Skilled e-learning designers are experts in their field and can deal with high levels of problem-solving for their clients. They are capable of meeting learner expectations by identifying the key challenges and resolving them. Here are five top challenges that most e-learning designers face while creating custom content for their clients.
E-learning designers work with huge amount of information. The challenge lies in synthesizing the available information, identifying key issues, and presenting it to the learner in an engaging manner. It is essential to address the critical issues in a way that learners find it useful. At the same time, the content cannot be too long and dull. A good way to hold on to the attention of the learner is to present the information in small bites. This way, the learners can digest information and apply it to their workplace, without overloading their brains. Of course, the content should be accurate and updated.
No matter how well designed the course is, if it is not available to the learner, the purpose is defeated. There can be several reasons for unavailability like low bandwidth, lack of computer access, use of outdated internet browsers, and so on. So, designers need to do a thorough need analysis at the beginning of a project in order to deal with this challenge. Depending on the target audience profile, you need to decide the delivery platform. It is important to keep up with the latest technology. Authoring tools with new and customized features are launched regularly. Staying informed about their updates will help you decide which tool to use based on audience preference.
Designing e-learning to suit learner preference is a challenge. The first step to design an effective course is to set clear learning objectives. Write them down and keep it somewhere you can see. That way, you will not lose track of the end goal during the design phase. After that, create a logical structure that not only imparts relevant knowledge to your learners, but also evaluates the progress of the learner. Your course should be designed in a manner that the learners can apply the knowledge learned at their workplace. Make sure you use real world case studies and benefits that learners can identify with. Make sure the navigation is not confusing. Your learners will give up on the course if they get confused about how to proceed.
E-learning designers need to decide how they want to communicate the concepts to the learners – both verbally and visually. It is a challenge to strike the perfect balance. Again, the data collected at the audience analysis stage comes in handy here. Once the audience preference is defined, it is easy for the designers to decide the visual and verbal elements. Basic design rules apply to all learning. But, in order to customize content, it is advisable to use audience analysis data.
Learning is a continuous loop. Learning designers can never say that they know enough. You will always need stay sharp on new tools and techniques. Keep visiting new learning trends. It may be challenging to invest time on yourself when you are engrossed in designing a custom learning for your client. But you have to overcome this challenge and devote time to continued education if you want to remain relevant to your client.
At Designing Digitally, Inc., we are devoted to delivering custom learning services and products to our clients based on their learning goals.
Get in touch with us to create e-learning courses with a learner-centric design.
