White Paper/
Workplace support

BY PETE BENNETT ■ Feb 23 ■ 8 MIN READ

Methodologies and techniques to increase learner engagement within an online learning environment.

The current eLearning landscape

eLearning has now officially become more popular than classroom workplace learning – this is because of its flexibility, convenience, and affordability. However, with the benefits come challenges, such as low learner engagement, which can result in lower knowledge retention. To address this issue, e-learning courses should be designed with methodologies and techniques that promote learner engagement. This paper explores these methodologies and techniques and argues that incorporating interactions, video, animation, and games in e-learning content can increase knowledge retention.

Solutions to increase learner engagement

Gamification

Gamification is a popular technique used in e-learning to increase learner engagement. This technique involves the use of game elements, such as points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges, in non-game contexts, such as learning. According to a report by TalentLMS, gamification can increase learner engagement by 60% and knowledge retention by 90% (TalentLMS, 2019). This is because gamification makes learning fun and enjoyable, which encourages learners to participate actively.

Interactive Content

Interactive content refers to learning material that requires active participation from the learner. This can include quizzes, polls, simulations, and other activities that encourage learners to engage with the content actively. According to a report by Docebo, interactive content can increase engagement by up to 80% (Docebo, 2020). This is because interactive content requires learners to participate actively, which improves their focus and retention.

Video

Video is another effective technique used in e-learning to increase learner engagement. Video content can be used to explain complex concepts, demonstrate procedures, and present case studies. According to a report by Panopto, learners are more likely to watch videos than read text, with 71% of learners watching more than five hours of educational videos per week (Panopto, 2019). Video content can increase learner engagement by making the content more visually appealing, which can lead to higher knowledge retention.

Animation

Animation is another technique used in e-learning to increase learner engagement. Animated content can be used to explain complex concepts, demonstrate procedures, and present case studies. According to a report by Vyond, animated content can increase learner engagement by up to 80% (Vyond, 2020). This is because animation can simplify complex concepts and make them more engaging and memorable.

What is the argument for adding lots of interactions, video, animation, and games Within the E-learning Content?

Adding interactions, video, animation, and games within the e-learning content can increase knowledge retention by promoting learner engagement. As discussed earlier, these techniques are effective in increasing engagement and, therefore, can improve knowledge retention. For example, gamification can increase learner engagement by up to 60% and knowledge retention by 90%, according to a report by TalentLMS (TalentLMS, 2019).

Interactive content can increase engagement by up to 80%, according to a report by Docebo (Docebo, 2020). Video content can increase engagement by making the content more visually appealing, which can lead to higher knowledge retention, with 71% of learners watching more than five hours of educational videos per week, according to a report by Panopto (Panopto, 2019). Animated content can increase learner engagement by up to 80%, according to a report by Vyond (Vyond, 2020).

Moreover, these techniques can also help to overcome the challenges associated with e-learning, such as the lack of human interaction and the lack of motivation. By making learning fun and interactive, learners are more likely to stay motivated and engaged with the content, which can result in higher knowledge retention. Additionally, incorporating these techniques can also help to personalize the learning experience by catering to different learning styles and preferences.

It is clear that incorporating interactions, video, animation, and games in e-learning content can increase learner engagement, which can lead to higher knowledge retention.

These techniques can help to overcome the challenges associated with e-learning and make learning more fun and interactive, leading to better outcomes for learners.

As e-learning continues to evolve, it is essential to continue to explore and implement effective methodologies and techniques that promote learner engagement and knowledge retention.