When building elearning programs, there are several factors to consider. Even the most basic and straightforward elearning project can become daunting, from thinking about the core content and designing a successful elearning program, to ensuring that the concept is consistent with the organisation’s brand and message.
More businesses are opting to move their classroom materials to digital courses every day. Designed to meet the needs of modern learners, elearning provides a continuing education opportunity for those who want to train anywhere, at any time, and at their rate. Companies will also save money on training by going digital because the annual teacher fee and logistical expenses are eliminated.
If you’re one of these companies interested in building elearning programs and converting your classroom training to elearning platforms like the elearning Moodle open-source system, you should first learn how to avoid common pitfalls. It’s natural to make mistakes along the way, especially when delving into intricate projects, but it’s important that we try our best to minimise major errors and prevent consistent problems from arising in order to lay a solid foundation and build better programs.
Learning from our mistakes, as every elearning professional can testify, helps us to improve in every way. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if there was a way to avoid all of the drawbacks of mistake-based learning while also reaping all of the benefits? To avoid the trial and error, as well as the expense and dissatisfaction that comes with hard-won experience, be mindful of the following elearning activities that can sabotage your elearning deliverable’s overall performance.
1. Not Researching Your LMS and Authoring Tools Options Beforehand
It’s important to choose the right Learning Management Systems and authoring software as elearning software can serve as the basis for all future elearning courses, modules, and deliverables. Make sure to choose elearning software that has the functionality and functions you want, as well as the ease of use and flexibility you need. Before deciding on a learning management system for your elearning deliverables, don’t be afraid to request demos and conduct a thorough study. You simply won’t be able to design or create elearning courses and modules that accomplish the learning goals you need without an efficient LMS.
2. Improper Usage of Images and Graphics
It’s perfectly acceptable to include graphics and photographs in your elearning course. It aids in the development of a better understanding of a course as well as the ability of learners to retain information.
Images that are a large file size, or not properly compressed for viewing online can affect page load speeds!
However, using too many graphics when building elearning programs, as well as low-quality or irrelevant images, can be distracting to learners and make them less motivated. As a result, make it a habit to use images/graphics that are relevant to your subject matter.
Additionally, images that are a large file size, or not properly compressed for viewing online can affect page load speeds.
3. Same Old, Same Old
Repetition tends to be the primary factor behind feelings of boredom. We stop paying attention if we already know what’s coming. As a result, you must keep things going to promote good learning. It’s not necessary to be too obvious; slight adjustments in the layout, font highlights etc. can be more successful than completely changing the colour scheme, and include variations in the types of activities offered.
To keep users engaged, a well-balanced variety is needed. The best experience is created by balancing the use of text, graphics, and interactive elements when building elearning programs. Everyone has their way of learning that they enjoy. When designing your elearning course, variety is an important factor to consider. Everyone processes knowledge differently, so it’s best to make sure there’s enough for everyone and that all learners can access the materials easily.
4. You Don’t Have A Good Picture of Who Your Target Audience Is
Have a clear idea of who you’re designing the elearning course for. What are their passions? What is their level of experience? What is your educational level? If you don’t spend the time to study your target audience, you’ll end up with courses that aren’t engaging. Not to mention that the end-user would be unable to connect the deliverable with the meaning of the content being provided.
5. Not Paying Attention to The Quality of The Content
Although the visual aspects of your elearning course should be prioritised, the quality of the content you provide for learners should also be considered. Any piece of content you provide should make learners feel as though it would help them in some way. Errors and poorly written material will detract from the quality of the elearning experience, making the learner question the course’s importance.
6. Building eLearning Programs with Activities that are Too Difficult
Creating tests, assessments and activities for your learners that are too difficult is one of the errors to avoid when creating elearning courses. However regular assessment is needed to know how they are doing with your course. It’s also important that these activities are challenging for your users. Make them hard enough so that they are achievable with guidance and effort. For more information on this concept see Vygotsky’s Zone Of Proximal Development. You may give them assessments in the form of brief quizzes to help them recall what they’ve learned. You’ll be able to see where they’re falling short and which sections of the modules they’re excelling at.
Building effective elearning programs can be a little tricky at times, but it’s a rewarding accomplishment once finalised and perfected. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’re one step closer towards achieving your goal and raising your elearning standards to greater heights.
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Pukunui provides LMS hosting services, support, training, consulting and site design for Moodle™ software along with BigBlueButton™ and Mahara™ integrations.
Learn more at: https://pukunui.com/
