ON POINT ARTICLES
ONLINE LEARNING AND MEMBER ENGAGEMENT FOR 21ST CENTURY ASSOCIATIONS IAPCO Member: Congrex Switzerland Author: Frank M. Waechter
Many aspects of our lives have recently shifted to online
match your existing learning objectives. If not, it’s time to
solutions, and that includes learning. Educational institutions
design content from scratch.
were among the first to switch to online platforms at the start of the pandemic and were able to provide continuity of service
But before doing that, it is useful to understand the key
even amidst serious disruption. Many of these institutions
guidelines that help create an engaging learning environment.
already used online learning platforms, while others combined e-learning with traditional classroom environments. In any
Setting Up A Productive Learning Environment
case, their preparedness paid off. To create a motivating virtual classroom environment, Educational institutions aren’t the only organisations that can
carefully plan design, features, and content.
benefit from implementing digital learning. Online learning strategies are open to any organisation that wants to spread
Sustaining motivation can be harder in e-learning
knowledge and help others grow. Since these elements are
environments than in face to face settings, especially since
at the heart of professional associations, it makes sense to
many professionals today struggle with online fatigue.
examine how you can incorporate online learning for better member engagement.
To combat this, Learning theories, the ERGA learning model – Experience, Reflect (observe) Generalize and Apply,
The First Steps In Designing Effective Online Learning Strategies For Member Engagement
mentioned by our Congrex’ Account Manager Jeff Bateman in this interview, or the ARCS Model Of Motivational Design Theories can be applied to e-learning contexts:
First, ensure all stakeholders understand the benefits of strengthening your online learning programme.
1. Attention
The second step involves requesting feedback about your
Educators with experience teaching online know that
members’ needs, since they may have changed over the
surprising or challenging the learner is a good way of getting
past year.
their attention and preventing boredom. Achieve this by delivering content in multiple formats and catering to different
Once you define those needs, balance them against your
learning styles (i.e. expanding beyond long-form content and
association’s goals. Key questions to ask include:
including videos, tutorials, quizzes, etc.).
• Where is the common ground?
2. Relevance
• Which of those needs must be prioritised? Content should be relevant to your members’ goals and skills Next, match needs and learning objectives. In short, decide
and must be designed to have a practical application. Make
what will members accomplish once the learning process is
sure to use real-life examples, case studies, and group work
complete. If your association already offers training (whether
that fosters the exchange of professional experiences.
in person or via online courses), determine if current needs 12
| July 2021
