Design engaging eLearning Courses: complete Check list!
E-Learning Design Trends
The creation of eLearning courses is subject to many rules and parameters.
Studies and research have enlightened professionals on the most effective techniques.
LMSs also offer increasingly subtle analysis tools. The data extracted reveals the behaviour and activities of learners.
The success of an eLearning course also depends on the activities built around the training modules.
In this article we share tips and trends for designing successful e-learning courses.
Font and Sizes
It is difficult to read on the internet and this rule applies to all digital content and even more so if you think the content will be seen on a smartphone.
Text is more important than any button or thumbnail. The Message should be prominent.
Hierarchy of information
Unlike a newspaper article, the title may not be the biggest element of your slide.
Lead the eye to the crucial part of the slide, the instruction or question should be bigger and bolder than the title or any satellite information.
Contrasts and colours
Screen comes in various quality and light setting, the project brand must adapt: colours must not be to light, colours should be contracted and meaningful. Colour is a function it leads and gives priorities.
Mind Overload
An instruction should be intuitive and not learned. It is therefore important to keep the actions simple and move forward step by step. Each complexity should be added when the first is understood and fully assimilated.
Audio versus words
Long text will not be easily read and will create frustration. So, transform any instruction into audio whenever you can.
Video versus audio
Audio is a great asset. It is easy to produce and ease the access to the information. But Video is the optimum experience.
Video offers a voice, a face and animated data and illustration to digitalise any complex concept into accessible and clear instruction.
Nuggets Learning
Everyone is talking about microlearning, but it is sadly rarely applied. An eLearning module needs to be kept short. Not more than 5 minutes.
Step by step, module after module the learner will achieve more with nuggets learning.
Scenario-Based Learning
It is important to choose examples that are rooted in the learners' professional reality. To these facts via videos share practical cases, testimonials or processes.
Narration helps the learner to connect with the subject and keep them interested.
Social Learning
We are all social beings and interaction with our peers is the method that promotes retention of information.
It is crucial to never leave your learners alone and to integrate them into discussion groups via Virtual Classrooms or forums.
Activities
Never just pass information to learners without creating interactions, clicking, moving, responding, recording, guessing.
Keep a constant focus on the course and the first objective.
Job Aids
Just in time Training is also about offering practical and short information. The aim is to create a clear and brief material that the learner can apply immediately.
Visual is key
Many studies show that illustrations and visuals improve comprehension of information and increase learner engagement. Visuals reduce cognitive overload and improve recall.
Humour
We are too serious! Humour adds sensitivity and humanises your lessons. People are more sensitive to discovering new concepts, learn better and memorise more easily if they are happy and positive.
Finally the LMS. The Learning Lab is an innovative Learning Management System for creative people! A team of more than 25 experts remain at your disposal for the creation of your eLearning courses.