Why dynamic elearning is the key to learner engagement
5 minute read
Let’s face it, elearning often gets a bad rap. Boring screens, endless clicking, zero fun. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Say goodbye to snooze-worthy corporate training and hello to dynamic elearning that’s personal, interactive, and actually enjoyable. Read on to see what it looks like and how it can transform your training.
What is dynamic elearning?
Imagine you’re a learner. You open up a mandatory compliance course, already sighing at the thought. You click through screen after screen of barely relevant info, forced to sit through a monotonous voiceover before being allowed to continue. Finally, there’s a dry-as-dust quiz, to which your colleague quietly slips you the answers.
That’s static elearning. And while not every course is this extreme, the formula is the same: learners are expected to absorb information without much thought, creativity, or action.
Now, let’s flip the script.
You start with a quick quiz, just a few realistic scenarios to see what you already know. Based on your answers, you get tailored suggestions for modular elearning chunks that fill the gaps. They’re practical, interactive, and backed up by short videos and handy resources. You’re also nudged to join forum discussions and try a few on-the-job tasks that bring the learning to life.
That’s dynamic elearning. It’s active, personal, and interesting. Learners aren’t just clicking through. Their neurons are firing, and they’re connecting the learning to what they do every day.
In fact, learners retain 25% to 60% more material when engaging with interactive content, compared to just 8% to 10% with passive learning methods.
Key characteristics of dynamic elearning
Let’s drill down into what really makes online learning dynamic.
Interactivity
This one tops the list. Dynamic learning isn’t about just delivering content. It gets learners doing, as well as reading or watching. Think regular activities that prompt decisions, followed by instant feedback to show how they did.
Creative content delivery
Forget walls of dry text. Dynamic elearning keeps things fresh. Whether it’s casting the learner as a hero on a mission or using simple tricks to make content compelling, it’s all about breaking out of the usual elearning mold.
Real-world relevance
Leave abstract theory behind. Dynamic learning connects directly to what learners actually do through relatable stories, realistic decision-making, and tasks that extend beyond the screen.
Personalization
One size doesn’t fit all. Dynamic elearning adapts to each learner’s needs. That can range from the freedom to explore content to personalized learning paths based on their role or quiz responses.
Continuous learning
Dynamic learning doesn’t stop at one module. It works best as part of a blended mix of training types. A wide range of learner experiences keeps skills developing long after the final click.
How to build a dynamic learning experience
You’ve got your elearning content, so it’s time to launch straight into design, right? Wrong.
To create elearning that’s dynamic, don’t rush. Start by stepping back. Ask yourself: What’s the real-world result you want this training to achieve? Then work backwards. What do learners need to do differently to get there? What do they need to know to take those actions?
Only then should content come into the picture. Include only what supports your goal – nothing more. Work with subject matter experts to connect the dots between content and the real-world behaviors you’re aiming to change.
Next, get creative. The good news? You don’t need to go it alone. Gather a team and brainstorm how to design a dynamic experience that encourages the behavior shift you’re seeking. People unfamiliar with the topic are great to include in this session. They’ll help you see it as a learner would.
Once your plan’s in place, it’s time to build. Video, gamification, and other fancy features out of reach? No problem. Even simple online learning can feel dynamic with a few smart tweaks:
- Make it active: Add an interaction that requires active learner participation at least every three or four components.
- Get them thinking: Don’t always give the answers upfront. Let learners wrestle with questions first.
- Rethink the format: Instead of just stating facts, can you convey them through a story? A short video? Maybe an FAQ? An outside-the-box format can make dry content far more engaging.
- Ditch forced progression: Locking down content kills freedom. Give learners the option to explore when it makes sense.
- Point beyond the module: Link to extra resources, conversation spaces, or even real-world tasks. Dynamic learning doesn’t stop at the final screen.
And finally, don’t forget the power of pictures. Even the most dynamic writing can fall flat if the visuals are bland. Invest in making your learning look as good as it reads.
Examples of dynamic elearning
Let’s see some real-world examples of dynamic elearning.
Interactive leadership learning
There’s nothing dull about this branching scenario that drops learners straight into real-world challenges. Every decision leads to a different outcome, with instant feedback providing job-relevant insights.
Speedy retail skill-building
Dynamic learning doesn’t have to take longer. In this policy training example, learners choose their own path before completing a gamified quiz. It’s a fast, focused experience that delivers personalized learning without fuss.
A fresh take on ethics training
This storytelling-led experience transports learners to a fictional country in the midst of a political debate. After exploring content and casting their final vote, they can keep the conversation going by joining a debate online.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even with the best intentions, dynamic elearning can drift off course. Watch out for these three common pitfalls:
- Over-engineering: Catering to learners looking for quick, practical info? That all-singing, all-dancing gamified experience might do more harm than good. Learner engagement is essential, but always start from their actual needs instead of creating something cool for kicks.
- A bland beginning: Don’t hide all the good stuff until later. You’ve got seconds to hook people. Start strong, with a bold story, a surprising question, or an interactive moment that grabs attention right away.
- Off-kilter pacing: Too fast? Learners get overwhelmed. Too slow? They check out. Good pacing means feeding your audience just enough content to keep momentum going.
Summary
Dynamic elearning is your ticket to truly engaged learners and training that actually works. The best part? It’s way easier to pull off than you might think. By focusing on active participation, creativity, and individual learner needs, it’s not tough to transform elearning from tedious to actually enjoyable.
Want even more tips on how to do it? Download our elearning best practice guide or take the course on creating engaging elearning.
Need the right tools to make it happen? Check out our guide to the best 12 elearning platforms. Or book a demo of Elucidat and see what dynamic design looks like in action.
