6 secrets of engaging e-learning

Have you been accused of developing dry e-learning? Struggling to get your online audience to sit up and listen? Or maybe you just need a quick checklist to identify engaging tutorials.

We all know what bad e-learning feels like, so what makes the good stuff? These 6 secrets will help you construct your content and bring it to life in ways that connect with your learners.

1. Building rapport is critical

Your online tutorial should ask the learner for their name right at the beginning. And if you want even faster rapport building, there should be a virtual tutor asking the question.

In face-to-face training the tutor always checks who has arrived by asking for the names of everyone in the room. These first few steps build a relationship which means the learner trusts you. Online learning is no different - if there is no rapport then your learner will switch off.

2. Manage the expectations

After you have asked their name, tell them what they are going to learn and how long it may take. Be clear on the aims and objectives of the tutorial up front so that your learner knows what to expect. We are respecting their time and so they are more likely to engage in the experience.

If your tutorial has a menu or interface to access the scenarios then explain to your learner how to use it. By removing the surprises and managing the experience we can keep learners engaged.

3. Use real life stories

Whenever possible use examples that mirror the real experiences of the learner. This means your learner will understand the context faster and spend more time focused on the new information.

We know from Psychology that new experiences are integrated into memory faster if they fit with our internal world. So, when identifying your audience needs during the training needs analysis, note real examples for each learning point. This also means that you have something to hang your script on during development.

4. Create challenges

Force your learner to stop and think by asking them questions or present a scenario where they decide the outcome. Do not just present blocks of text.

This is how the learning takes place - we present challenges to be overcome which engages the learner and helps them form new memories. For a really engaging experience, build your scenarios around characters with personal challenges and let your learner decide their fate! 

5. Watch your language!

Reinforce positive action with positive language so that your learner feels comfortable and willing to continue the tutorial. If they pass a question or test, tell them they've done a good job.

We know that learning new things is tricky so when your learner passes a milestone, make them aware it has not gone unnoticed - they will appreciate the recognition and are more likely to finish.

6. Signpost at every opportunity

Your learner must always know what they need to do, where they are in the tutorial, and who to contact if there is a problem. If they do not know what tasks need to be completed they will disengage from your learning.

Make it clear in the script what action must take place for the tutorial to continue. Provide a system which allows the learner to see their position in the tutorial at all times - this could be an on screen menu or a progress bar. Finally, give contact details for tech support when things go wrong so they can get back on track quickly.

Final thoughts

These 6 secrets will help you turn your tutorials into something that keeps your learners coming back for more, but it's not the full story. What are your e-learning engagement tips and tricks?