Education Technology Services

A simple multi-step process to focus online learning on performance

The COVID-19 pandemic made online platforms one of the most effective tools to teach students from remote locations. With all the benefits it offers, E-learning has become a popular mode of teaching/learning with both students and teachers despite the drawbacks associated with the lack of in-person presence.

Developing any kind of educational course requires a lot of planning, and the process for creating an e-learning course is no different. It involves a lot more than just making the content look good. 

Here are ten steps to create an effective course that will get your learners actively engaged:

Step#1 Know your Audience

Before you begin creating an online course, make sure to spend time understanding and connecting with your audience. You can use keyword analytics to find and understand the target audience for your online course. This will enable you to develop course material based on their requirements.

Step#2 Define Learning Objectives

Establish the learning objectives of the e-learning course. It is essential to have clarity about the outcomes for learners. An effective course needs to be carefully aligned to the needs of the students from start to finish while fulfilling educational objectives in every step of the program.

Step#3 Generate a Course Plan

A strong course plan is like the roadmap to creating a successful e-learning program for the participants. Work with the subject matter to determine the needed information, illustrations, audio, video, or interactive media. Define everything that you would like to cover in the course and convert all the topics into separate lessons or chapters.

Step#4 Choose the Right Technology

The e-learning industry is awash with innovation and breakthrough procedures. When online learning is delivered through technology-based solutions, it becomes less expensive per end user and ensures better consistency of learning than conventional learning.

Top technologies to leverage for enhanced performance with e-learning:

Artificial Intelligence:Machine learning (ML), a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps customise courses or content for the participants and provide a personalised experience. From providing language-based support to improving access for students, AI in e-learning can optimise online learning based on the unique requirements of the learners.

Cloud Services:Cloud technology helps you store more data when compared to private data stored on computer systems. There is no need to install any storage device and the participants can access all related information and content from wherever they are. 

Virtual Reality (VR): Virtual Reality helps to simulate an immersive, computer-generated learning environment. Leveraging the power of VR as a learning tool can help learners delve deep into complex subjects and gain a seamless learning experience. 

Step#5 Develop Effective Communication Techniques

Irrespective of whether it is text, audio, video presentation, or even animation, everything should be communicated conveniently and effectively. It is beneficial to use tools and technologies that complement each other to improve communication in online training.

There are several word processing packages, HTML editors, and software like Flash and PowerPoint that you can use to enhance the quality of content. 

Following are some communication tools that can provide a great experience:

Storyboard content: Storyboarding is an effective tool that helps create an organised sequence of information and allows trainers to explain their concepts and coursework to the participants.

Audio, Web, and Video Conferencing: By utilising audio, and web conferencing, along with video conferencing, you can increase the engagement potential of the course content.

Database and Content Management System: Database and CMS technologies are widely used to store and manage course content, and other records. To be specific and brief, you can customise the interface template according to the requirements of the program.

Step#6 Define the Instructional Design Plan

It is essential to ensure that the content is presented in an appealing and purposeful manner by incorporating established learning principles. A strong instructional design plan defines how the content is presented, and how it is reinforced through a variety of exercises and activities.  

Step#7 Develop Engaging Discussion Posts

As a learning aid, discussion posts centred on course content can enable students to learn how to communicate collaboratively and participate in conversations. The best part is that you can create unlimited discussion forums to support the course. 

Step#8 Include a Glossary

Do not assume that the participants will understand technical terms or acronyms on their own. It is essential to add a glossary and explain key terms in simple language.

Step#9 Mobile Apps Access and Tablet Computing

Game-based learning, social media, and mobile learning can make the process simple and captivating. With interactive mobile apps and tablet computers, you can make the learning modules fun for participants while ensuring enhanced skills and performance.

Step#10 Include Regular Tests or Quizzes to Assess the Effectiveness

Add questions, quizzes, and other components to make learning an interactive process for participants.  You can use an e-learning software solution to create and deliver high-quality and interactive quizzes.

These are some steps you can include in e-learning programs to offer a high level of engagement. Techniques such as these can be customised according to the learner’s level of proficiency. Incorporating technology-based solutions and providing 24/7 access, can help participants learn at their own pace and review the content as often as required. All these factors enhance performance and provide a great learning experience.

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