A Comprehensive Guide to Electronic Learning; Types, and Instructional Design Principles

There are many challenges that traditional online methodology faces and surprisingly, lack of engagement turns out to be one of the thorny issues. Elaborately put, learners would only learn if they find the content material interesting or if there are some kind of interactive elements present in the online platform.

However, the lack of attention-holding aspects and the use of monotonous lecture videos may not always do justice to the learners as non-captivating elements (like only text or lecture videos) cannot hold their attention for a long time.

In other words, the much-needed features such as animations for fast knowledge transfer, and assessments and feedback mechanisms for evaluating learners’ progress tracking are missing.

Additionally, if the interface of the online platform is clunky, it may hinder the learning outcomes. Besides, unstructured content or hurriedly made content may confuse learners as they may not know the flow of the topics that are closely connected to each other. Thus, addressing these kinds of issues is of primary importance and one of the top-of-the-line solutions is: electronic learning.

The utilization of such an eLearning platform can do wonders and transform the way learners acquire knowledge completely.

We will discuss more about e-learning sites (containing electronic learning courses); their types, and designs in the subsequent sections.

Table Of Contents:

1. Different Types of eLearning Sites - An Overview

• Synchronous eLearning
• Asynchronous eLearning
• Blended/Hybrid Learning

1. Laying the Foundation: Instructional Design Principles for eLearning Courseware

• Capturing Attention -- The First Step
• Breaking it Down -- The Power of Manageable Chunks
• Clear Guidance -- Navigating the Learning Path
• Assessment Mechanism

Different Types of eLearning Sites - An Overview

Electronic learning, or eLearning, has completely transformed the way training is carried out by companies concerning the type of flexibility that it gives to the learners and quick accessibility to the learning materials. There are various types of eLearning courses (such as sales courses that can be provided through e-learning sites) based on the needs of the learners and goals laid out by a firm

Thus, getting to understand the right type of eLearning course type will help firms to decide which one is the right choice for their training purposes. The different types of e-learning courses are synchronous, asynchronous, and blended learning, with each of them catering to different learning requirements and preferences. Thus with this in view, explained hereunder is each type to render a clearer understanding.

Synchronous eLearning: This type of e-learning site platform helps to establish a real-time interaction between the instructor and learners (live-streaming lectures) through which they can talk to each other through the virtual classroom session

For example, through an e-learning site, it becomes possible for a participant to ask questions or doubts which he has to the instructor immediately after the training session. The synchronous type of eLearning helps the trainees to get a stronghold on the concepts and apply them in real life. This can be challenging for those with busy schedules but highly effective for those who want immediate feedback and collaboration.

Asynchronous eLearning: When it comes to learning or accessing materials easily at one's own convenient timing and pace, the asynchronous eLearning type is the best for learners. One of the major reasons the Asynchronous eLearning site is best for traveling salespersons is because it includes self-paced courses (pre-recorded lectures and reading materials) which the trainees can check out as when they get time along with the video lectures.

However, it lacks real-time interaction but to overcome this missing aspect, discussion forums can be used in electronic learning platforms. These common opinion-sharing platforms enable learners to ask questions to their instructors as well as share insights.

Blended/Hybrid Learning: This eLearning type carries the benefits of both synchronous and asynchronous methods of training -- offers the best of both worlds, as it includes both forms of knowledge delivery systems. To be precise, an eLearning site course might include live webinars and self-paced modules, catering to different learning styles and thus, providing flexibility while maintaining interaction.

Blended learning comes in very handy when it comes to corporate training as it allows employees to gain knowledge at their own pace and participate in live sessions -- enhancing engagement and retention.

Laying the Foundation: Instructional Design Principles for eLearning

Creating interesting eLearning courseware begins with a firm stronghold of concepts -- more like the architect's blueprint for a structure's construction. Remember, any step-up without them might stand, but it certainly won’t last for a long time.

Thus, when a well-thought and planned building is made, it should cater to its inhabitants' needs. Similarly, a customized electronic learning course should be smartly designed to address the specific learners' information-absorption needs and challenges.

