How can I make a computer based training courses more interesting and appealing to individuals?
Usually the courses consist of dull and boring paragraphs to read and then another paragraph and then another......and then....wow a quiz!
I am really looking to revamp the whole set of CBTs but am making a terrible start! can anyone advise me???!
Many thanks
Kerrie Milner
3 Responses
Start With Your Objectives
Kerrie,
There are lots of things you could do to make cbt more interesting – but before you hurtle off and create wonderful graphics, animations, audio, interactions etc – ask yourself why?
Why are you doing this?
Why do people find it dull? – Is it because it is an online book? Or because the content is not suited to eLearning? Or is it that you are concerned about take up / drop out rates – in which case it may be you need internal PR & marketing.
You then also have to re-confirm the purpose of the cbt as this will affect the methods you choose to create it – for example if it is to ‘teach’ a new subject then you can consider using media that stimulates the three principle senses – audio, visual and interactive stimulus. Remember also that you need to consider technical and usability limitations before you do this. Alternatively, if it is as a reference point then too much multimedia may actually be an issue for users.
If you have done all this and you still feel that you need to make it more exciting then look at audio, strong visuals and interactions and limit the volume of text on a page wherever possible. Also consider using a good Learning Designer to review the content with you and possibly even write the new version.
Finally, bear in mind that all new e-Learning content should be Accessibility compliant to meet the needs of the Disability Discrimination Act.
I hope this helps in some way, feel free to contact me if you want some more help.
Good luck.
Echo
I’d echo a lot of the points below, is the training appropriate for e-learning delivery?
If so there are a thousand ways to make it look nicer (flash, effects etc.)
But… if it just looks nicer then the learning will still be as boring. It would be worth asking people who have used the package what would have made it interesting and taking some pointers there.
You could include video and audio but again they need to add something not just reinforce the original dull learning.
But I would say the most important addition to the training would be humour – if it makes them smile then they might just enjoy it despite themselves. But it’s a fine line to walk and would need serious design implementation.
Good luck and don’t forget the DDA when you redesign.
e-Learning Designer
If your budget will stretch, employ an experienced e-learning designer. The e-Learning Job Centre may help:
http://www.e-learningjobcentre.co.uk/