Creating engaging eLearning course is proven to boost knowledge retention and create a more impactful learning experience. According to the eLearning Industry, users learned five times more material using online learning techniques compared to traditional training. At DigitalChalk, we have worked with thousands of companies over the past decade and can identify content-creation strategies that improve the learning experience and deliver results.
Building an interactive online course that connects with your audience starts with understanding how they prefer to learn. Whether your learners are visual, auditory, or hands-on, these ten practical tips can help create a course that enhances learning outcomes and creates a positive, engaging learning experience.
1. Choose the Right Course Topic
Focus on selecting a topic that aligns with both learner needs and the company goals. Adding a clear set of learning objectives helps structure the course and gives users a clear understanding of what they will achieve. An example objective for an interviewing training course could be: “Learners will demonstrate effective interviewing techniques to identify top candidates for a position.”
2. Design a User-Friendly Course Layout
A well-structured, user-friendly design allows learners to move through the course content easily without frustration or confusion. Learners should be able to use their time to focus on the course materials, not figuring out how to access the course or use the learning management system.
3. Use Quizzes and Assessments
Adding interactive assessments like quizzes, polls, or flashcards throughout the course helps clarify key concepts. These small checkpoints give a sense of progress and allow learners to repeatedly engage with the material, boosting their knowledge retention and motivating them.
4. Use Real-World Scenarios, Examples or Case Studies
Using scenarios, examples or case studies helps users connect the course material to real-life situations. Applying knowledge in this way also shows the practical relevance of the content, giving learners a deeper understanding of how to apply their new skills.
5. Deliver Easy Course Navigation
A seamless, flexible learning management system allows learners to move through courses at their own pace and explore content that interests them most. Easy navigation helps users quickly find and access the course contents they need, keeping them engaged without any interruptions.
6. Use Visuals Effectively
Visual graphics do more than make a course look good. Because 90% of information transmitted to our brains is visual, using images, icons, and color palettes can have a powerful impact. Choose a color palette that fits your brand and aligns with your message. For example, instead of overusing red, which is often associated with anger, opt for blue, since it promotes trust and peace. Every image, icon, and chart should tie into the topic you are trying to cover. Avoid unnecessary design elements that don’t add value.
7. Avoid Information Overload
Less is more. Focus on core learning points using bullet points, headings and visuals to break up the content into pieces. Simplified, readable content helps users retain what’s important without feeling overwhelmed by excessive details.
8. Recap Key Learning Points
At the end of each module or course, provide a quick summary of the key takeaways. This recap helps reinforce essential concepts to learners summarizing what they’ve learned, ensuring they remember the vital points as they continue.
9. Gather Feedback
Feedback is key to improving your courses. Asking learners to complete a short survey after the course helps gather valuable insights into their experience and highlights areas for content improvement, making future courses more effective.
10. Choose the Right Technology
Selecting an easy-to-use learning management system is important to delivering a smooth, practical learning experience. The right LMS makes course creation and delivery more accessible, enhances user experience, and helps you maximize your eLearning investment. With the right tools in place, you can focus on creating great content while the LMS takes care of the technology.
With these 10 tips, creating an online course that captivates and motivates users will be a breeze. At DigitalChalk we offer the tools and support to help enhance course creation and create a better learning experience. Start by completing a free Learning Strategy Assessment with us and discover how our customizable LMS can make your course delivery smoother, boost learner engagement, and provide a seamless learning experience that improves engagement and powers company growth.