E-learning is a game-changer in the world of education and professional development. Yet, despite its enormous potential, it’s often misunderstood and sometimes gets a bad reputation. To uncover the winning formula, let’s first look at where e-learning can go wrong and why it doesn’t always live up to its promise.
The Misstep: Turning PowerPoint into E-Learning
One of the biggest pitfalls in e-learning is the belief that it can simply replicate face-to-face sessions. Imagine a traditional setting where a speaker stands at the front, imparting knowledge to an audience. Now, move that experience online. Learners sit in front of a screen, watching a video or clicking through slides, and are expected to absorb the material.
This approach is neither effective nor engaging. Why? It completely ignores the neuroscience of learning and behavior change. Watching or listening passively doesn’t lead to deep learning or transformation. Learning is about action, reflection, and persistence. That’s why understanding how we learn is key to designing winning e-learning experiences.
Understanding Learning: Motivation + Repetition
Whether it’s acquiring new skills for work or gaining knowledge to advance professionally, the learning process relies on two things: motivation and repetition.
No single e-learning module can spark lasting behaviour change. It’s a process:
- We need to see the benefit.
- We must believe in the new approach.
- We must keep at it, even when we stumble.
As an example, I’ve been developing my own skills by creating a series of short videos. Some days the results are far from perfect, but I stay committed to the process. Learning takes time, reinforcement, and persistence. And e-learning should embrace that.
So, how do we apply this to e-learning? The secret lies in creating the perfect mix.
The Perfect Mix in E-Learning
To create effective e-learning, we need to leverage both its asynchronous and synchronous strengths.
1. Asynchronous Learning: Flexibility and Depth
Asynchronous learning—where learners engage at their own pace and on their own schedule—is ideal for introducing concepts, building motivation, and supporting the change process. This is where you can provide foundational knowledge, tutorials, and thought-provoking content.
But that’s only part of the equation.
2. Synchronous Learning: Real-Time Support
Synchronous sessions—live workshops, either online or in-person—are essential for:
- Answering questions.
- Building deeper understanding.
- Reinforcing the adoption of new habits.
These workshops provide the crucial opportunity for learners to clarify doubts and practice their skills in a supported environment.
The Role of Practice in the Secret Mix
The most critical element of the secret mix is practice. Learning isn’t about passively absorbing information; it’s about actively applying it. Here’s how practice should be incorporated into e-learning:
- Real-Life Scenarios: Present learners with real-world situations relevant to their roles. This ensures that what they’re learning feels meaningful and practical.
- Challenges and Outliers: Include a mix of standard cases, edge cases, and even situations designed to result in failure. Why? Because no process is infallible, and experiencing failure in a controlled setting builds resilience and problem-solving skills.
- Feedback That Propels Forward: Feedback must go beyond “right” or “wrong.” Explain why an answer was correct or why it fell short. This clarity builds confidence and accelerates learning.
- (OPTIONAL) Provide Theory: It can be useful to explain the theories and ideas being applied. However, not with caution, this is the exception and not the rule. All content should be relevant, and a lot of Subject matter experts and Instructional Designers think that providing theory is essential, because “That’s how we learn at school.” Focusing on content and application is more important for most people.
Content That Keeps Learners Engaged
The key to keeping learners engaged is delivering relevant and relatable content. When scenarios and examples mirror their real-life challenges, learners stay invested. Irrelevant material, on the other hand, risks disengagement and reduced outcomes.
Putting It All Together
To summarize, the secret mix of effective e-learning includes:
- Clear explanations to build foundational knowledge.
- Plenty of practice to explore all possible scenarios.
- Synchronous support sessions to ensure new behaviours are adopted and applied effectively.
- Ongoing reinforcement to deepen learning and improve performance over time.
This mix transforms e-learning into a powerful tool for growth and development.
Ready to See the Secret Mix in Action?
If you’d like to learn more about how the secret mix can elevate your e-learning programs, check out the Mixology section on my website.
Or better yet, let’s connect! I’d be thrilled to help you design an e-learning experience that drives real results.