By Mikee Reodica, Project Manager
Photo Courtesy of Freepik
1. Make sure to utilize interactivities (but don’t overdo it!)
It is no secret how challenging it is to stay focused in your seat while going through an online course. So it is the responsibility of the course developer to ensure that the learners are hooked and glued to their seats. One tip is to make sure that the learners can interact with the course, rather than just sitting, waiting, and listening for the next topic to come. Simple interactivities, such as clicks for pop-ups, drag-and-drop activities, hot-spot clicks, will give a boost of interaction. Anything that will make the learner take action will definitely boost their engagement.
2. Add appealing visual elements
As the famous adage goes: “We eat with our eyes first”, the same goes for online learning, we definitely learn with our eyes first. Enticing the visual senses of your learners will get their attention, and infusing visually pleasing content across your course will keep them hooked. Visual elements do not only catch attention, but it’s also a way to simplify complex concepts and ideas, enhancing knowledge retention and the overall learning process.
3. Incorporate short videos
It’s nothing new for educators to use videos as learning tools. It has proven great benefits in a physical class setting. As educators transition online, videos are still considered powerful tools in engaging learners. Similar to the visual elements, short video clips can break down complex concepts, plus provide an overall sensory experience that enhances the entire learning process.
4. Infuse some storytelling
Most educators understand the power of storytelling to communicate their message to the learners. Storytelling puts perspective, amplifies concrete examples, and brings life to a concept or theory. In online learning, storytelling can be infused in the form of short video clips, scenario-based games, or even a series of visual graphics.
5. Pop in some audio
Learning is not just making use of the eyes, it can be a whole sensory experience. Touching on other senses will enhance the learner’s experience, which in effect increases the chances of retaining knowledge. Take it from the movies, the subtle sound effects, without our conscious knowledge, bring depth to our overall watching experience.
6. Ask questions through short quizzes and knowledge checks
Quizzes may sound like a bummer, but in online learning, these activities provide opportunities for interaction, therefore keeping the learner actively engaged. Learners will more likely retain information through the repetition the quizzes provide. It doesn’t have to be boring, use your creative juices to make twists like game-based or scenario-based quizzes.
7. Infuse gamification capabilities
If there’s one sure way to catch your learner’s attention, infusing games into your online course will not fail you. Gamification is the application of gaming formats to your online courses to add activities and enhance the learning experience. This can be in the form of scenario-based games, pop quizzes, and all the fun activities you can make of. As much fun as it brings, games allow for active learning, increasing the chances of retention and overall, foster an enjoyable learning experience.
8. Encourage group collaboration
Learning online doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. With the right software and tools, you can seamlessly integrate group activities into your learning management system – be it through simulated games, virtual quiz bees, or scenario-based activities. Avenues to build connections and create shared experiences are sure ways to get your learners engaged.
9. Consider simulated-based learning
What’s a better way to learn than to have the opportunity to apply and practice acquired skills and knowledge without worrying about making mistakes? That’s where simulations come in. Simply put, simulations are imitations of real-life situations using software and tools to enhance the learning experience. These are reality-based situations in a controlled, virtual environment that allows learners to continuously practice and make mistakes in a safe environment.
10. Know your audience
Now that you’ve discovered a few tips and tricks to get learners hooked, it’s imperative to deep dive into who your learners are to create meaningful, interactive content. No fancy tricks will work if your learners do not resonate or build a connection with your content. Remember, the heart of any online learning course is your learner. Be sure to keep their needs and wants as a top priority.
In understanding the capabilities of technology, you can create powerful experiences for your learners that will bring about lifelong learnings. You can turn passive students into active and engaged learners by following these simple tips and tricks.
Ready to immerse your learners in a fun and engaging online course? Connect with ASSIST Creative Lab to convert your ideas into realities.
