Opportunities for delivering engaging elearning courses have never been easier, so now is the perfect time to implement online course material. At DigitalChalk, we combine many of the tools and features highlighted in this blog to make it easy to deliver high-quality, engaging content tailored to your learners’ needs. We also offer LMS and content bundles to help you get started quickly. To learn more, request a demo or learning assessment to see how DigitalChalk can be the partner you deserve in creating unique and engaging online course content.Creating engaging and effective online courses helps learners retain information and apply it in real-world scenarios. By incorporating different content formats, you can enhance the learning experience while keeping users actively engaged.
As more companies take their training online, elearning is a proven and essential tool for training and workforce development. With more learners using digital platforms for convenient learning, the quality of course content is crucial for maintaining their attention and boosting knowledge retention. As eLearning Industry points out, “Engagement is not just about making content flashy or entertaining; it’s about creating meaningful learning experiences that resonate with learners […] Ultimately, it paves the way for effective learning outcomes and empowers learners to achieve their educational goals.”
In our recent blog post, ‘10 Tips for Designing Interactive & Engaging Online Courses’, we covered the fundamentals of designing interactive online courses. Now, we’re taking a closer look into one of the key elements: creating unique and engaging content. This blog will explore strategies for creating interactive online course content, whether learners are mastering a new skill, pursuing certifications, or upskilling for career growth. Here are some best practices to consider:
Insert Multiple Media Formats
Learners interact with content in different ways, making it essential to include a variety of media formats in online courses. Here are some examples:
- Videos are effective for explaining ideas in a concise and interactive way. Zoom or PowerPoint, combined with voiceovers, are easy-to-access tools for creating videos.
- Infographics visually summarize key information, making it easier and quicker to understand. Platforms such as Canva and Infogram provide customizable templates to create eye-catching graphics.
- Audio clips, such as voiceovers or podcasts, offer an alternative option for learners who prefer listening over reading. GarageBand for iOS and Audacity, a free audio editing software, are just a few of the many options available to help create high-quality audio content.
- Interactive slideshows are another great way to present content dynamically. Tools like Prezi and Google Slides allow you to create engaging presentations.
Incorporate Storytelling
Stories help make content more relatable, allowing learners to connect with the material. For example, case studies present real-life challenges and solutions that help learners apply concepts based on past experiences. According to eLearning Industry, a few key benefits of the case study approach include giving learners an initial look at their future work environment and providing relevant concepts that can be applied.
Include Interactive Activities
Engagement increases when users are active participants in their learning experience. Studies have shown that employee engagement can improve by 18% using LMS technology, resulting in a more impactful and engaged workforce. Quizzes and polls are an effective way to test knowledge while keeping learners involved using tools such as Google Forms or Kahoot! Drag-and-drop activities provide a fun, visual way to emphasize concepts and help learners connect the dots. Another option is discussion boards, which encourage peer collaboration and idea sharing.
Integrate Gamification
Gamification adds fun and competition to the learning process by adding game-like elements. Badges and rewards help recognize learner achievements, while leaderboards encourage friendly competition and encourage learners to challenge themselves and strive for improvement. Levels create a sense of progress, allowing learners to see their growth and stay engaged. For the best results, keep these gamified elements simple and aligned with the learning goals without distracting the user from the course’s main objectives. Gamification has also been proven to be a useful strategy for improving retention. According to Gabe Zichermann, author of Gamification by Design, adding game-like elements to work-related training can increase employee skill retention by 40%.
Ensure Accessibility and Inclusivity
Focusing on accessibility and inclusivity ensures that all users learn effectively. It’s important to incorporate key practices such as adding captions and transcripts for videos and audio, allowing learners with hearing impairments to follow along. Additionally, using screen-reader-friendly content enables learners with visual impairments to easily access course materials. Providing multiple content formats, such as text, video and audio, caters to diverse learning preferences and helps accommodate a broader range of learners, which creates a more inclusive and effective learning environment.
Creating interactive and engaging content for online courses is essential for helping learners retain and apply knowledge. By using diverse media formats, storytelling, interactive activities, gamification and ensuring accessibility, you can create an engaging elearning experience that motivates and empowers learners.