E-Learning: 3 recurring mistakes to avoid
You've finally taken the plunge: you're launching into digitalising your training. Well done — but watch out for the hidden pitfalls! Here, we've identified 3 recurring mistakes that can arise when you're starting out with e-learning, and that you can avoid by following our advice!
Mistake #1: Trying to say... too much!
During a full day of face-to-face training, a certain number of elements need to be conveyed quickly and effectively to learners. Naturally, your first instinct will be to identify the best way to communicate this key information via the digital channel. When you consider that sustained concentration for 6 hours straight is clearly impossible, this is no small challenge. Here is the problem that will quickly confront you: how do you capture the attention of learners alone in front of a screen, with only an asynchronous e-learning course as their support?
Quizzes and MCQs: ready-made solutions?
We prefer to warn you: quizzes and MCQs can produce both the worst and the best results. If the thinking process is rushed, without prior reflection or outright slipshod (obvious right/wrong answers), here is what is likely to happen: most learners will rush through and will not retain what has been communicated to them.
What we suggest?
Rework your content by focusing on the main learning objectives and set aside non-essential information. At the end of the training, learners should be able to apply what they were trained for. Therefore, focus on the fundamental issues of the training and the micro-changes your learners will become aware of: a time saving for both you and them. In our experience, using our solution has led to a considerable change in how information is conveyed: it is not uncommon — and this is confirmed by most of our clients — to go from around a hundred slides to about fifteen practical case studies.
Mistake #2: Dedicating e-learning exclusively to theoretical learning
In face-to-face training, practical activities generally take centre stage: case studies, workplace simulations and role-plays are very powerful learning levers for developing new skills. At first glance, it seems difficult to achieve the same level of interactivity in an "e-learning format": so digital delivery is reserved for "theoretical" content only.
Here is something that might surprise you: theoretical learning is just as tedious and constraining in a classroom as it is online. Tracking theoretical learning is actually far more complex when delivered as e-learning: learners can only rely on themselves for motivation, since there is no trainer to re-engage them or vary the pace. If the training does not meet a need they have clearly identified, chances are they will switch off fairly quickly...
What we suggest?
Start from the opposite premise, because yes, collaborative work and creativity work wonderfully well with e-learning. During your face-to-face practical activities, identify what sparks your learners' interest and makes them genuinely progress. Try to replicate the most relevant activities by offering, for example, concrete case studies. The Didask solution allows you to develop e-learning programmes that push learners to think through concrete scenarios: these take the form of realistic dilemmas that could arise on a daily basis in their work.
Mistake #3: Not planning for e-learning updates
When designing your first e-learning courses, you want them to perform. You therefore invest in a variety of digital formats, the development of which can be lengthy and costly (video production, serious game design through an external agency, etc.).
The only catch? Your e-learning will need updating quickly.
This concretely means updating your content as it becomes subject to specific frameworks or contexts: changes in current events, legislation, or the needs of your audiences, for example. Don't overlook the technological aspect either (possible bugs, outdated hyperlinks), or internal factors specific to your company (such as a potential rebranding). And of course, don't forget feedback from your learners, the evolution of your audiences and the messages intended for them. Your content's visual evolution will need to keep pace if you don't want it to become obsolete.
What we suggest?
Choose technological solutions, content formats, and appropriate outsourcing levels that allow you to evolve your e-learning in a completely autonomous way. You can rely on SaaS solutions, which will allow you to evolve your e-learning over time, automatically benefiting from their updates.
Want to create tailor-made, engaging e-learning applications for your learners? We adapt to all your projects and whatever your constraints!
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