Creating Great E-Learning: What to Do (and What to Avoid)
Smart Moves & Common Mistakes in E-Learning
Online learning is a great way to keep growing and developing new skills — no matter where you are.
But let’s face it: not all elearning is created equal. Here are a few things to keep in mind when building your course.
First, keep the content digestible. Large blocks of text can feel overwhelming, so break things up with visuals like images, videos, or short audio clips.
Next, make it interactive! Add some quizzes, drag-and-drop activities, or quick challenges to keep learners engaged and thinking actively.
And don’t forget to create a space for feedback. Whether it’s through comments, Q&As, or messaging, giving learners a chance to connect and ask questions can make all the difference.
With a bit of thought and planning, you can build an elearning course that’s engaging, effective, and enjoyable to use.
Transform Long Text into Engaging Audio
Long blocks of text can be difficult to read and may lead to learner disengagement, especially in online learning environments.
To maintain attention and improve comprehension, consider presenting extensive or complex content through alternative formats.
When detailed information is necessary, providing a downloadable PDF is a useful option for learners who want to dive deeper. However, before directing learners to static documents, converting key information into audio formats can greatly enhance accessibility and learner engagement. Audio allows learners to absorb content hands-free and supports diverse learning preferences.
Additionally, short videos can make complex topics more approachable. For example, creating a conversational video between two subject-matter experts can break down difficult concepts in a relatable and dynamic manner. This approach brings personality and context to the material, helping learners connect more deeply with the content.
By thoughtfully combining audio, video, and concise supporting documents, you create a richer, more flexible learning experience that respects different learning styles and keeps learners motivated.
Rethinking the Traditional Course Format
The conventional model of elearning—often centered around structured, lecture-style content—may not always be the best fit for every learning objective.
It’s worth reconsidering whether this passive approach truly addresses the challenges your learners face. Passive learning, where learners simply receive information without interaction, can limit engagement and retention. This approach mirrors the traditional classroom setup but doesn’t leverage the full potential of digital learning technologies.
Instead, designing interactive learning experiences can lead to deeper understanding and longer-lasting knowledge retention. When learners actively engage with the material—through clicking, dragging, problem-solving, or discussion—they become participants rather than spectators.
This hands-on involvement fosters stronger cognitive connections, making learning more meaningful and memorable. Moreover, interactive activities can adapt to different learning styles and encourage learners to apply concepts in practical ways.
By shifting the focus from passive consumption to active participation, you create elearning experiences that are not only more enjoyable but also more effective.
Design and Branding Are Integral to the Learning Experience
Subject matter experts provide the essential knowledge and expertise, but it is the instructional designer who transforms this content into engaging and effective digital learning experiences.
Today’s learners benefit most from content that is thoughtfully structured into clear, concise formats such as microlearning modules and interactive activities. These formats align with how people absorb information and apply skills in real-world settings.
However, the impact of your elearning goes beyond structure and functionality. Design and branding play a critical role in shaping how learners perceive and engage with the material. A well-designed course enhances understanding by guiding attention, simplifying navigation, and creating a visually appealing learning environment.
Branding within elearning is more than just logos and colors—it reflects the essence of your organization’s identity. Every aspect, from the tone of the content to the choice of visuals and layout, communicates your commitment to quality, professionalism, and learner-centered values.
Consistent design and branding foster trust and credibility, making learners more likely to invest time and effort in their training. Moreover, in platforms like your LMS or Learning Lab, a cohesive and polished learning environment reinforces the message that learning is valued and supported.
Incorporating strong design and branding strategies is an investment that pays off by increasing learner engagement, improving knowledge retention, and ultimately supporting better learning outcomes.
To achieve this, consider:
Collaborating closely between instructional designers and graphic designers to ensure content clarity and visual appeal.
Applying consistent branding guidelines across all courses to create a unified learner experience.
Using intuitive layouts and accessible design principles to accommodate diverse learner needs.
Leveraging multimedia elements thoughtfully to complement and reinforce learning objectives.
In summary, design and branding are not mere aesthetics—they are fundamental elements of effective elearning that support and elevate the entire learning journey.
Engage with Your Learners Before Designing
Before diving into the development of your learning strategy and course content, it’s essential to establish a meaningful connection with your audience.
Understanding who your learners are and what they need forms the foundation for creating effective, relevant, and engaging learning experiences.
Start by exploring your learners’ expectations: What do they hope to achieve through this learning? What skills or knowledge gaps are they looking to close? Equally important is uncovering their challenges and obstacles. What specific problems or pain points are they facing that your training could address? This deep insight helps you move beyond assumptions and tailor your content to meet real needs.
Engaging learners early also provides clarity on which learning formats will be most effective. Some audiences might prefer interactive webinars where they can ask questions in real-time, while others may benefit from short, focused videos they can watch at their own pace. Workshops offer hands-on experience and peer interaction, and scenarios or simulations allow learners to practice skills in a safe, controlled environment.
Involving learners before design also boosts buy-in and motivation. When people feel heard and see their input reflected in course design, they’re more likely to engage fully and take ownership of their learning journey.
To effectively engage learners upfront, consider:
Conducting surveys or interviews to gather direct feedback.
Hosting focus groups or informal conversations.
Analyzing previous learning data or performance metrics.
Using social media or community platforms to spark dialogue.
By incorporating these insights, you’ll be equipped to craft learning experiences that are not only informative but also meaningful, practical, and aligned with your learners’ realities. Remember, successful learning design begins with listening.
