It is one thing to get enrollees into an e-learning educational or training program. It is quite something else to keep them. When enrollees attend by their own choice, it is one thing. They can simply drop out. But when companies require e-training, users do not have that option. They must attend, even when their experiences are far less than satisfactory.

Having a “captive audience” is not a license to offer a mediocre experience. It should be the goal of every e-learning or training provider to give their learners an engaging and worthwhile experience, based upon solid learning objectives and activities that motivate.

Here are some key elements of e-learning programs that will both engage and retain users.

Focus on the Essentials

If you have developed your course correctly, you have identified the goals and objectives. What is it you want the learner to know and/or be able to do as a result of this course? That is the sum total of your course. Do not add non-essentials or “fluff.” E-learners are busy people and eating up their time with non-essentials will be a huge “turn-off.” The minute they believe their time is being wasted, they will leave.

Variety of Learning Activities

You have different types of learners in your course. When you prepare activities and assignments, provide options for visual, auditory and tactile/kinesthetic learners. And when you present content, make sure that you appeal to different learners as well. Always have a method for learners to at least read, hear, and see. Given the technology available today, there is no reason not to include a variety of media.

Provide for Social Interaction

Group work, even via e-learning, is now easily possible, given current technology. When there is the social element of being a part a group, working together toward a goal, there is a sense of “we’re all in this together,” and we can rely on and enjoy each other in the process. The other element that technology has added is interaction in the way of discussions, even via video chat platforms.

At the same time, you may have learners who prefer to work alone. Have opportunities for individuals to choose this as an option too.

Add Value

What value is your course/program to an enrollee’s future. A training program offered by a company, for example, may qualify graduates for advancement within the organization. TEFL Training Institute is an Ireland-based training organization for teachers, providing certifications for those who want to become English-as-a-second-language instructors.  All over it website are postings of both paid internships and position openings all over the globe.

If you can tie your course or program to good career advancement, you have a strong motivator for students to stay.

Adding value is often called “relevancy.” If every type of learner can see a real-world use of what s/he is learning, they are more enthusiastic.

Provide Flexibility

Make certain that your students can fit your course into their schedules. Part of the reason for e-learning as opposed to a traditional classroom is that students are able to accommodate their work and/or other school schedules. Upload your lectures for access at any time; make certain that the course is easily accessed by any device. And provide windows of time for assignment completion and submission, announced well in advance. The more you can accommodate the individual needs of your learners, the more apt they are to stick with you.

Active Participation and Exploration

Face it. Lectures and delivery of knowledge through teacher-centered instruction is boring. Rather, provide more projects that will force learners to research and explore on their own. When you do have to give a certain amount of information, find ways other than lectures – use videos, infographics, humor, animation, and even gaming for your students to gather common knowledge.

Provide Immediate Feedback

Adult learners do want to know quickly if they have mastered the content and/or skills. They should know at all times how they are doing and have immediate opportunities for remediation if necessary.

Beware of Overload

It is far better to divide course content into small modules of learning, rather than to stuff too much into a single unit. When modules are smaller, they do not look so overwhelming – it’s a psychological thing. And each small success creates more motivation to go on.

E-learning can be difficult for students. It requires motivation and self-discipline on the part of the learner. But the course provider has responsibility in all of this too. Designing and delivering a course that is filled with relevancy, a variety of activities, and the use of current technology to engage and maintain interest will mean that learners will want to stay.