Five keys to engage learners when designing online learning.
A while back I released a series of five YT videos outlining key issues (based on research and my 15 years of DLD experience) od Digital Learning Design and thought I would provide an overview here on Medium for educators/trainers/tutors who may have missed it. These five keys are part of a playlist titled ‘2-MIN Migration Tips’ which has 20+ short videos dealing with migrating from the classroom to digital delivery.
I have listed the five keys (along with their specific components) below, with their YT links as well as a few comments about each that have surfaced since their release. The research documents with links are listed at the end of the piece.
KEY1: Spark interest: ( video link)
A) Interest vs intent B) Self intro with a twist C) Make it personal
I could do a whole series about the role of INTENT in learning. Someone’s intent to learn goes far beyond obvious statements they make and becomes clear in their actions. This image is from a key piece of research about MooCs. Apart from the average completion rate of 6% — these researchers found that the completion rate of learners with specific INTENT (those who had a definite purpose for taking the course that was intrinsically motivated) was around 58%. Seven times the normal rate.
KEY2: First Impressions: (video link)
A) What’s your hook? B) Screen narration C) Interactivity
Nothing is more boring than starting your course by going over the course objectives / outcomes. I find it amazing how we spend so much time teaching about a HOOK for presentations, but seem to ignore that same advice when it comes to digital learning. Get learners doing something from the get go!
KEY 3: Relevance: (video Link)
A) Real world applications B) How you communicate C) Using Rubrics
I can’t stress enough how important CONTEXT is for 21st century learners. Given the plethora of information sources that learners pull from (or are pushed to them) on an hourly basis, information from a digital course MUST put it into content so learners make it their INTENT.
KEY 4: Timely Feedback: (video Link)
A) Set parameters B) Monitor progress C) Be contactable
This is as much about the portal capabilities as it is the teacher/facilitator having an in depth understanding of their portal. (Which pretty much goes without saying for all these key points). Try, test, play and prototype with your portal. If it is not very intuitive, then ask for help from your tech dept. and experienced (usually younger) DLD teachers
Assessments: (video Link)
A) Creative tests B)Course metrics
I have been an advocate of authentic assessments long before my M.Ed. Which means I loathe M/C tests to the Nth degree. If your portal is limited in test / assignment response options — COMPLAIN. Great assessments take time to both craft and complete. Find a system / portal that does this. (FYI: I am currently working on an LMS challenge that should be released by May 2020)
Thoughts, comments and any info about similar challenges you have undertaken are always appreciated.
Series Resources:
5 Ways Of Keeping Online Students Engaged And Teachers Involved
Student Engagement Strategies for the Online Learning Environment
5 Myths Of eLearning Instructional Design
