Why is it important to incorporate observational and personalized learning in eLearning?

We as a human have the capability to learn something when we observe something and find it useful for ourselves in our daily life. Similarly, learning becomes easy for us if the content is created as per our learning style and to fit our learning pace. Thus, observational learning and personalized learning content can help a learner to understand concepts easily.

Understanding observational learning

Observational learning occurs based on the below 4 factors:

• Attention
• Retention
• Reproduction
• Motivation

Let's understand each factor in greater detail.

1. Attention:

Unless a learner pays close attention to what he or she is studying, it may be difficult for the learner to understand the concept. However, when a learner comes across something which he experiences in daily life, he pays close attention to it. In other words, he observes the situation more carefully and tries to understand it. This way, by paying attention, there is a wide scope for a learner to understand things around him easily. 

Attention levels may vary based on the model's and environment's characteristics, such as the degree to which the model resembles the observer or the observer's current mood.

For example, if you want to be the head of your team, it makes sense to study the current team leaders and seek to imitate their behavior.

2. Retention:

Attention alone is inadequate to acquire and master new knowledge. In addition, the observer must retain the knowledge or recollect it at a later period.

To optimize retention, the observer must arrange his or her information in a manner that is readily recalled by adopting a regular learning routine.

The material must be easily remembered for the task to be performed with little or no effort.

Suppose a child wants to learn a concept based on flowers. It would always be better to show the flower and different parts of it so that the child can understand each part of the flower and its role easily.

3. Imitation

When an action is brought to mind; but, is it possible to carry it out in actual life?

Imitation is a process that necessitates the observer's physical capacity to do the behavior in the real world. It is much simpler to say that we can easily imitate than to accomplish.

Developing a new habit often requires many hours of practice to gain the required skills. 

You cannot just see an entrepreneur perform an excellent company-wide presentation and then use the exact same techniques in your own presentation minutes later. These are skills that need years to acquire and perfect.

Similarly, the student with poor grades cannot observe a top performer and understand his studying techniques in a day and be successful. To get better grades, he has to imitate all the studying techniques every day and practice them religiously.

4. Motivation:

Motivation plays a vital role when it comes to observational learning. This is because unless the learner is motivated, he may not have the interest or show the willingness to learn something new. This is where the creation of content in such a way that the learning becomes easy and enjoyable would be helpful.

By incorporating the essential elements of observational learning as described above, you can ensure that the learners can understand the content easily as far as observational learning is concerned.

Besides observational learning, another factor that plays an essential role in the understanding of the concepts is customized or personalized learning.

Importance of personalization process in eLearning
Personalized Learning is the process of tailoring pedagogy, curriculum, and learning environments to the specific needs and learning styles of each individual student. 

Personalization goes beyond adjustment and differentiation since it provides students discretion over what they learn; when they learn; how they learn, and where they learn from.

In addition, eLearning customization allows the learners to define their own goals and learn in an environment that is uniquely fitted to their needs. This method has the ability to significantly enhance the efficacy of learning and give new opportunities for professional progression.

Elements to personalize learning 

Modern students expect that their eLearning courses will have a variety of elements that facilitate subject comprehension and improve their learning abilities. This is where personalized learning is useful as it helps to incorporate all essential elements required to enhance th learning process.

Delivering relevant information to the target audience at the proper moment is important to the creation of customized eLearning courses.

To achieve this, designers must carefully consider the following elements:

•  Structures for content (e.g. audio, video, textual, graphical, etc.).
• The sequence in which material is delivered and the many possible learning paths.
• Content delivery location.
• The method through which students will be graded.

Proven strategies for improving the personalization of eLearning products
The following tactics have been shown to improve the personalization of eLearning solutions.

1. Make information accessible in several formats

Some of your learners may prefer text-based information, while others may prefer short videos or interactive learning simulation modules. Consider generating a piece of information in many forms and allowing learners to examine and comprehend the material in the format of their choosing. The most important thing to remember is that the information offered in various forms should be simple to comprehend and pertinent to the issue being addressed.

Additionally, providing information in numerous forms for an 'eLearning solution' has multiple benefits. Designing in this fashion enables the learner to choose how to continue with learning a subject. 

If a student aspires to comprehend a subject in different forms, one of the primary goals of an eLearning solution will be met. In addition, eLearning professionals such as VK Creative Learning (VKCL) usually encourage presenting material in several forms for enhanced learning.

2. Allowing learners to choose their own learning format

When offering an assignment to students, for instance, enable them to choose the media or tools they will use to complete it. You can let them choose their favorite technology, such as a PowerPoint presentation, an infographic, or a blog post.

Enabling students to engage in this manner boosts their enthusiasm and involvement while encouraging them to use more familiar strategies. In addition, they will be able to exercise the creativity necessary to grasp a complicated subject.

Learners get control over their own learning and the ability to use their own creativity and learning talents, rather than just following prescribed methods.

3. On-Demand Videos

In several eLearning courses, the typical screen consists of an hour-long talking video in which the student listens to an expert for an extended period of time. They must take notes and listen carefully to what is being stated. In the current eLearning context, video material does not function in this manner.

The ideal video is between three and five minutes long, has a hook, and has a specific goal. Focus on the essence of the information you are going to deliver. Before producing the video, it should be written and editable if necessary.

4. Easily scalable and user-friendly materials

Content shouldn't be sequentially distributed. Instead of producing a standard sequential experience, present learners with a clickable experience comprised of a range of activities. Remember that your students are seeking just-in-time responses. Frequently, you must equip learners with bite-sized modules to meet the various needs of your diverse audience.

5. Add gamification and reflective learning to your eLearning system.

If students think that they are having fun or making progress, they are more likely to engage in the learning process.

Gamified learning integrates all game-like features into the learning process and substantially increases student participation in any educational activity.

VK Creative Learning (VKCL) creates eLearning solutions incorporating observational and personalized learning factors into consideration. You can contact us if you are in need of an eLearning development company that can develop a comprehensive eLearning solution.