Empower Learners Through Active Participation
In today’s dynamic learning environments, learners are far more than passive recipients of information—they are active contributors to a vibrant exchange of ideas and knowledge.
Empowering learners to engage actively transforms the learning experience from a one-way transfer of facts into a collaborative journey of discovery and growth.
Active participation encourages learners to reflect on their own understanding, ask meaningful questions, and engage in dialogue with peers and instructors alike. This level of engagement fosters deeper cognitive processing, which enhances retention and application of knowledge.
Collaboration is another key pillar of active learning. By working together on projects, discussions, or problem-solving scenarios, learners benefit from diverse perspectives and build critical thinking skills. Social learning environments, whether online or in-person, provide a sense of community that motivates learners to contribute and support one another.
As facilitators, adopting the role of e-coaches means guiding learners through this interactive process. E-coaches create safe, inclusive spaces where learners feel comfortable sharing ideas, experimenting, and even making mistakes. They provide timely feedback, encourage peer-to-peer interaction, and nurture a culture of continuous learning.
To effectively empower learners through active participation, consider incorporating:
Interactive activities such as polls, quizzes, and scenario-based challenges.
Discussion forums or live chats that promote peer exchange.
Reflective exercises that prompt learners to connect new knowledge to real-life experiences.
Collaborative group projects or case studies.
Opportunities for learners to create and share their own content.
By fostering active participation, you not only enhance learning outcomes but also cultivate lifelong skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Remember, empowering learners transforms them into co-creators of knowledge and champions of their own learning journeys.
Adapted Video-Based Learning
While video is often perceived as a costly medium, modern learning management systems like The Learning Lab make video creation accessible and straightforward, allowing you to produce content directly within the platform.
Video simplifies the delivery of information by presenting it in a clear, concise, and engaging manner. It caters to learners who prefer visual and auditory content, making complex ideas easier to understand and remember.
By integrating video-based learning, you offer your learners the ultimate convenience—allowing them to learn at their own pace, revisit key points, and engage with content that feels more dynamic and relatable.
With tools built into the LMS, video creation becomes not only more affordable but also a seamless part of your overall training strategy, enhancing learner satisfaction and knowledge retention.
Blogs, Vlogs, and Articles: Powerful Content Sharing Tools
Blogs, vlogs, and articles are excellent ways to share valuable content and resources with your learners and wider audiences.
Organizing information, insights, and advice clearly and thoughtfully is key to helping learners absorb and apply new knowledge effectively.
Vlogs—video blogs—offer a unique advantage by creating a more personal and engaging connection. They allow learners to experience content in a conversational, approachable way that can feel more relatable and memorable.
Another significant benefit of these formats is their potential as User Generated Content (UGC). Encouraging learners or subject matter experts to contribute blogs, vlogs, or articles fosters community involvement, promotes diverse perspectives, and enriches the overall learning environment.
Incorporating these content types into your elearning strategy not only diversifies delivery methods but also supports continuous knowledge sharing and learner engagement.
Select the Right LMS for Your Unique Needs
With so many learning management systems available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The key is to find a solution that truly fits your organization’s unique goals and learner needs.
As Oscar Wilde wisely said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Your LMS should reflect your distinct approach to learning—not just serve as a tool for administration or record-keeping.
An effective elearning project demands more than logistics. It requires creativity, innovation, and thoughtful design. Your platform should support engaging features like branded content, interactive activities, vibrant discussions, and multimedia elements such as audio and video.
Selecting an LMS that empowers you to deliver this rich, learner-centered experience will set your training apart and maximize its impact.
Off-the-Shelf or Custom Elearning Content: What’s Right for You?
While off-the-shelf content can be useful for general skills—like learning software basics—most organizational challenges require a more tailored approach.
Elearning courses should be designed specifically to address the unique problems and goals of your learners. Generic content often falls short in relevance and engagement, limiting its effectiveness.
Custom elearning allows you to create meaningful experiences that resonate with your audience. It can include opportunities for interaction, such as discussions and live sessions, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration.
Ultimately, investing in bespoke learning solutions ensures your training directly supports your learners and drives real, measurable results.
Onboarding: Don’t Wait to Get Started!
Did you know that up to 25% of employee turnover happens within the first two months? This highlights just how critical the onboarding process is for long-term retention and success.
Starting your onboarding program before an employee’s first day can make a significant difference. Early engagement helps new team members feel welcomed, informed, and connected from the very beginning.
A well-designed onboarding experience not only builds excitement and commitment but also reinforces your organization’s culture and values. Thoughtful onboarding strengthens your employer brand and sets the stage for productive, motivated employees.
By investing time and resources upfront, you increase the likelihood that new hires will thrive and stay — turning onboarding into a powerful tool for growth.
Conclusion: Smart Moves & Common Mistakes in E-Learning
Successful learning starts with putting your learners at the heart of every decision. Engaging in open dialogue and exchange before course development is essential to truly understand their needs and challenges.
The rise of Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) highlights how involving learners deeply in the elearning journey leads to greater motivation and stronger engagement—not only in training but also as committed employees.
This learner-centric approach supports continuous learning, which in turn strengthens and reflects your corporate culture.
Our solution, The Learning Lab, offers a unique hybrid between a traditional LMS and an LXP, combining management capabilities with rich, video-based elearning to deliver an immersive and flexible learning experience.