Learning Journals in Online Training #127
Encourage Learners to Reflect on What They Just Learned
Keeping learners focused and engaged can be a real challenge.
For many learners, the e-learning course is just another workplace hurdle they need to overcome before they can focus on their “real work.”
What are some ways course designers can keep learners focused and engaged without overcomplicating the development process?
One way to engage your learners is by inviting them to reflect on what they just learned.
Rather than building custom practice activities for every module, try asking your learners an open-ended questionthat connects the content to real-world activities.
Example of Learning Journals in E-Learning
One great example of a learning journal is one that is available throughout the course and features text entry fields to capture learners’ thoughts for each section of the course.
Created in Articulate Storyline, the journal is contained in a multilayer lightbox slide using basic text entry fields to capture learners’ thoughts.
Avoiding Meeting Missteps By Dawn Ferrulo
What Would You Do?
Learning journals don’t need to be skeuomorphic or complicated interactions. A video, case study, or short paragraph is all you need to set up the scenario.
Ask a reflective question like “What would you do?” and include a blank text entry field so learners can jot down their answers.
Make it interactive by including an option for learners to compare their answers with an expert’s recommendation or response.
The goal is to find creative ways to encourage learners to reflect in meaningful ways. And that’s what this week’s e-learning challenge is all about!
Instructional Designer, Clinical Informatic at Providence Health & Services
8 年What a great idea! Are those thoughts recorded somewhere the learner can go back?
Talent Development Strategist | Helping organizations better engage, manage, and develop their people
8 年Great post idea, David! In my MOOCs, I try to encourage learners to post reflections after they complete an application exercise ("Now go apply this to your situation and come back...."), which comes after each small section of content. It's challenging, though, to get them to actually do it. I'm wrestling with how intrusive to be about that. On the one hand, they should have a right to experience the course without getting pestered to offer their reflections all the time, and yet I know it would be much more valuable a learning experience for them if they did. When I taught at Penn State, I could actually make reflections part of their grade, so then I knew it would get done, but with an opt-in course, I don't have that stick. I was thinking of offering discounts on future courses for people who post a certain number of comments. Not sure how hard to push it. Look forward to seeing what others think and what has worked well in terms of embedding reflections into learning activities.
Instructional Design Manager | Ex-EY
8 年David, the sample of a possible journal looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing. It is a nice idea to allow learners to take notes within the framework of the course (something that Lynda.com offers). But is it possible to allow learners to download this journal also? Otherwise, it is yet another created need. They can jot down their takeaway on paper also. "Keeping learners focused and engaged can be a real challenge." You are absolutely right about this. And since most of our audience does not feel focused and engaged, making 'them' write will frustrate them. Don't you think? I have an idea that can beat this boredom. I'll share it in this week's challenge, my first challenge. Wish me luck!
I love a Blank Page! | Accomplished Learning Designer | Innovating Learning Solutions | Ai Generated Heading - Loving this tech!
8 年It can sometimes feel that unless we're finishing a piece of learning off with a MCQ or some other sort of assessment, we're 'failing' the learner. Your idea to end on a reflective note, rings much more positively (even if after an assessment!).