Engaging the Learner

Throughout the years different learning modules have been used both in the classroom and in corporate training. The downfall of most was the lack of engagement of the student.

Remember sixth grade and the teacher droning on about the revolution? The only revolution we could think about was how to not get called when she would call on someone for an answer that we should have read the night before. Can’t remember lesson – neither can I since we weren’t actively involved in the learning process.

Many teachers have found ways to get students involved through role plays, quiz bowls, and other activities that don’t involve lecture and that often keeps the student’s interest.

Today, with laptops, tablets, and computers we see more students – both young and old alike – turning to online learning. There are many great online learning sessions and an equal amount (or more) or poor ones.

Defining good or bad is often a matter of taste, but, it is also based on the mind’s ability to absorb. We need to move past the lectures, or in the case of eLearning – read and click next, and put the information into bite-sized chunks that can be accessed and learned in a few minutes rather than hours.

Good eLearning also involves the learner through meaningful interactions that require the learner to draw on the information presented or to make decisions based on their experience which may or may not have the expected results.

Videos that are five minutes or less that require interaction is one method. Creating games are shred on a network that include a leader board is another.

Regardless on the method you select, keep it short and make it engaging.

 Linda Watson is an Instructional Designer specializing in creating effective eLearning courses.