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    The Anatomy of a Modern eLearning Course

    Workplace learning used to be different.

    In the last decades, learning was considered just an event. People studied four-year careers only, pursued a job for life, and then retired.

    But times have changed—and today’s employees no longer see learning as a one-stop shop for a job. 

    Lifelong Learning is now more important than ever. And that’s more true for Millennials and Gen Z workers than just about any other group.

    These are the modern learners who are vastly different temperamentally, attitudinally, and psychologically than their predecessors, the Baby Boomers.

    As someone who has to cater to the needs of these new generations in the workplace, you have to create eLearning courses that appeal to their unique behaviors and learning preferences. You have to adapt your strategy and start designing learning experiences that will hook and keep them glued to the screen and make them wonder what more you have in store for them.

    Become familiar with the anatomy of a modern eLearning course:

    B6_Modern-Learner-Strategies_02

    1) It Is Interactive and Has Social elements

    Modern learners are tech-savvy. They have grown up handling technology. One-way and passive courses are not for them!

    Forget PowerPoint slides! Say bye-bye to boring PDF training manuals. Instead, design eLearning courses that let the learners interact with the content. Today’s learners are very self-directed and comfortable with an active approach to getting content, so pepper your eLearning courses with interactive activities that make them think, let them act, and steer the course of the learning themselves.

    Scenarios with relatable and believable mentors and settings, quizzes, games, and social environments that facilitate (friendly or feisty) exchanges with peers and competitors are some oft-used interactive tools you can use to make your courses engaging.

    So here's your golden rule: Show, don't tell.

    2) It Has "Relevance" Written All Over It

    Modern workers are not only short of time but also get easily distracted. Social media, smartphones, emails, reading blogs, whatever is beaming on the television—there is no dearth of "attractions" vying for his attention.

    So you have to make your point right away; beat around the bush and your learner will exit from the course. Present only meaningful content; they have no time for fluff. They want to be sure they will be immediately applying what they are learning to real-life situations in the workplace.

    Here's what to keep in mind when you create content for the modern learner:

    • Focus on offering useful tools, performance support, and actionable resources. that include only the most relevant and critical pieces of information.
    • Think in bite-sized chunks of content that the learner can go over in two, five, or at the most 10 minutes. Forget the hour-long lectures that worked well with the Baby Boomers. Use a microlearning strategy and here's why.
    • Give on one task at a time. Do not crowd the screen with multiple ideas.
    • Go visual to make your content easy to grasp. Consider using infographics; these are all over the Internet, and the modern learner likes this format.

    Read: Stop Blah, Blah eLearning! 5 Rules for Creating Relevant and Fluff-free Courses

     

    3) It Promotes Career Development

    As the saying goes, if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know how to get there? This applies to your eLearning courses too.

    Modern learners want to feel like they’re “leveling up” and not just remaining stuck in their careers, doing random courses that are not adding up to a bigger plan. If they feel the learning opportunities are few and far between in their current organization, they will move on to a new job in another company. As a training manager, you know the cost of replacing an employee.

    Here's how you should create courses that will give employees an increased sense of purpose in their present jobs:

    • Ensure that your eLearning courses pack in enough relevant content that will let employees build their marketable skills.
    • Build courses that make learners exercise their creative thinking and analytical skills. Help your employees grow, so they know their organization has their best interests in mind.
    • Build more levels, grades, or other types of rewards and recognitions in your course to give the modern learner the gratification of knowing that he is making progress at the workplace.
    • Make sure you communicate early on how your eLearning course is part of their career path. 

    4) It Is Informal and Fun...There is Play In It! 

    Modern learners have read more blogs than humongous classics. They express their thoughts in one-liner status updates and tweets in the language of their heart. So no matter what the topic is, you should make learning experiences fun by adding continuous informal learning activities (video, mobile, micro, and social learning, coaching, etc).

    Also, lighten up the serious tone! Make learners comfortable with writing in a language that is informal and conversational. Ditch the formality by talking to them and NOT talking down.

    Games specifically are excellent tools to bring a breath of fresh air into a complex or staid subject matter. Regardless of your audience or subject matter, gamifying content can help you boost excitement among your learners.

    Millennials and Gen Z workers were born into video games. They not only like to play games but also thrive in a competitive environment where their efforts are rewarded—access to higher levels, weapons unlocked, "lives" increased, and gold coins added to the kitty. You speak to them when you incorporate games into your courses.

    Here are some ideas:

    • Transform modules into challenges: Instead of plain content modules, offer a series of small, achievable challenges throughout the course and increase their difficulty level as the student progresses.
    • Levels are another sign of employee progress: You can organize your course in levels and present new content and new challenges to keep learners motivated.
    • Storytelling: Create a story-themed course that embeds your workers in the plot as they tackle each section of the content.
    • Digital badges: Badges are tangible and visible forms of an achievement. Using them in your eLearning courses as a reward can make it more desirable for a worker to complete the course. 

