess your online learners to find out what they know and determine how to fill the gaps. This will also reveal their learning preferences. Thus, you can provide more personalized materials that further enhance eLearning content comprehension.
8. Provide Real-World Examples To Enhance Relevancy
Relevancy is yet another pillar of eLearning content comprehension. Real-world examples, case studies, and stories connect the subject matter to real-life challenges and situations. For instance, the real-world example showcases how interpersonal skills can help online learners resolve conflicts and become more effective communicators. Thus, they are able to see the relevancy of their training, which improves engagement. A byproduct of this is increased eLearning content comprehension and understanding. They get more from the eLearning experience because they see the value of active involvement.
eLearning content comprehension is the key to meaningful and memorable eLearning experiences. It allows eLearning professionals to convey the core ideas and concepts succinctly while it gives online learners the chance to quickly consume the information in a format that's easy to digest.
Once online learners comprehend the eLearning content, they must be able to remember it. Read the article 9 Knowledge Retention Techniques For eLearning to discover top knowledge retention techniques to be used in your eLearning course design.
