When participants log in to a blended learning environment for the first time, they often find themselves navigating a new world. If the design is messy, they won’t understand how to use the environment, and they’ll associate the chaos with the training. As a result, their motivation will decrease. The design is key if you want to get off to a flying start. If you align design and functionality, the learning environment will be pleasant and comprehensible. Participants will understand what to do, and they will feel welcome. So, as a trainer, you should pay attention to the design and use of the learning environment. We’ll set you in the right direction by providing three tips!
1. Determine your style
As a training agency, you want to convey a specific style. Whether you radiate creativity or professionalism, participants should get the right impression of you at first glance. So, incorporate your style into the timeline, the color scheme, the typography, the icons, and the headings. You can, for example, guide participants through the training using icons in different colors. It’s even possible to create a visual style guide for the learning environment, which helps incorporate your style in a sound, consistent manner. The more people you involve in managing and building the learning environment, the more important that is.
2. Make sure participants feel comfortable
It’s essential to create a warm welcome. One way to do that is by posting a video in which you explain who you are, what participants can expect, and where they can find training materials. You can support this video with a clear content structure consisting of pictures and icons.
It’s also important to consider why participants have enrolled. Was it their own choice and are they highly motivated? Or did their employer make them participate in the training? In the latter case, it often works to post a video in which the manager explains what they hope to achieve, why it’s important to take the training, what participants can expect, and how the trainer can help them.
3. Activate participants
As a trainer, you want to explain to participants how the online learning environment works. If you do so using a tedious manual, the information probably won’t stick. But the design can help activate participants. Through simple assignments, they can familiarize themselves with the functionality and learn to use it.
Here’s an example: ask people to create a profile and introduce themselves. Once they’ve shared the information they want to share, they can post a message on the bulletin board to let others know their profile has gone live. That way, participants will get to know each other fast, and they’ll be able to reach each other. The results: they will familiarize themselves with the functions of the learning environment and collaborate more smoothly!
An impressive design deserves a prize
At LearningStone, we are aware of the importance of a well-designed learning environment. And we’ve noticed some customers use the rich possibilities within LearningStone to perfectly align design and functionality. We believe that deserves a prize, so we’ve created a Design Award.
Do you want to be considered for an award? Sign up now so we can assess your learning environment!
