Elearning--Communication and Relevant Content
This document is about Elearning online and reasons why learners can perceive information in various ways. Just like in any traditional learning experience, students in elearning need effective communication and relevant, attention-grabbing content in order to learn successfully. Instructional designers are faced with the challenge of designing courses that would satisfy these requirements. Clear communication is incredibly important in the designing an electronic learning course because the content presented is not always received by students the way the designer intended it. If a learner does not get what he is intended to receive, then it is highly possible that learning objectives would not be met. There are a lot of reasons why learners can perceive information in various ways. Levels in experience, expertise and knowledge contribute greatly. Sometimes cultural and even environmental differences affect learning experiences. However, a big factor in the equation is the learner’s commitment to the course. A designer must first understand that he cannot control the perception of students. However, there are ways to ease some of the
confusion, and they’re usually based on communication process and relevant content.
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Effective Communication Compared to the established communication process, the one involved in Elearning online is a little bit different because there is no way to alter the course content to enable better communication for it—it is a closed loop process. In an environment such as this, the learner’s processing is dependent on the content delivered. Unfortunately, in a technology-enhanced learning setup, it is likely that the learner has no way of expressing his confusion and whether or not he or she understands what is being presented. It is for this reason that designers must find a way to build something that assesses understanding and at the same time provide feedback. To do this, one must first determine how the material will be prepared so that learners can make sense of it. Remember that it has to be expressed in a way that they can understand. Second is to determine the obstacles that may hinder proper comprehension. Knowing the profile of the learners is a useful way to avoid problems. And third is to find the best ways to engage them. Relevant content is the key to a learning experience. The course content must provide motivation, ensure effectiveness and hold interest.
Relevant Content In Elearning online, impact is critical. And the only way a course can make an impact is if its content has value to the learner. There are three ways to make course content relevant. First is to get to know the learners in their environment. Spending time with them is a great way to identify what their needs and preferences are. This way, the course can be modified according to those needs and preferences to ensure quality content. Second is to be the liaison between the learner and the content owner. Sometimes, organizations build the course around their needs and objectives, and not their learners or trainees. The role of an instructional designer is to merge both the organization’s and learner’s needs in order to come up with a course content that satisfies both parties. And third is to put the content into context. Creating scenarios where learners can be challenged to analyze problems or scenarios is a great way to apply this. Elearning--Communication and Relevant Content
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