5 quality criteria for online learning

Introduction

We are in our new world of virtual learning for nearly everyone, replacing online learning for those who prefer classroom training. This has made me question why someone would choose me over any other provider and got me thinking about quality criteria for a great learning experience. See what you think about the factors I have chosen and see if you agree with the examples of excellence that illustrate each of the points – which I have taken direct from my TrustPilot reviews.

Quality criteria 1 - Experience

It is awful when you ask a question of the trainer and they have no answer. They flail around trying to come up with a hypothetical response but you know they haven’t got any first-hand experience so the usefulness of their answer is questionable.

If they haven’t been in a similar situation then they cannot illustrate their answer with what happens next - because whatever action we take, its success depends on the reactions of our stakeholders. I want real life examples of when the answer has gone well and when it has failed, so I can compare it against my own situation and judge what I should do. This is learning, not listening, as it is giving me a chance to internalise what I have heard and understand how to apply it.

Examples

"A refreshing blend of method, techniques, practicals and examples wrapped together with wealth of real experience and great stories!"

"Melanie is an excellent trainer that has a vast amount of experience which she was happy to share with the group."

Quality criteria 2 - Added value

We can all read slides and text books. Each step in a process is clearly explained and each theory is described. But I want to know how all the things I am learning connect and build on each other. I want to know how I can draw different elements together to create a relevant solution for my situation.

Examples

"She has a great ability of linking and relating back to information and learning already covered that builds a comprehensive understanding of the material."

"So much added value from a trainer like Melanie. She shares so much of her experience in a fun and unforgettable way - bringing the subject to life through storytelling."

Quality criteria 3 - Empathy

Learning can be stressful, because we worry that we are going to find new concepts difficult to understand. For example, I am a very poor learner of IT, I am slow, I make mistakes and I worry that my mistakes could cause problems. For these reasons I look for a trainer who will encourage me to keep going when I don't get it, who will reassure me I'm not stupid when I make mistakes and who will help me absorb the information at my pace without me getting left behind.

To deliver empathy, we need trainers who are prepared to "walk in the shoes" of those they are training.

Examples

"Melanie will push you, test you, support you, train you and more than anything BELIEVE in you!"

"I came away with a sense of having been nurtured by her in the two days we were together."

Quality criteria 4 - Energy and enthusiasm

If the trainer isn’t enthused by the subject, how is their audience supposed to stay engaged? I sat through two sessions today where the boredom of the presenter led me to "drift" into replying to my emails. It is a two-way street and learners must put the effort in, but I do think this starts with energy, excitement and motivation from the trainer.

Examples

"Kept the energy up over the 2 days."

"Melanie is a fantastic trainer with a lot of energy and she brings to bear lots of great real-life examples of how the course material is applicable in practice."

Quality criteria 5 - Talent for training

I have been coaching a team of trainers today and I was horrified by their inability to view the experience from the perspective of the audience. They gave me presentations of facts and figures, with so much data I got list with so little clarity i no longer cared. To successfully follow an online course, the story needs to build step by step. Jump ahead and miss things out guarantees confusion.

I want a trainer who understands the end goal and all of the steps on the path to that end goal. If the trainer is clear on each of the steps they will be able to stop at each significant moment to make sure everyone is with them before they move on. In this way everyone gets the learning, not just the quickest in the class.

Examples

"Melanie Franklin's engaging teaching style and ability to flex the curriculum meant that I left with a practical toolkit which I can start using immediately."

"Melanie is one of those very rare specimens who is an excellent trainer with extensive experience."

"Melanie’s training style is second to none, bringing to life the theories with her real life experiences allowing you to see how it plays out in reality."

Your turn!

What do you think are the most important criteria for an effective online training session? Please share your examples as I am keen to keep developing my skills.