Making Learning Easier: How and Why?

Making learning easier is a challenge that needs a mix of L&D skills, understanding the learner, and designing effective learning experiences.

It starts with building a strong Learning experience Architecture...

A learning experience architecture might seem a bit abstract. It is basically the main design of a learning experience, the framework that ties all the elements together - the learning content, activities, duration, Documentation, Evaluation and more.

This architecture begins with understanding the learning needs, which are at the heart of any training journey. To do this, it is necessary to conduct a thorough analysis to identify the skills and knowledge that learners need to acquire, the context in which they will use these skills and knowledge, and the obstacles to learning they might face.

There are several methods and approaches for learning design. One of the most well-known is ADDIE, which stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. It is a traditional method that follows a linear process. Although it is widely used and respected, this method can be rigid and may not always respond quickly to changes in learners' needs.

Another interesting method is SAM (Successive Approximation Model). Unlike ADDIE, SAM is a more iterative approach that allows for greater flexibility and the ability to make changes throughout the design process.

However, I prefer the Agile method, an even more flexible approach that recognizes that learning is a dynamic and constantly evolving process. An agile approach allows for quick adaptation to learner feedback and adjustment of the training path accordingly. It is an approach that puts the learner at the center and recognizes that each learner is unique and their needs may change over time.

Alright, what tools can make our Instructional design approaches more effective?

Designing online courses requires a deep understanding of available technologies and tools. This section is about sharing my experience with various tools and technologies.

The first important thing to understand is the difference between an LMS and an LCMS.

LMS (Learning Management Systems) are online platforms used to manage, document, track, report, and deliver courses or training programs (e.g., Moodle). They are essential for organizing and effectively managing online training. However, LMS is just the beginning.... Because an LCMS (Learning Content Management Systems) helps you go further by offering features for creating and managing training content. An LCMS can store, reuse, and update learning content, making the training design process much more efficient and consistent.

Articulate and iSpring are just two examples of tools you can use to develop your eLearning content.

Articulate (e.g., Storyline & Rise) and iSpring (e.g., Suite & Learn) are tools that allow you to transform scripts (or STB) into interactive learning experiences. They offer features to integrate various learning activities, from quizzes to simulations, into your courses.

However, while these tools offer great possibilities, it takes time and practice to master their use. It is important to understand that a good tool does not replace good instructional design solution...

Genially and Canva are also great tools that can help you design visuals and make your courses more attractive.

Genially and Canva are tools for creating attractive visual content. They are extremely useful for making training more interesting and engaging for learners.

However, like other tools, using them requires some skill and creativity. Knowing how to visually design content can greatly enhance the learning experience. Therefore, it is essential to develop these skills.

I like Slack and Trello because eLearning projects require collaboration.

Slack and Trello are essential for team coordination and communication. Slack is a communication tool that allows for quick and effective exchanges. Trello, on the other hand, is a project management tool that helps organize and track tasks.

Using these tools effectively requires discipline and organization. But once mastered, they can greatly improve team communication and efficiency.

And for sure AI!

Technology in the field of e-learning is evolving rapidly. This means I must constantly learn and adapt. Every day, I look for new tools and technologies, such as AI tools, that can enhance and transform the learning experience.

But with the rapid evolution of technology also comes the challenge of staying up to date. This task requires time and energy, but it is essential to remain relevant in this field.

Finally, how can we ensure that our training projects are developed responsibly?

In designing online courses, quality assurance is not just an advantage; it's a responsibility. Ensuring quality means not only producing relevant content but also making learning effective

It's important to ensure optimal quality in the different deliverables.

Personally, to improve the quality of my training projects, I use various tools. Among them, Antidote and Grammarly play a crucial role. Antidote, a language correction software, helps me eliminate grammatical and spelling errors. Grammarly, another correction tool, assists with writing in English. It ensures clarity and conciseness, facilitating effective communication with learners

It's also good to use a Kanban!

For project management, I am a proponent of the Kanban method. This technique, originating from Japan (e.g., Toyota), aims to visualize work in progress and limit the number of ongoing tasks. Using the Kanban method helps me stay focused on essential tasks, progress steadily towards project completion, meet deadlines, and ensure quality.

And for sure the A/B Testing!

When presenting eLearning prototypes, I rely on the A/B testing method. This approach involves creating two versions and giving stakeholders more space to choose what suits them best.

In summary, quality assurance is not just an additional step in the online course design process. It is a key element that ensures the relevance and effectiveness of every course I design.

Last words

After all these details about how to make learning experiences easier, we should note that the digital learning world is always changing because of new technology. This brings up some interesting questions:

• How will instructional design architecture evolve to adapt to these technological advances?
• What new tools and technologies will emerge to help facilitate the learning process?
• How can we ensure these tools are used to enhance, not complicate, the facilitation of learning?

More articles for Inspiration

Glossary for inspiration

1. Instructional Design Architecture: The organization and structuring of information and activities in a learning experience to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills.
2. ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation): An instructional design model that guides designers through different phases of creating learning materials.
3. SAM (Successive Approximation Model): Another instructional design model focused on continuous iteration and revision.
4. KANBAN: A project management method that uses a visual board to track task progress.
5. A/B Testing: A testing method that compares two versions of a product or webpage to determine which performs better.
6. Agile: A project management method that promotes iterative development cycles, team collaboration, and adaptability to changing needs and priorities.

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