Self–paced learning environment provides an opportunity for learners to have the flexibility to study at their own available time and place. It provides learners with choice about-what to learn, when to learn, how to learn, and where to learn. The most preferred method of delivering self-paced learning programs is technology enabled learning or e-learning.
Keeping the learners engaged throughout the self-paced learning courses is a challenging task. Very often learners tend to lose interest in such sort of learning programs. In order to motivate the learner and keep him engaged throughout the course the self-paced learning should be made more appealing. The following points guide you on how to make self-paced learning more interesting and fun.
Using interactivities in eLearning such as click on tabs or images, hotspots, and drag and drop features make the eLearning courses more interactive. For example keeping an incomplete sentence on a slide and asking the learner to click next to know more, or placing a picture on the slide and asking the learner to click the image to know more, keeps the learner engaged.
Use of Avatars
Avatars or animated characters are the characters that guide learners through the course. Learner feels the course more engaging and interactive when these animated characters are made to speak and interact with them.. For example use of animated characters dressed like sales persons in sales training courses helps the learners to connect better.
Games and Simulations
Games for learning can be fun but learning games must first teach and then entertain. For example in a product training course a learning game involves explaining the product features to a particular customer. Depending upon the type of customer some particular features must be explained by the sales person so that the customer purchases that product. In this game the learner is assigned to tell or explain the features of the product to a customer whose requirements are specified in the question. Various features of the product are given as options to the learner on the screen. When the learner clicks the right features corresponding to the requirements of the customer specified in the question then the game is won.
Collaborative Learning Environment
Collaborative learning environment provides learners to discuss, share and learn from one another’s experiences. In technology based learning platforms it can be implemented by adding chat functionalities, via discussions room or through social media. It improves the participatory nature in learners. As a result learners find the course more interesting and are encouraged to establish social connect with peers. So that learners connect with other learners virtually and share their experiences relating to the topics in the courses.
Self-paced learning is the learner’s self-driven approach. Mere presentation of slides with audio decreases the learner’s interest. In order to motivate the learner, adding interactivities, games, and puzzles, and interacting with peers makes the course more interesting and fun.
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