Virtual learning has a lot of benefits but admittedly, it can be a struggle for some people to use it. This is especially true for the older generations. After all, they grew up and studied in mortar and brick classrooms. Learning in a virtual environment is new to them. Just as they struggled to use new gadgets, they will also struggle to use elearning as a platform for learning.
While all of us have to adapt to the advancements in technology, that does not mean it should be difficult to do so. There are things that can be done to help everyone adjust to the use of sophisticated programs, gadgets, and learning methods. One of them is to make the course user-friendly. Accessibility and the ease of its use should make virtual learning less intimidating.
Here are some tips to help you make your online course more user-friendly.
- Make sure you have detailed instructions. From beginning to end, the learner should know what is expected of them in the course. This is very helpful especially when you intend to use an asynchronous learning method. This means the learners do not have the luxury of having their instructor online while they are learning. If you provide detailed instructions, they can easily complete the course on their own. But even for online courses with real-time instructors, having detailed instructions will allow them to go through the course without asking technical questions or waiting for technical support to help them through a part of the course.
- Place the navigation bar where it is very visible. Sometimes, users have to search for the navigation bar. Make it easy for them to navigate the course so they can jump from one part of the course to the other. This will help them learn at their own pace and go back to areas that they need to spend more time understanding.
- Provide a help button. Since virtual learning happens online, the learner is probably physically alone while they are going through the course. Make sure you give them the option to get in touch with the instructor or technical support when they encounter problems with any part of the course. This button should be visible wherever they are in the online learning process.
- Create a menu. This will help the learners know what the whole course offers. It will allow them to look for data and pick up where they left off in the course. Giving the learners the freedom to control the pace makes the learning all the more compelling. Make sure the menu highlights the various sections of the course so they get a clear overview.
- Put resource links. Finally, you want to promote self-learning by placing resource links whenever they are applicable. This will allow the learners to take the initiative to pursue the answers to any questions that they may have. The resource links will also allow them to validate the information that is being presented to them in the course.
These are some of the basic tips that will help make virtual learning more user-friendly. The key is to understand who the learners are so you can meet their needs and help them maximize the learning experience through your course.
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