Keeping learners engaged in a world where computers are everywhere can seem challenging. A lot of the older methods of training are becoming less common as new technologies and ways of learning are always changing. Even in kids’ classrooms, you’ll find that students are learning through programs that allow teachers to create questions in pre-made games, such as Jeopardy, so that their students have fun and grasp the information more quickly.

The professional world has also been evolving with technology in both their procedures and training. Many companies are moving away from having new hires and other employees sit through watching videos or instructor-led training. Now they are using more online courses that are engaging and require the learner to pay attention through performing activities and passing knowledge assessments. As technology becomes more advanced and eLearning becomes more popular, it is important to make sure that online learning courses stay engaging. Here’s how to keep learners engaged when eLearning is becoming more popular:

1. Use More than One Creation Tool. There are some tools you can use that give you everything you may need, but sometimes it might be a good idea to venture out to new programs. For example, Vyond is a great web-based video maker that allows you to create animated videos. Vyond provides the ability to use their templates, stock characters, props, etc., in addition to three different animation styles: Business Friendly, Whiteboard, and Contemporary. Making an animated video through Vyond could be used for the introduction to a course or the start of each section so that you can keep the learner’s attention.
2. Knowledge Assessments. Knowledge assessments are an excellent way to keep your learners engaged. They require learners to pay attention to the content because they have to answer the questions to move on to the next section or to complete the course. Knowledge assessments require the learner to recall and reinforce the information they learned so they are better prepared to perform their job.
3. Interactivities. These are visually pleasing and require the learner to read and click things to get more information. This could include mini-games or trivia that help the reader understand the information on a deeper level. Interactivities gently but effectively draw the learner into being a more active participant in the training.
4. Narration. This is what gives the course pace and personality. Narration decreases the amount of reading required and allows for more visuals and bullet points. Including narration by a real human rather than a robot adds so much to an eLearn. Human narration infuses training with a personal touch that allows the learner to feel more connected to the content; it includes speech fluctuation and inflection that robotic voices cannot replace, and gives each course a different personality depending on who voices the narration.

The most effective and efficient courses incorporate all four of these eLearning pieces – multiple creation tools, knowledge assessment, interactivity, and human narration. Next time you take an eLearning course, try to take note of how the instructional designer created the course using these parts. Then think about using the best and most effective methods as you develop your own training courses.