Virtual learning is simply another name for elearning. The main idea is to learn via an electronic device – whether that is through a computer, laptop or mobile phone. While this is becoming a popular way of learning, it is important that you realize the qualities that will make it successful.
Measuring the success of your elearning course will depend on the reaction that you will get from your learners. If their satisfaction level is high, then your course is a success. This satisfaction is based on the different qualities of the elearning course. Some learners will say that your course is a success because of the high retention rate. Some would say that it is a success because they enjoyed every minute of the course. Others will claim the that virtual learning was a success because they found it to be highly relevant and applicable in their daily lives. Other learners will say that the learning experience was a success because you gave what was expected.
We want to make learner satisfaction a priority because this is what will make your course credible. If it works for your previous students, then more people will be enticed to enroll in your course. Not only that, previous learners, will patronize other courses that you created or will create simply because of the high satisfaction level that they experienced.
Given the different satisfaction measurements of your learners, you need to identify what qualities in your learning course will make it a success. Here are 5 qualities that we can identify for you.
- Quality of the Content. You have to remember that the content is the reason why your learners availed of the course in the first place. They are after the information that is in your course. You need to satisfy their expectations of the content that they will get from the virtual learning program. Among the things that you can do is to ensure that you will not present the content in pure text form. You should use videos, audios and graphics too. The content should also be updated and delivered in a structured manner that will allow maximize the absorption.
- Quality of the Learning Management System. The LMS is simply the platform by which the virtual learning happens. You want to make sure that the learners can easily navigate your course. Since an elearning course usually happens online, you want to make sure that it can be accessed easily. Any bugs in the system that can hinder a smooth learning experience for the students should be removed. Also, you have to consider the fact that some of your learners may not be tech-savvy. You need to make your course user-friendly so it can be navigated by anyone – regardless of their knowledge of technology.
- Quality of the Instruction. The way the instructor reacts to the learners is also an important way to satisfy the learners. If the instructor can answer the questions, monitor their progress and give updates and assistance when it is needed, then that will improve the learning experience.
- Quality of Service. You should also consider the quality of service that will be provided. When the learner has a technical difficulty, how fast will it be resolved? If they have questions about the navigation or anything about the course, this should also be attended to as soon as possible so as not to disrupt the learning experience. The support that will be provided will help determine if the learner will be satisfied with the virtual learning or not.
- Quality of Interaction. Lastly, the quality of the interaction that they will go through will help make the elearning experience a success. Learning with others is a great way to increase the retention rate of the participants in the program. Create a lot of activities that will help the participants in the course interact with each other. You can use social media, community chat and group projects. This will solidify the connection between the learners as they go through the course together.
When you strengthen these virtual learning qualities, you should be able to increase the satisfaction level of the learners.
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