Traditional approaches to online learning often fall short due to information overload, lack of engagement, and outdated one-size-fits-all models. Since the pandemic, attention spans have noticeably shortened, making it increasingly difficult for learners to engage with lengthy, text-heavy content. As Dr. Kristen Wall, Director of Learning Strategy at Blue Sky eLearn, noted:
"A personalized learning journey is really where we're headed, that learners want to feel like they have ownership. And this is rooted in years and years of research around adult learning, but it's really moving to the forefront when we talk about eLearning."
This shift toward personalization represents a fundamental change in how we approach learning design. Rather than focusing solely on what instructors believe learners need to know, successful learning programs center on what learners themselves identify as important. This approach aligns with Malcolm Knowles' adult learning principles, which recognize that adults come to learning experiences with specific needs, prior knowledge, and a readiness to learn.
Understanding your learners is the foundation of effective design. The webinar emphasized five principles of adult learning that should guide any online learning content development: adults know what they want, they have experience, they're ready to learn, they're motivated, and they need immediate relevance. These principles underscore the importance of creating content that respects learners' time and addresses their specific challenges.
Dr. Zoe Falls, an instructional designer at Blue Sky eLearn, recommended developing learner personas to better target educational offerings. "A learner persona is a fictional representation of your typical learner. It's your best way of creating a character," Dr. Falls explained. "It's meant to help be a guide for you to develop personas for your own organization because you are going to know your people, your learners best."
The webinar highlighted several common personas found within professional associations, including:
By gathering insights through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and analysis of past course data, associations can develop accurate personas that inform more targeted learning experiences.
Technology plays a crucial role in implementing learner-centric designs. The right tools can transform passive content into interactive, engaging experiences that drive retention and application. Jordan Baker, Learning Solutions Advisor at Blue Sky eLearn, introduced several tools that can enhance eLearning experiences:
"Research tells us that learners retain information better when visuals, interactive elements, and videos are incorporated into their learning experiences. So these are really essential for adding that extra layer of engagement and ensuring that your courses are dynamic and learner driven."
Baker recommended content authoring platforms like Articulate's Rise and Storyline for creating professional, interactive courses. "These are going to help you to create really highly interactive courses with really professional designs, really professional looks and feels," Baker explained. Rise offers responsive, modular learning that's typically more text-driven but includes interactive elements, while Storyline allows for more custom interactivity.
For associations with limited budgets or time constraints, Baker highlighted Genially as an alternative. "Something that our team really loves about this tool is that it has a lot of features and elements that Storyline also has, but it's a little more templatized," Baker noted. "With Genially, there's a lower entry point, and so that allows for faster development and ultimately a lower price point."
Multimedia tools can further enhance engagement. Baker recommended Vyond for creating animated explainer videos, Synthesia for AI-powered video creation with lifelike avatars, and Camtasia for screen recording and video editing. These tools help simplify complex topics, demonstrate processes visually, and maintain learner attention.
Putting learner-centric design into practice requires a strategic approach. The webinar offered several practical recommendations for association professionals:
As Dr. Falls emphasized, "All of us complete our sexual harassment training, which is mandatory because we want to keep our jobs. The other end of the spectrum is a person who is just interested in a topic and wants to pursue it more, wants to satisfy their own curiosity." Understanding these different motivations helps design learning experiences that resonate with various segments of your membership.
For associations looking to implement these strategies, it's recommended to create both short-term and long-term plans for redesigning learning experiences. As Kristen advised in her closing remarks, "Think about how do you integrate some of these tools into your current education plan and then doing some internal professional development around this topic, or bringing someone like Blue Sky in to come in and do a workshop for you to help you figure out what would be the best approach."
The transition to more learner-centered approaches doesn't have to happen overnight. Associations can test new designs with small groups of members, gather feedback, and refine their approach before scaling up. The key is to begin shifting away from content-centered thinking toward learner-centered design.
The webinar emphasized several best practices for this transition:
By prioritizing learner needs, implementing engagement techniques, ensuring accessibility, and leveraging the right technology, associations can create eLearning experiences that drive real results and deliver greater value to their members. As workplaces continue to evolve and professional development becomes increasingly virtual, associations that adopt learner-centric design principles will be better positioned to provide meaningful, impactful learning experiences.
The shift from asking "What do our members need to know?" to "How do our members want to learn?" represents a fundamental change in approach—one that recognizes the agency and experience adult learners bring to their professional development. As Dr. Falls reminded participants, "It's important to take stock of what our learners are actually looking for. And when we identify those challenges, then we can figure out a plan to overcome it."
For association professionals responsible for education and professional development, embracing learner-centric design isn't just about improving engagement metrics—it's about fulfilling the core mission of supporting members' growth and success in their fields. By applying the principles and strategies shared in this webinar, associations can transform their online learning offerings from obligation to opportunity, creating experiences that members genuinely value and apply in their professional lives.
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