4 Tips for Writing Meaningful Learning Content admin, November 29, 2017October 12, 2023 There’s content, and there’s content. However, not all content is conducive for learning . And therein begins the slide of your storyboarding efforts towards ineffectiveness. Here are some tips that can help you write meaningful content, which could lead to effective learning. Know your purpose Know why you are creating the course. Understand the reasons why the learner needs the specific information, and figure out exactly how much needs to be taught. Don’t launch into details of nuclear fission if all the course needs to teach is the periodic table. Be clear with your objectives. Write for the learner As instructional designers, we get to read up on a lot of stuff – raw content, reference material – and even interact with SMEs to understand the topic. You could even say that at the end of all our research, we become rather knowledgeable about a certain topic! That puts us on a high horse… When we transfer our knowledge to our storyboards, though, we need to get off that high horse and put ourselves in the shoes of the learners. Compartmentalize your mind – let one part be the trainer, and the other the learner. Write with one part of the mind, for the other. If what you write makes sense to your learner avatar, you’re on track. Keep it simple Even within a target group, grasping abilities differ. ‘Intellectual diversity’, you know. Cater to the lowest rung, without ‘dumbing down’ the content. Do not underestimate, or overestimate your learners. Use words that everyone will understand – remember, this is not where you wax eloquence. Explain concepts briefly wherever it could add value. Include additional reference material, if you can – it goes a long way. Stick to the facts The moon is not made of green cheese. Marilyn Monroe was not the first woman president of the United States. Accuracy of content is imperative – even if it sounds ghastly, or gory. Don’t try to beautify the content by going off the track; or change history because you believe in what you saw in the movies. Leave fiction to storytellers. Use your imagination to create the instructional approach, not the content. There you go – four of my secrets revealed! As an instructional designer, keeping your learner in mind is the key to successful course creation – treat the learner with respect, motivate the learner, and steer clear of the temptation to bore the learner to death! blended learning custom e-learning content eLearning Courses custom e-learning contentLearner EngagementPersonalized training
blended learning Gaming the System: Navigating the World of Game-Based Learning September 4, 2024 Game-based learning and Integration of gamification in elearning courses share a common thread: they both use games as a vehicle for education. These methods leverage the engaging power of games to enhance learning experiences, making them more interactive and enjoyable. But while the concept of integrating games into educational settings… Read More
blended learning 4 Ways to Get Your Subject Matter Experts to Your Side. And Keep Them There! December 8, 2017October 12, 2023 Subject Matter Experts are critical links in creating an informative and technically accurate learning experience. However, since SMEs are busy people who have additionally been tasked with providing support to training initiatives, it’s not always easy to get them to spare the time for you; yet, a delay in coordination… Read More
Form-Fit-Function – Is it Applicable in the eLearning Industry? November 7, 2017October 12, 2023 Can learning be ‘engineered’? What if we were to use best practices from other domains to improve the way we create learning? Here’s how a basic concept from the manufacturing industry can be adapted to the learning industry. Read More