Design an eLearning Course They'll Remember: Boost Retention and Launch Like a Pro

 We've all been there: sitting through a training course and struggling to retain the information. But what if there was a way to design eLearning courses that are not only informative but also engaging and memorable?

This blog post will explore key principles of John Sweller’s Cognitive Load Theory to craft eLearning experiences that stick. We'll also delve into the launch process, ensuring a smooth rollout for your learners. All this derived from Chapters 9 and 10 of Tim Slade's Book, The elearning Designer's Handbook.

Understanding Cognitive Load

Our brains have a limited capacity for processing information at any given time. This is called cognitive load. When designing eLearning, we want to minimize extraneous cognitive load, which is the mental effort caused by the way information is presented.

Here are four methods to consider for presenting information effectively and reducing extraneous cognitive load:

• Structure Content into Bite-Sized Chunks: Break down complex topics into smaller, digestible modules. Think bite-sized learning!

• Design Slides to Be Visually Engaging:  Visuals are powerful tools for learning.  Instead of using cheesy stock photos,  use a realistic picture along with clean typography and color scheme. This creates a professional and engaging look that will grab learners' attention and help them retain information.

• Show the Concepts You’re Trying to Explain:  Don't just tell, show! Use animations, infographics, and simulations to illustrate concepts in a way that resonates with learners.

Design an Intuitive User Interface: A user-friendly interface is crucial. Learners shouldn't waste time figuring out how to navigate the course. Keep it simple and consistent!  Tim Slade offers a great video about navigation here.

Launching Your Course

A successful launch is just as important as a well-designed course. Here are two key steps:

Conduct a Quality Assurance Check (QA Check):  This involves identifying and fixing any errors or glitches before publishing.  A thorough QA check should be comprehensive and cover various aspects of the course, including:

• Functionality: Test all interactive elements, quizzes, and assessments to ensure they function correctly across different devices and browsers.
• Content Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of all information presented in the course, including text, graphics, and audio. Ensure consistency in terminology and grammar throughout.
• Navigation: Make sure the course navigation is clear and intuitive. Learners should be able to easily find their way around the course and locate the information they need.
• Accessibility: Ensure the course is accessible to learners with disabilities. This may include providing closed captions for videos, alternative text descriptions for images, and keyboard navigation options.

Facilitate User Acceptance Testing (UAT):  Get a group of learners from your target audience to test your course and provide feedback. This helps identify areas for improvement before the big rollout. Here are some tips for facilitating effective UAT:

• Gather a Diverse Mix of Testers: Aim for a representative sample of your target audience. This will help ensure the course is user-friendly for a wider range of learners.
• Don't Explain How to Use the Course: Let learners interact with the course on their own. Observe how they navigate and identify any areas where they struggle.
• Observe and Take Notes: Pay close attention to learner behavior and make notes on any usability issues or areas of confusion.
• Debrief and Ask Questions: After completing the course, discuss the experience with learners. Ask them about their thoughts on the content, navigation, and overall usability.
• Prioritize and Implement Feedback: Analyze the feedback from UAT and prioritize the most critical issues to address before launching the course.

By following these tips and leveraging the power of cognitive load theory, you can design eLearning courses that are not only informative but also engaging and memorable. Remember, a smooth launch is essential for a successful learning experience. So, put these strategies into action and watch your learners thrive!