How To Boost E-Learning Engagement With An Interactive Conversation

Is there a voice in your head saying, “I've got to make this e-learning engaging...” and in the words of 50 Cent, “or Die Tryin'”?

Or maybe, you just have a creative itch to scratch?

I while back I had that itch while designing an e-learning project (to support managers onboard new employees.)

And, guess what?

I'm sharing it with you!

The reason: To draw your attention to my use of an interactive conversation.

Later, I explain what I'm *actually* doing. Don't miss this.

But first, check out the interactive conversation right HERE.

NOTE: When you finish the interactive conversation, you'll experience a speedy time-lapse version of the whole course :)

Can engagement be this minimal? Find out (if you haven't already.)

Why a “Pattern Interrupt” Is Just What You Need

Now, the interactive conversation serves a few purposes.

But, for now, I want to talk about how I use it as a Pattern Interrupt.

Basically, a Pattern Interrupt breaks someone’s normal thought pattern and activity pattern.

Why is that important?

Because we all have these little patterns in just about everything. Not only in our behaviors, but also in our thoughts and our perceptions.

Sadly, people often perceive learning as painful, boring, or an opportunity daydream.

So, a Pattern Interrupt is something you can use to break that pattern.

Throw a wrench into the machine, so to speak.

And, when you do throw the wrench into that machine, you throw your learner (or whoever you’re communicating with) off balance in a way.

And when you throw them off balance, they become more open to you and your suggestions.

Now, for the sake of what we’re doing in e-learning, and Story-Based E-Learning specifically, a Pattern Interrupt is something that does this: 1) It flies under the radar and, 2) Disarms defences.

So, the first thing a person experiences when they begin the e-learning is something that gets them thinking, “Hey, wait a minute. This isn’t what I expected at all.”

And, you almost want to change their state.

You want to move them from a skeptical upset posture to, “What? I got to see this.” or “That’s pretty funny.” or “Oh, this is making me feel good.”

So, the function of the Pattern Interrupt is to do that very thing...

Its sole purpose is to disarm the defense.

NOTE: The screens of an interactive conversation don’t need to be cluttered to be effective.

How To Get The Most Out Of Interactive Conversations

Now, here are three tips for writing an interactive conversation (and all but guaranteeing engagement).

First, it’s a conversation, so try to write like you talk.

This feels weird at first, but it’s HUGE. And it’s why you would attempt an interactive conversation in the first place ;)

Second, amplify the tone.

Try to be witty. You never know what will resonate with your audience. Stakeholders and learners are human, and love a good laugh and shtick. (They also hate boring e-learning as much as you and I do.)

Third, start small, especially if you’re attempting this for the first time. Pick your spots for witty conversation.

The introduction is a good place to start and put the learner’s mind at ease.

What about branching?

Guess what?

There’s no branching here.

This is a string-of-pearls design. Like my e-learning project, ‘Broken Co-Worker.’

What I mean by string-of-pearls is that each choice pushes the learner straight forward. It’s a linear path toward a goal. Constraining your project this way makes life simple.

All you’re doing—in each slide—is addressing the learner’s choice by playing an audio file, then moving them forward.

Designing a string-of-pearls is easy on the scriptwriting too. Because the response to every choice simply addresses the learner’s choice, then takes them to the same linear outcome.

It's a simple way to acknowledge the learner's perspective, how they may feel, and give them relevant information based on their choice.

Find Your Interactive Conversation Voice

I was born with something called, “I hate the sound of my own voice.” (I’m told it’s treatable with practice.)

Anyways, because of my condition, I outsource narration to voice talent. In this case, I outsourced to my buddy Chip over at voices.com.

Professional voice actors like Chip are WAY better than I am at making this engaging.

The point is: Tone and delivery of your finely crafted script can make or break your interactive conversation.

Seriously. Taking the narration off your plate of things to do makes life easier. And it’s exciting to hear what a professional does with your script to make it pop.

In a Nutshell

• A Pattern Interrupt is a technique to break someone’s normal thought pattern and behavior pattern. (The sole purpose of the Pattern Interrupt is to disarm the defense.)
• Use a Pattern Interrupt in e-learning to break negative perceptions people feel. (About your training or subject matter.)
• Interactive conversations are a quick and easy way to add a Pattern Interrupt. (And surprise learners with wit and a casual, conversational tone).
• Interactive conversations require no design skills! Did you notice how minimal the Interactive conversation screens are?

Also, stakeholders “get” interactive conversations. The concept is easy to grasp :)

Now, I’d love to hear from you.

If you've ever held yourself back from adding an engaging technique to your e-learning — what was the specific fear or concern that stopped you?

Share that in the comments and tell me why you’re putting it off. Is there a big technical problem you’re facing? Is there a question you need answered?

To Your Success!

Ryan Martin & the team at ElearnerEngaged.com

Ryan Martin gained industry-wide recognition in 2012 when he created a radically innovative e-learning module for Articulate. The module was so popular that it soon became a showcase piece for Articulate and still is to this day. Ryan helps workplace learning professionals create engaging e-learning modules by using his proven Story-Based E-Learning design framework. He has scripted and designed mission-critical e-learning modules on behalf of his clients and been able to consistently WOW them with his ideas. He currently resides in British Columbia, Canada with his wife and dog, Mr. Darcy.