Spreading knowledge and building skills is more important today than ever. However, with the current abundance of information, it is quite complicated to create relevant and engaging eLearning bites that hold the student’s attention. Especially when creating short instructions like microlearnings or eLearning bites, it is important to use the short time you have as effectively as possible. Therefore, we would like to give you 5 tips to help you create effective eLearning bites.
1. Dare to make choices
One of the characteristics of eLearning bites or microlearnings is that they are short (preferably no longer than 3 minutes) and focused on a short or quick learning activity. This makes it important to get to the point quickly with the information. This can only be done by properly delineating the topic. So it is important that you dare to make choices about the breadth of the topic. If you want to cram too much information into the microlearning, you might want to choose to make it 2 different learning bites.
2. Provide clear instructions
In eLearning, it is common for the student to work independently. This makes it extra important to clearly explain what you expect from the student. If the course of action is unclear, students will quickly lose engagement. An introduction beforehand, for example, can make a lot clear. Take the student by the hand (figuratively) and explain what is going to happen, what he/she has to do and what is expected of him/her. Instructions can never be clear enough, so don’t hesitate to include the obvious (to you).
3. Think about a good structure
With online information, it is important that the content is easy for the student to follow and digest. This can be done, for example, by creating an interesting story around it that keeps the student engaged and interested. The sequence is essential in this, because it guides the student through all the information in a coherent and logical way. So think carefully beforehand about what information comes when. Using a storyboard can be very helpful in providing a clear structure.
4. Less is more
When you want to transfer knowledge, it makes sense that you yourself are passionate about what you do and know. You want nothing more than to share all the knowledge you have with the whole world. But when it comes to creating understandable content, the principle of “less is more” applies. Information overload is counterproductive. The learner becomes overwhelmed. You won’t achieve your goal with this. The first step in avoiding “information overload” is to be very critical about the content. Stick to the essentials and leave out the rest.
5. Don’t lose sight of the target audience
When creating online content, you can choose from a huge number of options for presenting the content. However, that doesn’t mean you have to use them all (interchangeably). As with content, less is more. Think about who you are creating what for. What type of interactive content best suits the target audience? Don’t be tempted to add too many types of “interactivity” that distract from the content. Transferring knowledge will be most effective if the way you present the content is tailored to the target audience.
Finally
Creating good eLearning bites and microlearnings will always be a road of trial and error. You’ll always have to test what works well and what doesn’t. What works for me may not work for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment, as long as you keep the basics in mind.
Wondering how to easily create your own eLearning bites or microlearnings?
Create a free account on LesLinq and check it out! Any questions? Contact us by email or call Chris Hof at +31 (0)682 077 845.