     

    5) It is Flexible, Convenient, and Mobile 

    Modern learners love to have things go their way. They want to be able to control the pace of their learning and decide when and where they learn. So don't create courses that tether them to the desk or make them reschedule their already-overflowing calendar. Create courses that they can take on the go and that smoothly integrate into existing employee workflows and technology ecosystems. 

    Make the most of available technology to reach out to your learners in the way they prefer. Go Mobile to make learning accessible.

    • Design responsive eLearning courses. Don't restrict your courses to specific devices. Do not make your learner hunt around for "approved" devices; he or she will probably choose not to take your course!
    • Use a micro-learning approach. Design in bite-sized pieces that the learner can gobble up as he waits at the doctor's office or during lunch break. This increases their productivity and helps them easily apply learning concepts to their day-to-day tasks.
    • Asynchronous formats for remote workers: Since the pandemic began, a variety of work setups have emerged as companies allow employees to decide how to work (Remote, in-office, hybrid, borderless), so, offering asynchronous learning they can access anywhere, anytime is key.

    As the workplace changes at a faster pace, the more your training and eLearning strategies should evolve and adapt. More Millennials and Gen Z will continue joining the workforce. It is imperative that you learn their language and create modern courses to get into their good books.

    Also read: 3 Signs Your Training Strategy Needs to Evolve

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    Diana Cohen
    Diana Cohen
    Education Writer | eLearning Expert | EdTech Blogger. Creativa, apasionada por mi labor, disruptiva y dinámica para transformar el mundo de la formación empresarial.

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    Before Using AI to Create eLearning, Ask These Questions

