You just wrapped up your latest eLearning course. But mind you, it’s not over. You still have a chance to leave a lasting impression on your audience, though. In this article, we’ll share 8 tips to engage and inspire online learners after the eLearning course is over, turning them into lifelong learners.
How To Engage And Inspire Online Learners AFTER An eLearning Course
Online learners received all the information they needed from your eLearning course. However, you still have the opportunity to motivate and inspire online learners after the fact. This helps to improve knowledge retention and promotes continuous learning. It also gives you the opportunity to market future eLearning courses that align with their needs and goals.
Here are 8 tips to engage and inspire online learners after the eLearning course has concluded:
1. Offer Follow-Up eLearning Courses
Follow-up eLearning courses are ideal for self-starters who want to expand their knowledge autonomously. They can build skills and improve task proficiency at their own pace. Use LMS metrics and eLearning assessment results to recommend the ideal eLearning course materials for each online learner.
For example, LMS reports reveal that an individual had trouble completing the task simulation in a timely manner.
In response, the LMS recommends online training tutorials or certification courses to help improve their skills and overall performance. Follow-up eLearning courses offer the gift of ongoing development and can inspire online learners to progress even further in their careers.
2. Host Live Events
Live events allow for direct interaction between peers and online instructors. Everyone has the opportunity to ask questions and share knowledge in real time. It’s best to focus on one topic per event and provide attendees with an agenda beforehand.
You should also record the session for those who are unable to make it to the live event. Lastly, pair it with social media activities to enhance learner engagement. For instance, create a hashtag for the event that enables online learners to post and review comments in one location.
3. Start A Social Media Group
It’s a good idea to create an exclusive social media group during the eLearning course in order to spark online discussions. However, this group also serves as a valuable resource after they complete the eLearning course. They’re able to share helpful resource links, information, and peer-based feedback.
You can even get the conversation rolling by posting a weekly question or prompt. Online discussions and eLearning blogs are also ideal social learning tools that facilitate peer-to-peer interactions.
4. Provide Self-Paced Certification Online Training Programs
Online certification training programs focus on practical skills, tasks, and training topics. Learners must be able to complete the eLearning course materials and pass the exams in order to receive the certificates, which they can show to potential employers or proudly display to their peers.
You can engage online learners after theeLearning course by offering self-paced certification courses based on their learning goals and objectives. You’re even able to use existing online training resources to create new programs.
For example, you can compile a collection of online training modules, activities, and assessments that feature a particular skill set. Add an eLearning course map and develop an eye-catching certificate of completion for maximum results.
5. Create A Microlearning Online Training Library
Microlearning online training libraries feature bite-sized training resources that are easy to digest. For example, a 3-minute task simulation or an infographic can showcase important facts and figures.
Online learners are able to access this microlearning repository whenever the need arises. This offers two very important benefits: The first is that it helps maintain learner engagement long after the eLearning course is complete. Online learners always have bite-sized training resources on hand to improve comprehension and refresh their knowledge.
The second is that it keeps your organization fresh in their minds. All of the online training resources are branded with your logo and contact information. As such, they’re likely to return to your site when it’s time to enroll in the next online training course.
6. Send Out Monthly Newsletters
Create a monthly newsletter and then send it to your online learners. Focus on a new discussion topic in each edition, which includes helpful tips and tricks.
The key is to inspire online learners and offer them real value. You can even invite Subject Matter Experts to write guest posts to enhance the benefits and offer a unique perspective. Also, don’t forget to include opt-out details in your emails, as you don’t want your newsletters to become a nuisance.
7. Ask For eLearning Feedback
Online learners are more likely to engage when they know you value their opinions and ideas. As such, you should ask for ongoing eLearning feedback from your audience. Conduct surveys and social media polls to get their input or invite them to participate in focus groups for upcoming eLearning courses.
This allows you to improve your eLearning strategy and ensure that your eLearning content is still on target. For example, it can be a great way to find out whether it still aligns with online learners’ preferences and expectations.
8. Start A Podcast Or Video Series
Create an eLearning podcast or video series that covers a new topic every month. You can upload podcasts directly to your eLearning course site or platform. There is also a number of video sharing sites that can help you reach your target audience.
These online resources allow you to attract new online learners, as well as keep the existing ones in the loop. Once again, you can enlist the aid of Subject Matter Experts, team leaders, and other guest hosts to add even more value.
For best results, set up a schedule in advance so that online learners know when to tune in. You should also create a detailed script or outline for each episode. Lastly, try to keep it 10 minutes or under for online learners on a tight schedule.
Keep Up The Good Work
These 8 tips and techniques give you the chance to inspire online learners, interact with them and get them excited about future eLearning endeavors. The secret is to keep an open line of communication with your audience by creating an online learning community.
Use social media and video sharing platforms to keep in touch, or reach out to your online learners via monthly newsletters and webinars. Let online learners know that you’re invested in their continual development and personal growth and give them the incentive they need to turn into lifelong learners.
| Tags: Learner Engagement
