Tips for effective E-LEARNING from the user perspective

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Often we read about e-learning from the perspective of the developer and hardly think about the user. Forget the end of course evaluation that is only for reports. While we all know that online learning saves cost and is often times a one -time cost compared with the face-to-face learning, it is important to note that the blended or 70/20/10 approach is the best.
Here are the tips for effective e-learning:
1.      Make it relevant to the user and what he/she does. There are too many boring content flying around in the e-learning world.
2.      Participants get easily discouraged when they spent hours trying to navigate the online environment. Tell them how to get started in a simple manner not a text book literature. The number one reason for discouragement in e-learning is the wasted time trying to navigate the online environment or get started. We all know that most people are not so patient.
3.      Let the content be engaging. You have to put into consideration the bandwidth by the way but don't put up all text in the same colour and format. My brain goes to sleep immediately.
4.      If you have to use text, think of a novel. What keeps the reader spell bound? the suspense; connection with the reader and their immediate environment. The text is in the same format anyway.
5.      A picture or video can pass the message. Text is good but we all know the general attitude to reading lengthy documents. 
6.      Online platform can have a human face with constant interaction. Whether you like it or not, people get discouraged by the 3rd or 4th lesson; so check up on them by email or phone call. Phone calls  might not be possible with  a large number of participants. Send a personalized email not a general email reminder. "Dear Sarah" versus "Dear all/ participant". "Dear Sarah" makes a huge difference.
7.      Questions from participants should be answered speedily. Please don't wait for 3 days to reply a simple request from participants.
8.      Always have a recap after each lesson.
9.      The assessments in e-learning are meant to enhance learning so design them such that the questions enable thinking rather than a quick reference to the text for answers. Don't make it too difficult either.
10.  There's something special about the way the course starts and ends. I would probably remember a grand entrance and amazing finish. Start with a short story, video or  a game. Maybe end the course with a personalized story that will bring about response.
11.  Online discussion is valuable; have you seen how people type away with chats? If the discussion is not lively, ask a participant to lead the discussion. You can ask them to suggest discussion topics and have them lead the topics one after the one. 
12.  Be mindful of the age of your learners. It will determine a whole lot with the way the learning will go. You have to find that one thing that will excite them.
13.  Who wouldn't be surprised with a short video from you as the facilitator? A 3 min video can be very helpful.
Online learning can be as effective as face-to-face learning. The next time someone argues with you; tell him or her not to read his or her emails again. Be it online or face-to-face learning ,we are all trying to communicate something valuable.
Don't forget to add your comments or send an email to bayus007@yahoo.com.
Adebayo Adekola


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