Capturing Attention -- The First Step: In order to capture the attention of the knowledge seekers, it is important to spark interest in them right from the outset. Think it this way, you walk into a knowledge garden, it immediately makes you feel pleased and piques your curiosity -- isn't this something that every learner expects? An e-learning site containing engaging 2D animated explainer videos and tons of unexpected but captivating facts with images and examples isn't just a gimmick; it’s a judicious move to hook the learner's interest. This is because when learners find something interesting and it kindles curiosity in them, they’re more likely to dive deeper into the sea of exploration, similar to a well-thought book cover that invites readers to explore the pages within.

Breaking it Down -- The Power of Manageable Chunks: Moving forward, it is necessary to consider the presentation of the content so that understanding becomes easy. Think about this: would it be easy for anyone to have the entire pizza in one go -- sounds outlandish, right?

The same logic applies when it comes to learning; hence, breaking down all types of complex information present in the content into smaller, more digestible pieces makes sense. Reason -- this methodology, the microlearning technique, allows learners to absorb at a faster rate and retain knowledge for a longer period of time -- an ideal approach to enhance knowledge absorption.

This approach of chunking content into smaller pieces helps learners to process knowledge naturally -- bit by bit, rather than getting overwhelmed completely by a deluge of information. Moreover, it helps to create a knowledge-gaining experience that is smooth in nature and as enjoyable as having a well-assorted, planned plated meal, rather than going for a chaotic feast.

Clear Guidance -- Navigating the Learning Path: This is an important step that involves providing clear instruction and guidance in a consistent manner that would help learners throughout the course. To understand this, imagine that you are navigating through a city without any aid such as a map. Won't you feel frustrated as there will not be any clear instructions on where to go? Obviously, you will have no idea when you will reach your destination without any guidance.

The same thing can happen when learners go through a training course material that is not well planned and organized as far as content layout is concerned along with its presentation. However, with the use of e-learning sites, they get proper guidance systematically as chapters as well as topics are laid out in the form of small units and modules. This way they will come to know how much they have learned and how much there is to be learned after completing each module.

Importantly, this not only helps to build overall confidence but also helps them to expand their current knowledge base and look forward to a higher designation or role in the company.

Assessment Mechanism: The inclusion of assessment and feedback can be considered as the lifeblood for creating impactful eLearning sites, giving a clear indication of the learner’s progress -- whether the learning process is smooth. In fact, they can serve as the means to take stock of their progress and light the path of understanding for learners.

One can opine assessments as those pivotal checkpoints that bring clarity on how far learners have progressed. Additionally, they provide in-depth insight into the areas they need to level up (knowledge base) to stand up to their company’s expectations.

Assessments Types: In this learning journey for knowledge seekers, two breeds of assessments are key; namely, formative and summative.

Formative assessments come in the manner of rapid-fire quizzes, short assessments, or polls — focusing mode on the application of the learned concepts, and they function as a system that provides continuous improvement updates to the Learning and Development Team.

Importantly, they help a corporation to fine-tune its content development strategy and infuse the type of learning material that is absolutely suited for the learners as they make headway.

Summative assessments, particularly final exams or broad-based projects, are the concluding tests. They play a major role in aiding to evaluate how has been the overall performance of the learners at the course’s end.

And then there's a feedback mechanism — mostly, the unsung hero that assists to gauge knowledge intake. Just like a coach gives feedback to players when they are going off course, and they need actionable advice on how they can improve, the feedback mechanism in the electronic learning system precisely does the same.

For instance, quizzes provided through the e-learning platform can help to understand the level of learners' understanding and highlight the mistakes with constructive feedback.

Conclusion:

The creation of e-learning sites through reputed eLearning providers such as VK Creative Learning can be a good option for firms. Reason: they can create a platform that not only provides comprehensive training but also includes smart AI algorithms to slice lengthy complex concepts into small chunks so that topics can be easy to understand, along with clear guidance, and feedback mechanisms.