The importance of great lesson design
It can be incredibly overwhelming for a learner when they start a new training course. The large amounts of information that are necessary to train certain skills can easily reduce engagement and retention rates. Throughout the recent 2019 London Learning Technologies conference, it was great to see a push toward microlearning. Numerous companies are beginning to understand that disseminating information in smaller, more manageable chunks will always provide a greater impact on learners. In addition to small-and-digestible pieces of information, it is important to understand how a sleek and simple lesson design can lend itself to higher retention.
Why is lesson design important?
As an Instructional Designer, I’ve seen firsthand how details within a design can be implemented into a learning environment. It is clear that great design leads to lessons that learners want to complete.
When it comes to corporate training, a clean and easy user experience is vital. Learners understand that training is necessary, but that does not necessarily equate to an information overload. My work has shown me how effective small levels of interaction and certain design choices can improve a learner’s journey.
Using microlearning for your lesson design
There seems to be an understanding of microlearning and its benefits, but many companies are not implementing the method to the full extent. Microlearning is about condensing information for quicker learning sessions. However, companies don’t seem to realize this method must also be applied to the design and user experience: wasted time spent locating content will frustrate learners before a single lesson has even started.
In addition, reducing intrusive UI elements so they don’t risk becoming a distraction will always provide a better experience. Simply understanding the hierarchy of text within the content can lead to much easier reading, thereby increasing engagement and retention. Bolding specific keywords may not look like much – but simple visual tricks bring depth to the content.
When it comes to our own authoring tool, we allow clients to completely brand their own lessons. Not only is this important so the company can remain consistent, but it also allows the learner to register that it’s time for work and, therefore, activate pre-established cognitive frameworks.
Here at SC Training (formerly EdApp), we have the ability and tools to create engaging lessons with great design. I have had many conversations with our clients about how taking longer text documents or slideshows and breaking them down into micro-lessons is much more manageable for learners. It was a pleasure showcasing EdApps authoring tool at LT2019, and I look forward to next year. Â
You may also be interested in learning about the ADDIE model. Click here to check it out, or copy the link, https://training.safetyculture.com/blog/the-addie-model/
If you’d like to know more about the microlearning design, get in touch at enquiries@edapp.com. You can also try SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s Mobile LMS and authoring tool for free by signing up here.
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