Effective instructional design is crucial for e-learning. By using the right strategies, the quality of your coursework is dramatically increased, leading to a better training experience for your workforce. Plus, it can improve the overall results, causing knowledge retention and skill development rates to improve significantly.
Often, the most effective instructional design strategies are reasonably straightforward. If you’re ready to boost your e-learning experience, here are some techniques that can improve your instructional design approach.
Microlearning
At its core, microlearning is a simple concept. It involves breaking down more complex topics into smaller, bite-sized chunks. Each module becomes hyper-focused on a single subject or idea, focusing all of the content on that carefully selected subject. Additionally, it shortens the length of an individual module, making it easier to integrate into a busy schedule. Microlearning can often boost engagement, too. Since the courses are short, employees have fewer issues concentrating on the information being delivered. That improves the overall learner experience while also increasing knowledge retention.Personalization
Personalized learning experiences are inherently more engaging than the alternatives. By allowing employees to make certain adjustments, they can use approaches that work best for them. While small forms of personalization – like selecting avatars or allowing them to change color schemes – can enhance the learning experience, it’s often best to focus on more meaningful types of customizations. For example, personalized learning pathways that align with the employee’s role, adjust based on their current knowledge, and adapt to their learning speed can optimize the training experience. As a result, employees spend more time on information that genuinely matters to them and less time on areas that don’t. Another excellent option is to allow employees to choose between several information delivery methods. Offering text, video, audio, and visuals – as well as opportunities for interaction – ensure every learning style is accommodated, leading to higher engagement.Spaced Learning
In many cases, reinforcing lessons repeatedly leads to better long-term knowledge retention. However, the timing between those reminders matters. For increased effectiveness, having a break between the initial time a concept is presented and when it’s reintroduced can actually be beneficial. The idea is to offer learners a break, giving them a chance to integrate some of what they’ve learned. Then, when that initial mental processing is complete, tapping on the subject again can help them refresh their memory and integrate more of the information. By doing this interval approach several times, the end result isn’t just more effective; it also feels less tedious than hammering on a single topic too close together, improving the overall experience.Are You Ready to Embrace the Effective Instructional Design Techniques Above?
At Clarity, we have 30 years of experience in L&D, giving us the knowledge and expertise to integrate the instructional design techniques above to improve your e-learning experience. Plus, if you’re trying to expand your internal L&D team, Clarity can be your candidate search ally, connecting you with top talent right when you need them. If you want to partner with leading L&D professionals, Clarity Consultants is here. Contact us today.
