e-Learning is a fantastic component of a blended learning solution. Learners can get a lot out of e-Learning content.
BUT…
e-Learning only work when the course has been developed well.
As e-Learning content writers and professionals ourselves at GLAD Solutions, we have been exposed to numerous mistakes affecting how good or bad an elearning course is.
So in an attempt to help you to create only the best effective elearning courses, here are top 10 mistakes you must avoid making.
Learners know when a paragraph is about to waffle on.
They dislike it. They lose interest. They lose concentration. And before you’ve even started, the course is less effective than it could have been.
You don’t need to explain every little detail in a lengthy paragraph so be sure to use shorter sentences, images, videos, and downloadable guide for more information if the learner wants to learn more.
Which would you prefer to read?
Be consistent in what you preach in your e-Learning. This is particularly true when you use more technical language.
And another thing…
Don’t forget imagery. If you choose to put clip art style animation in your content, stick with it. Don’t add in images from Google search, it’s distracting when images are not consistent.
We don’t see this one too much anymore, but a pointless animation adds nothing to an e-Learning course.
It’s frustrating.
Remember when many websites used to have a Flash intro screen prompting you to “click to enter” the website? Pointless and distracting.
This is probably one of the more common mistakes in e-Learning and it’s super important to get right.
Here’s the deal:
Writing test/assessment questions that challenge your learners ensures the validity of your assessment.
Avoid including ‘joke’ or obviously untrue selections in your multiple-choice questions. Instead, challenge your learners. We need to know that when they’ve passed the test that they actually understand the content.
The digital voice in elearning is the tone you use to ‘talk’ to the learners.
The bottom line:
You need to know your audience.
Dumb down the content too much, and it becomes irrelevant for learners who already understand the content.
Make it too advanced, and you’ve put off some of your beginners.
Be sure your content reflects the tone of the organisation or department you are writing it for.
Although interactivity is useful for keeping learners engaged, it’s important not to overdo it.
The magic formula…
We try to ensure that there is an interactive element every 3 to 4 slides.
If the non-interactive slides are interesting and engaging, this approach works like a charm.
It’s vital that your learners understand why they are taking this course and what’s in it for them.
There should be some outcomes at the end of the course that directly benefit the learners.
Here’s an example:
From a time when we were delivering some Agresso elearning to a company using its requisition function. Historically there was a problem with users not recording purchases on Agresso properly and a lot of their requisitions were rejected.
So, in our course objectives, instead of stating “by the end of this course, you will understand how to use Agresso to raise requisitions”, we wrote “by the end of this course you will be able to use Agresso to raise requisitions correctly and avoid unnecessary delays with your purchases”. This ensured users were engaged from the outset.
Remember to use active verbs to describe what learners will be able to do after completing the course.
The chances are your course is made up of a combination of assets from text boxes to images, audio to videos.
The point is, if you have a well thought out naming convention for your assets, you’re going to have a much, much easier time updating any future courses. This saves you time, money and hassle which means you can concentrate on getting in new business instead of searching folder after folder.
Max 40 minutes. That’s the rule we adhere too for any e-Learning course to ensure learners are able to stay engaged.
Strip out information you don’t need, include different types of media, split the course into two – whatever you do, don’t let your learners lose interest. e-Learning doesn’t need to be boring.
This is a fairly obvious one, but e-Learning needs to look professional.
Ensure that images are well sourced and high quality and add value to the content.
When it comes to voiceovers use a professional where possible, and certainly invest in high quality recording devices.
There are many more tactics for keeping on top of your elearning quality and making sure your elearning courses work.
Let’s make sure others don’t fall foul of these top 10 e-Learning mistakes.