Why do you need a Creative e-Learning Agency for your project?
E-learning is used by countless organisations for learning and development, as an inexpensive alternative to the traditional in-person training of years past.
The thing that made the first-wave e-learning methods obsolete so quickly is the fact that the industry has moved past that style of learning by championing innovation. In other words, owing to the inherent shortcomings of the traditional form of e-learning, it is no longer a wise choice.
You now need new and exciting, technology-based, mobile-first and fully-rounded eLearning courses which make use of all the right tools.
A creative e-learning agency with a next generation e-learning platform will make the difference in your digital training strategy!
Things that make the traditional model obsolete (aka, what to absolutely never do when creating an eLearning course)
eLearning was intended as a creative way to replace expensive, organisationally-heavy, traditional in-person learning sessions. It proposed an exciting new era of "learn whatever you want, whenever you want" - which is a compelling proposition! In reality, the traditional methods of eLearning were seldom more engaging than conventional learning methods in the classroom.
We've compiled a list of the facets of eLearning which have become obsolete, and which will drag down your course if you allow them to remain (or become) a part of your eLearning project.
Let's have a look at them.
1. It mimicked classroom sessions too closely
This is, perhaps, the key reason why the traditional method of e-Learning has failed. When e-Learning was first introduced, it was touted as a revolution of the way we learn. People were excited about the opportunities and the impact it could have on the e-learning sphere, and it simplified the process of learning tremendously. No commutes, no venue hire, no fees for all those one-off teaching sessions. It held so much promise.
As time went by, it turned out to be quite the opposite. It almost snuffed itself out before it could reach the potential we now know it has.
What people got was unnecessarily long video recordings of classroom lectures. Recorded in a way which resembled traditional lectures, it did little more than present classroom learning on a screen - except with less social connection and less engagement than the real deal.
What our e-learning agency TheLearning LAB does instead:
There are ample solutions to this problem. At TheLearning LAB, we never include long chunks of poorly recorded classroom lecture videos in the digital training programmes we produce.
Rather, our e-learning solutions focus on microlearning, bite-sized and engaging, with many different activities along the learning path the Learner takes. This includes gamification, 3D animated content, infographics, quizzes, and more.
Our e-learning agency and solutions offer everything that’s out there to enhance user experience and provide an engaging experience.
Unfortunately, corporations tend to shy away from these solutions instead of utilising the full potential of the technology underlying these LMS e-learning platforms. It is cheapest to have someone make a PowerPoint presentation with many slides, little branding, and a few in-house recorded videos here and there to produce videos for Learners.
What we do is help them understand the reality of e-learning and how powerful it is, so they choose to take the initiative and hop on board!
We use the technology to its fullest to deliver a worthwhile improvement and push the e-learning as far as it can go over the next few years.
2. Inspiring and creative e-learning content
Consider this is as an extension of the previous point. Apart from too similar to traditional learning, the initial methods of creating eLearning made for modules that were tedious and devoid of any inspiration.
Be Learner
Focus!
The structure that was put into place was full of bland screens and text-rich presentations. Couple this with the fact that there is nothing to truly engage with, or arouse curiosity in, the Learner and we’re certain you can see how that was a burden rather than a resource.
In short, it didn’t try to reach you to teach you, which should be the goal of every e-learning platform. Instead, it presented information in the hope that it’ll stick in your mind as is.
It’s time to show that e-learning is alive, thriving, and more engaging and beautiful than anyone could have imagined!
What TheLearning LAB will do for you:
We incorporate smart features, like video playback, learning paths, AI, interactive 3D motion design and quizzes unlike any you could see in an analogue educational setting. Gamification anyone? Want to try to beat your deskmate’s high score? We also use a data-driven approach that can demonstrate the concepts and push Learners gently in the direction of the e-learning Goals, with behind-the-scenes analytics to show us in real-time if someone is struggling or some aspect of the e-learning course isn’t working for Learners.
3. Lack of Learner engagement
If there is one thing eLearning should definitely be, the first word that comes to mind is: 'engaging'.
There is absolutely nothing engaging about pages of information spread out in front of you, blank slides with only words, long, poor-quality videos with a droning voice. The Learner, in traditional eLearning, is given no chance to decide what course to take, which modules to start with, skip early content because they’re already advanced, etc. All that the Learner is given is information that, realistically, they’ll only skim-read through. They’re a passive participant as the course runs along.
We could say so, so much more about exactly how the traditional eLearning methods did not engage Learners, but quite frankly - you would be bored! So, instead, we’ll tell you about the now!
What TheLearning LAB does instead:
Nowadays, there is no shortage of technology that can make all kinds of engagement possible. At TheLearning LAB, we make highly effective e-learning programs featuring learning paths which empower the Learners to take control of their learning experience. We engage with visuals, audio, branding and a smooth interface which users find both easy to use and visually appealing.
4. Low knowledge retention and completion rates
Here is a bitter fact. Only a handful of employees reach the end of a digital training program, and even fewer retain the knowledge they gain. Studies have shown that a person forgets 75% of what they learn in less than a week. This should ring an alarm bell for those corporations which are using old-fashioned eLearning; the statistics for retention from bland, on-paper, words-on-a-slide type educational materials are the most abysmal of all.
Essentially, those traditional, ineffective eLearning systems drain resources, and employees don't benefit - and nor does the corporation.
It is high time that organisations work with the right people to design a digital training program in a way that is memorable and brings in the desired results for an organisation. Still clueless on how you can design a perfect eLearning program, and particularly how to develop one that perfectly addresses all of the above problems and produces superb engagement? Contact an agency - it’s their niche!
What TheLearning LAB does instead:
With over 15 years of experience in designing eLearning solutions, we offer 360° digital training solutions with a strong focus on user experience (UX), instructional design, and the Learners’ needs. Our eLearning programmes are always engaging, captivating the Learner through interactive and meticulously designed pathways, visuals and text so that they learn, remember, and know how to apply their learning in the real world.
Yes, we make it sound simple! That’s because, to us, it is. We know eLearning like the back of our hand, and we’re always ready for a challenge!
Creative e-learning agency & e-learning platform
Modern eLearning is alive and thriving!
These were some of the loopholes that need to be addressed in the old eLearning programs to make them more effective and to obtain the desired objectives. Digital training programs may once have been known for revolutionising learning, but the era of their traditional models is most definitely over.
Even with everything we’re doing around the world to boost eLearning and find more solutions, there is significant need to innovate. The corporate sector needs to invest in groundbreaking solutions to breathe new life into the eLearning industry, so it can continue booming the way it has been the past decade.
Remember, when you reach the top, don’t stop climbing; build a staircase and get even higher!
With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we have discovered the formula of memorable learning. That is primarily due to the fact that our solutions are UX optimised, meaning Learners are at the core of whatever solutions we design.