The Basics Of eLearning Curriculum Design
As an Instructional Designer, you already know that if your eLearning course isn't engaging, relevant, or well-structured, your learners will get quickly bored and uninterested. So, you should focus on eLearning curriculum design that not only keeps your learners engaged but actually helps them retain what they've learned and enjoy the process. A top-notch curriculum is hard work. If you want to create something that's going to make a real impact, you need to master eLearning curriculum design.
But let's start by getting to know the basics of eLearning curriculum design. Basically, it's all about crafting an educational experience that is effective but also engaging and accessible. This involves more than just putting together some content. It's about strategically designing that content to guide learners and assist them in achieving their goals. From setting your objectives to choosing the eLearning tool that will deliver your lessons, below we will explore 9 insider tips to become an expert at well-designed eLearning curricula.
9 Tips To Become A Pro At eLearning Curriculum Design
1. Setting Goals
Learning objectives exist to guide both you, the Instructional Designer, and your learners. Without them, you're both aiming in the dark, not knowing what you're working towards. To set your goals properly, try the SMART method. It's an acronym for goals that must be specific, such as being clear about what the lesson is about; measurable, like choosing how you'll track your learners' progress and program's effectiveness; achievable, because they must be realistic to be met; relevant, since every element in your courses must resonate with the skills learners want to earn; and, of course, time-bound, as deadlines will motivate learners and keep everyone on the same page.
2. Modular Approach
The modular approach includes breaking down complex topics into manageable portions: modules. If, for example, you create a course about coding, you can't expect learners to absorb everything at once. Instead, divide the topic into modules. This way, it's easier for learners to handle, and they can process it at their own pace. They can dive into one aspect of the topic, like programming languages, master it, and then move on to the next without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, modules make the learning experience feel more personalized and flexible. It doesn't matter if learners have a tight schedule—they can dive into a module whenever they have time.
3. Narrative And Storytelling
When you add a narrative to your content, you're not just presenting information to learners—you're allowing them to explore a story. For instance, if you want to develop a lesson about communication skills, create a scenario where your learners are the main characters and have to find a solution to a hypothetical problem related to communication. Storytelling makes the learning content stick, as they relate to what they see and can link it to real-life situations. Plus, storytelling engages them emotionally. When your learners feel excited, empathetic, or even anxious during a story, they're more likely to stay engaged.
4. Meaningful Assessments
When designing eLearning curricula, you have to do better than the typical, dull assessments. Assessments should actually tell you if your learners are mastering the skills you're trying to teach. So, start by aligning them with your learning objectives. Let's say you're crafting a lesson about marketing; don't just ask students to define a marketing plan—have them create one. You can use a variety of assessments, and even combine them. Think of quizzes, essays, projects, and peer reviews. In any case, align the assessment to what is being taught. For example, essays wouldn't quite fit a coding course.
5. LMSs And Authoring Tools
Let's talk about Learning Management Systems (LMSs) and eLearning authoring tools; both must-haves. LMSs are the platforms that not only deliver and host your courses but also allow you to manage the entire learner experience. From uploading materials and tracking progress to starting discussions and sharing quizzes, LMSs keep everything organized. Now, authoring tools. These help you design the courses, so you want to look for programs that are intuitive, simple to use, and full of everything you need to ace the creation process. Together, LMS platforms and authoring tools allow you to have full control over the entire eLearning curriculum design process, so you're sure your courses are effective.
6. Multimedia Content
It's no secret that learner attention spans are shrinking, so you must catch their attention from the get-go. You can do that easily with multimedia content. For a start, videos can simplify even the most difficult concepts, especially if you make them short, up to five minutes. The same applies to animation, which can illustrate ideas in a way that images and infographics can't. Adding interactive elements can make things even more fun. However, make sure there's a balance. You don't want to incorporate too many visuals or graphics since that can be overwhelming.
7. Ensuring Accessibility
No eLearning curriculum design is complete if not everyone can access and benefit from it. Accessibility means adding features that allow every learner to feel welcome, especially people with disabilities. For example, deaf people or those with hearing impairments need captions to follow your content. It's best if those captions are translated into multiple languages, too. Then, there's screen reader compatibility. If your content isn't readable by screen readers, you're leaving visually impaired learners out. Ensure your text is actual text, not just an image, and use clear and simple language. Also, don't forget to include descriptive alternative text for images. And let's not forget about keyboard navigation. Not everyone can use a mouse, so make certain your course is fully navigable via the keyboard and everyone can click around with ease.
8. Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural sensitivity means recognizing that your learners aren't the same. They come from different backgrounds and have varied experiences, beliefs, and traditions. If your curriculum doesn't reflect that, you're failing and, worse, setting your audience apart. Specifically, if your content only speaks to one culture, you're essentially telling everyone else that your courses aren't for them. But you don't want that. Learners need to see themselves represented in what they're studying, whether it's through the examples you use, the languages available, or even the holidays you acknowledge.
9. Leveraging Data
Data is your ultimate help to know whether your courses are successful or not. Analytics tools can tell you exactly how learners are engaging with your content, which sections are confusing, and which lessons have the biggest bounce rates. So, don't be afraid to dive into the metrics and find out how the in-lesson elements are resonating with your audience. Then, make the necessary adjustments. And don't forget about feedback. Comments from learners, in combination with data, can help you continuously improve your courses and always offer a quality learning experience.
Conclusion
As you dive into eLearning curriculum design, remember that it is always evolving. New technologies and trends constantly change how we approach learning, while learners' expectations shift as well. To stay ahead, be innovative and willing to adapt your curricula. This means regularly updating your content, experimenting with new tools, and being open to feedback. Start by putting the above tips into action and watch your courses become more dynamic and fruitful.
