This blog post shares three easy ways to turn technical content into an engaging eLearning course.
Every instructional designer, at some point, works on complex technical subjects which are usually difficult for learners to comprehend. It is a common notion that technical subjects are boring and dull. However, it doesn’t need to be so. As instructional designers, we need to come up with new ideas and ways to make technical content understandable.
In this post, we will take a look at the three easy ways to convert technical content into an engaging eLearning course.
1. Simplify your content
This is the first way you can make a technical course interesting. Learners will understand a concept faster when it is presented in a non-technical language. Using technical jargon may sound very sophisticated and smart. But, if it doesn’t make any sense to you, it will not make any sense to the learner. So use common terminology and present the technical subject-matter in words which are easy to understand. You can also make use of analogies and metaphors to explain the content in greater detail.
Take a look at an example of how technical content was presented in a simple language for better understanding.
2. Provide demonstrations
Most technical subjects usually relate to software trainings such as management systems and software programs. Explaining how to use software in simple plain text can be difficult. This where providing demonstrations comes in handy. Simulations are the most effective way to provide a demonstration. The specialty of a simulation is that it provides a step-by- step explanation to any process or procedure. For instance, simulations can be shown in the form of a video which explains the process or as a guided simulation where the learner is taken through the software and asked to perform the task as it would be done using the real software. Let’s take a look at an example of guided simulation.
3. Use Visuals and illustrations
Visuals create more impact than the text; hence illustrate clearly to get your point across. Many a time, you may struggle to explain technical concepts. To make them more understandable, you can make use of graphs, pie charts, diagrams, illustrations and info- graphics. These make your content visually rich and easy to grasp. For instance, the use of visuals helps explain multiple aspects or features of a concept in a single screen. This serves as a small takeaway for your learners, before going into the details.
Below is an example of illustrating complex concepts and ideas clearly in an eLearning course.
With these three ways, you can turn mundane technical content into an engaging eLearning course. If you have other interesting ways to kill boredom in eLearning courses, please do share them with us.
