9 Technology-Enabled Learning Modalities You Should Be Aware of

You’ve done your homework – internal business and training needs analysis – and now the big question: How to address the training need and achieve the L&D business objective? You know that training can be offered to employees entirely in-person (in a physical set-up) or partially or completely online (enabled by technology). You are quite sure you want to leverage the power of technology for your training needs and are familiar with some of the terminology and dynamics. Also, you know that each type of offering has its pros and cons. So, which one do you choose? Maybe you reach out to a trusted L&D consultant and services provider for help … 

… this upcoming one-stop destination for all your training and development needs listens to you and understands your problem … 

… and coming to us …
 

… as part of our consulting strategy, let’s dive deeper and review the common technology-enabled learning modalities. We hope this analysis helps you make an informed business decision. Here we go! 

1. Basic eLearning 

This modality involves bare-minimum learner interaction and follows a basic visual and functional design. It tends to be driven by on-screen text (OST); audio, if provided, may be machine-generated, secondary, and/or verbatim with the OST. Imagery may be skipped altogether, utilize run-of-the-mill stock imagery, or use visual assets by the Subject Matter Expert “as-is”. Knowledge checks, if included, comprise single-select multiple-choice questions (MCQs) interspersed in the courseware. Max, a simple assessment may be provided at the end of the topic.

Though stereotyped as “monotonous page-turners” or “PPT-ish”, basic eLearning, if designed smartly, can be effective in creating subject awareness. Importantly, this modality is easy to design and can be delivered relatively quickly. In other words, it is a budget-effective learning solution that can give a good Return on Investment (ROI), especially if backed up by solid offline learning/peer support. 

2. Advanced eLearning 

This delivery type involves greater learner interaction (possible interactivities could include dragging-and-dropping visual elements or even scribbling) and often features customized visual and functional design. It is primarily driven by audio and commonly utilizes professional voiceover, sound effects, and (if need be) music as well. OST is meant to support voiceover audio and is used strategically and concisely. Imagery can consist of stock images or assets provided by the SME, but image editing is often included for value addition. Knowledge checks and assessments/quizzes can be more complex and allow the system to assess higher levels of learning. 

Advanced eLearning is more than just a sophisticated form of basic eLearning. For example, learners can be challenged on their problem-solving, decision-making, and on-the-job skills by presenting scenarios, stories, or software simulations related to their field of work (the subject of training). This makes eLearning a great choice for moderate L&D budgets for honing your employees’ personal and professional skills. 

3. Gamified eLearning 

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy (or in our case, an unproductive employee)!” Research increasingly suggests that learning is much more effective when combined with fun activities, such as those offered by games.1 Accordingly, eLearning vendors are leveraging employees #love for learning by offering gamified eLearning solutions. These solutions are realized by incorporating common game elements that include the game storyline or context, rules and consequences, characters/avatars, points, badges, levels, hints, and so on, all centered around the subject of training. Constellar Consulting seeks to address learner engagement by offering gamified eLearning solutions that are rich in visual and functional experience, mirror real-world job scenarios, and are learner-friendly.  

Based on your requirements, a stellar L&D consultant/services provider might offer you either a partially gamified or game-based eLearning solution. The difference is that while gamified experiences utilize some game elements (such as gamified quizzes), game-based experiences are oriented around an actual game (the level/method of gamification, of course, depends on the learning need, content type, and learning requirement). Gamified eLearning solutions typically involve full customization and might involve multiple iterations before final delivery. This makes it a more expensive option – but again, let’s remember that it is one of the most effective ones around, especially for teaching practical skills, decision-making, problem-solving, etc. 

4. Interactive PDFs or iPDFs Interactive PDFs (or iPDFs) leverage the best of both worlds – the universal accessibility of PDFs, along with interactive elements such as buttons, hyperlinks, embedded audio or video files, drop-downs, checkboxes, etc. iPDFs are designed in a visually appealing way as part of value-addition. iPDFs provide a ready reference to learners and are a great option for presenting secondary learning content (for example, Do’s and Don’ts) in an engaging way, especially if the primary content is presented as eLearning. 

5. Learning video “Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive. This facility makes it the most versatile and explicit means of communication yet devised for quick mass appreciation.” ― Walt Disney There simply is no denying that videos are an excellent means to grab the audience’s attention. If well-designed, your learners will love them. Period! 

Learning videos feature either photographic or illustrated images (caricatures), often accompanied by supporting computer-generated motion graphics and typographic text. Sound effects and music may supplement the voiceover audio for an impressive learning experience. 

As they need specialized image and video-editing tools, learning videos tend to be costlier compared to an equivalent duration of eLearning, but less costly than gamified solutions. If you have a reasonably big (medium) L&D budget), videos are the way to go! 

6. Learning infographics 

Infographics condense critical information and present facts and figures in a visually appealing and organized way. They can be printed and offered as ready-reckoner handouts or quick-fix learning aids for additional learning. Learning infographics go well along with other training modalities, such as advanced or gamified eLearning or even VILTs or blended training, and are a great low-cost option. Your eLearning vendor may even provide complimentary learning infographics along with their main offering. 

7. Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) 

With many organizations adopting a hybrid work model, the need for VILT or webinar has risen. This is typically conducted via conferencing/group calling software such as MS Teams or Zoom. VILT often includes activities that increase engagement: icebreakers, games, audio and videos, polls, breakout rooms, surveys, infographics, discussions, QA sessions, quizzes, downloadable handouts (refer to iPDFs and Learning infographic sections), and so on… This is a good group medium-to-high-budget training option for your remote workforce as it enables synchronous training, allows you to monitor and mentor learners in real-time, and encourages them to collaborate for problem-solving, design thinking, and other training needs. 

8. Learning apps These days learning apps are commonly being used for learning as an easily accessible option for on-the-go learning. You might be familiar with Duolingo, a famous app that helps people learn a new language. This modality can connect with Millennials, facilitates course completion, and is good for in-built performance support. Through their dynamic learning experience, learning apps are an effective training modality. It is however to be noted that as they involve custom development, the budgetary requirements tend to be on the higher side. 

9. Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) 

You might be familiar with Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) and their increasing business use cases. Goes without saying, that they are an upcoming learning modality too. AR and VR offer a much greater degree of user immersion and are great for teaching learners practical skills (and those who prefer tactile/kinesthetic learning) such as working with objects or stimulating challenging scenarios such as dousing a fire or performing surgery. As AR and VR take the experience to the next level – they are a fabulous option if you are looking to offer your learners something unique. One must, however, be mindful that developing this training requires special expertise, along with specialized tools for development and end-use. Needless to say, they require a huge budget, which explains its low adoption rate as of today. However, with advancing technology, one can say that AR and VR could be the future of corporate training. 

Conclusion: Hope this will help you make up your mind and go with the most suitable learning modality. As always, Constellar is your one-stop destination for all training and development-related needs. Feel free to reach out and book an appointment to view samples of our top-notch L&D consulting and services. 

References: 

1. Integrating gamification and instructional design to enhance the usability of online learning