    What’s the first thing you do when you’re about to create a new eLearning course? Do you jump right into the eLearning tool, or maybe think that with AI, most of the work is already handled? If you’re leaning toward the latter, here’s a little secret: while AI is powerful and technology makes things faster, they’re no substitute for the clear strategy you and your team need at the start. It’s easy to think that, with today’s tech, all it takes is pressing a button to get a course ready to go. But here’s the truth: before you let creativity flow and let technology take the wheel, you need a solid, well-thought-out plan. And that starts with answering four key questions. These questions are your safety net, keeping your course from becoming a waste of time and money and turning it into something that actually makes an impact. Making an impact means connecting with the right people, delivering the right message, using relatable examples, and making sure participants can put their new knowledge to work. So, before jumping into your favorite eLearning tool or letting AI work its magic, take a moment to ask yourself these crucial questions: 1) WHO ARE THEY? Identifying the Audience Taking the Course Knowing your audience isn’t just a step in the process—it’s the secret sauce that makes your course actually useful. Picture this: you launch a course without a clear picture of who’s taking it. It’s like serving a fancy five-course meal without checking for allergies or dietary preferences. Not exactly a winning move, right? If your eLearning course doesn’t speak to what your team actually needs, it’s likely to flop. No one wants a course that feels like busywork. Here’s why taking the time to know your course audience is a must: Skip the Obvious and the Overly Complex: Covering things they already know or, on the flip side, stuff that’s way over their heads can either bore them or leave them scratching theirs. Hit on Real, Practical Needs: If the course doesn’t tackle what they actually face on the job, it’s just not going to feel relevant—or worth their time. Keep Their Interest: When team members can clearly see how the course helps them, they’re way more likely to stick with it (and maybe even enjoy it!). Here are a few questions to make sure your course is actually hitting home: Audience Basics: Who are they? What skills do they already have, and what are they hoping to build? Daily Life: What does a typical day look like? Are they on Zoom calls all day or juggling a hundred things at once? Work Environment: What’s the vibe? Is it all about collaboration, competition, or somewhere in between? Why They’re Taking the Course: Are they here by choice or because it’s required? This will change how you approach the course content. Current Knowledge: How much do they already know? If they’re already pros, you don’t need to start at square one. By answering these questions, you’re setting the course up to be more than just “one more thing to do.” It’ll be a practical tool that boosts their skills, addresses their real needs, and helps them make a difference in their work. Also read: These 27 Questions Will Help You (Really) Know Your Learners 2) WHY DOES THIS MATTER? Why It’s Crucial for Your Team to Take This Training Here’s the deal: whether you’re building this course yourself or letting AI work its magic, you need a rock-solid understanding of why this training matters before you dive in. Why? Because people only get engaged if they know what’s in it for them. And that’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation for building a course that actually delivers results. When you’re clear on the why upfront, you’re setting your course up for success. You’re not just creating random lessons; you’re designing something valuable that resonates with your team’s real needs. If you skip this, no amount of AI magic or design work will turn things around later. Here’s how to make your course not just necessary, but something they’ll actually want to take: Be Clear About the Benefits: Right from the start, let them know what they’re getting out of this. Will it make them better at their current job? Give them a leg up for a promotion? Spell it out, and keep highlighting these benefits as they go. Make It Real: Use real-life examples that show how they can put what they’re learning into action. If it’s a course on time management, add a module on how to apply these techniques in a regular workday—it’s practical, and it keeps things relatable. Keep It Fun and Interactive: Toss in questions that make them think, add quick quizzes, and keep it lively. A little interaction goes a long way to hold their attention (and yes, maybe a few laughs too). Experts and Success Stories: Add in short videos from experts or quick success stories from people who’ve already used these skills. Seeing real people share how it helped them can be super motivating. Give Immediate Takeaways: Design each module so they can try out what they’ve learned right away. If they can see the value immediately, they’re way more likely to stick with it (and appreciate it). So, before you let AI start building your course or jump into designing it yourself, make sure you’re clear on why this training matters to your team. This is the foundation that turns training from just another task into a true asset for their growth and success. Focus on these areas, and you’ll turn training into something they value—not just one more thing on their to-do list. Also read: Why You Should Be Designing eLearning Courses Backwards 3) WHAT? What Should Your Team Be Able to Do After Finishing the Course? This question is a biggie—and it should guide every decision you make when creating the course, whether you’re building it yourself or using AI to help out. Here’s the thing: if you’re just loading up a course with endless data and theories that read like a blender manual, people are going to tune out fast. What really matters is making sure the content connects to your team’s real needs and work-life realities. If you don’t have a clear idea of what your team should be able to do by the end of the course, you’re likely setting up a training that’ll be forgotten as soon as they click “Complete.” Instead, think about the situations where they’ll actually apply this knowledge. Knowing this upfront keeps you (and any AI you’re using) focused on creating something useful, relevant, and engaging. Here’s how to make it crystal clear what skills and knowledge your team will walk away with: Clear Kick-Off: Start each module with simple, straightforward goals. A quick bullet-point list like, “By the end, you’ll be able to…” sets expectations and gets people interested. Visual Reminders: Use infographics or simple diagrams at the beginning and end of each section to highlight goals. It keeps things easy to follow and remember. Engage Throughout: Add in reflection questions or quick check-ins, like “How would you use this on your next project?” It keeps the content grounded in real-world application, not just theory. Hands-On Practice: Design activities that actually get them using what they’ve learned. If you’re teaching presentation skills, have them record a quick pitch or share a mini-presentation—something practical they can see value in right away. Meaningful Feedback: Provide specific feedback that connects their activities directly to the course goals. This not only reinforces what they’ve learned but makes it clear why each task matters. Wrap-Up with Impact: At the end, do a quick review of all the goals covered. Whether it’s a Q&A, a visual summary, or a downloadable sheet, give them something they can refer back to. As Malcolm Knowles, the guru of adult learning, said, “Adult learning is life-centered.” People want to learn things they can actually use to make their lives easier or their work more effective. By getting clear on these “What” goals upfront, you’re creating a course that’s memorable, practical, and, best of all, truly worth their time. Also read: 6 Essential Content Creation Tips For eLearning Success 5 Rules for Creating Relevant and Fluff-free Courses Before Diving Into Your Favorite eLearning Tool, Ask Yourself: Do I Really Get What My Team Needs? Will This Course Actually Help Them Do Their Jobs Better? Let’s be real—this isn’t just about throwing information at people. The goal here is to help your team not only learn but actually use that knowledge in ways that make a difference. Here’s Your Quick-Start Checklist: Get to Know Your Audience: Take a deep dive into their needs, current skills, and the real challenges they’re dealing with every day. (No guessing!) Set Clear, Doable Goals: Outline learning objectives that actually mean something to your team and tie back to the results you’re aiming for. Make It Interactive: Give them ways to practice, apply, and get feedback on what they’re learning. Think less “lecture” and more “let’s try it out!” Check and Tweak as You Go: At the end of the course, ask for feedback and adjust if needed. Make sure the course hits the mark and actually helps them grow. By focusing on these steps, you’ll design a course that’s worth every minute of their time and foster a culture of ongoing learning that can truly boost performance. Remember: a great eLearning course doesn’t just teach—it transforms. (And hey, if you can make it fun, even better!)

    Top Gamification Trends for Boosting Learning Engagement

    Are your team's training sessions dragging on with low enthusiasm and even lower retention? Gamification could be the secret to turning those dull workshops into dynamic learning experiences. Gamification in workplace learning means incorporating elements like points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges to make training sessions more interactive and engaging, much like a game. This strategy isn't just about fun—it makes learning more effective and enjoyable.

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    As a training leader, you know the value of a well-crafted, comprehensive eLearning course. Some subjects indeed require depth and extended engagement, but you also recognize that not every learning objective needs to be met with lengthy sessions. Perhaps you've noticed a trend: employees are increasingly seeking quicker, more focused learning experiences that fit seamlessly into their busy schedules. This doesn't imply that your detailed courses are ineffective—far from it! Instead, it highlights an opportunity to amplify their impact by adapting some of this content into microlearning formats.