The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • Raising Your Students Self Esteem: Everything You Need to Know

  • The 4Cs of Lifelong Tech

  • Is Windows 11 Backwards Compatible With Your Existing Software?

  • Is Streaming Really Cheaper Than Cable?

  • Is Slack Down? Here’s How to Check (and Fix It)

  • Is My Phone Waterproof? IP68, IPX8 Ratings Explained

  • Is It Safe to Delete Everything in Windows’ Disk Cleanup?

  • Is Charging Your Phone All Night Bad For the Battery?

  • Is Apple Killing the iPhone Mini?

  • Is an eGPU Worth Buying ?

Online Learning & eLearning
Home›Online Learning & eLearning›Online Learning Courses I Would Avoid Designing

Online Learning Courses I Would Avoid Designing

By Matthew Lynch
December 2, 2020
0
Spread the love

With online learning going mainstream in the past decade, more companies are using it to train and develop their employees. Not all companies succeed in online learning, and some give up on online learning as an unnecessary cost. Usually, the problem is not with online learning but with poorly designed online learning, resulting in companies not getting what they expected from online learning. Instructional designers often sacrifice quality for quantity, and this is where the problem starts. In this article, let us discuss five kinds of online learning classes that constitute bad online learning and what instructional designers should avoid designing if they want their company’s online learning program to be successful.

1.  Linear courses

“Forced learning” is a technique that is still used by inexperienced online learning designers to ensure that learners cannot skip screens—that they must consume the content on every screen. This is sometimes useful when learners need to know the content on every screen to progress and complete the class. However, it is not advisable to stop learners from skipping screens in every class because employees are not the same, and some are advanced learners. Second, linear classes have gone out of style. Clicking the “next” button a thousand times disengages a learner from the course. A class should progress smoothly as one continuous learning environment in which learners can move forward and backward as they select. Linear learning is best reserved for newer learners who need a lot of guidance.

2. Presentation-style courses

Unfortunately, this type of online learning class is still prevalent in some companies. Although an online learning class is comparable to a PowerPoint presentation, it is not the same. Modern learners do not want a million slides of text and images; they want high-quality visuals, videos, interactivities, and gamified exercises. Presentation-style learning fails to engage the contemporary learner, which is why they fail to train or develop knowledge and skills in them. Instructional designers need to move their way of designing into the here and now.

3. Voice-over courses

Another bad habit of naive instructional designers is designing classes in which every single letter of the on-screen text is narrated. Narration is an accessibility feature or for learners who prefer to learn orally. The most nonsensical thing a designer can do is not give the learner the option to toggle the narration. If learners see the same text on-screen and hear it in the narration, it doesn’t reinforce the information; rather it overwhelms the learner because not every learner reads at the same speed as the narrator. Also, written text is very different from spoken language, and narrating such text can sound phony.

4.“All Push” courses

Modern learners don’t prefer books for several reasons because books don’t have any interactive activities that challenge them, and they only push info. A lot of online learning designers create their classes just like books, with no interactivities, quizzes, questions, or simulations to challenge learners. The classes are chock-full of text, images, and infographics that push the information the learner is supposed to maintain. This leaves the learner with no room to apply the information they’ve just learned, which prevents it from taking root.

5. “All Show” courses

Unfortunately, some instructional designers focus all their attention on making the class look attractive through the use of high-quality themes, images, animations, and interactive activities, and they forget what they’re designing. An online learning class is a strategy of instruction that is supposed to make information easier to learn and maintain. Overlooking function for looks is one of the worst mistakes a designer can make. Filling up the online learning class with graphics without guiding the learner through the information will result in a confused learner who doesn’t know what to do with all those visuals. While advanced learners who are experienced online learners will still be able to plow through the graphics and learn what they’re supposed to, they will have a hard time finishing “all show” classes.

Instructional designers who avoid designing any of the five kinds of classes described will create something that helps learners learn and develops skills instead of being a waste of the corporation’s time and resources. Companies should hire experienced instructional designers who continue to update their online learning credentials and create according to contemporary trends.

Concluding thoughts

So, there you have it, five types of online learning courses that I would avoid designing. Do you have any additional tips, techniques, or strategies that you would like to share with our readers? If so, leave them in the comment section below.

Previous Article

K–12 Educators Embrace Ingenuity and Adaptation to ...

Next Article

Adjusting To Entirely New Online Learning Schedules

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Online Learning & eLearning

    The Difference Between Mobile Learning and eLearning

    December 6, 2019
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearning

    Actionable Advice For Educators To Move To Online Learning

    May 17, 2021
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Higher Education EdTechOnline Learning & eLearningPersonalized Learning

    How a MOOC Can Help You Land Your Dream Job!

    September 19, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearning

    How To Start Estimating Development Costs For Your Online Learning

    March 22, 2023
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearning

    Ways To Use Online Collaboration Tools For Online Learning Projects

    March 20, 2023
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearning

    How to View Your Recent Ad Activity on Facebook and Instagram

    March 27, 2023
    By Matthew Lynch

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Raising Your Students Self Esteem: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 28, 2023
  • The 4Cs of Lifelong Tech

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 28, 2023
  • How to Use System Restore in Windows 11

    Is Windows 11 Backwards Compatible With Your Existing Software?

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 27, 2023
  • Is Streaming Really Cheaper Than Cable?

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 27, 2023
  • Is Slack Down? Here’s How to Check (and Fix It)

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 27, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesOnline Learning & eLearning

    How to Use System Restore in Windows 11

    Spread the loveWindows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, provides users with many advanced features and services. One of the most useful features of Windows 11 is “system restore.” ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    Spread the loveSales scripts are crucial to any business and can be the main difference in achieving the set targets. A well-written sales script that factors in customers from different ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech Futures

    The Future Of Effective Digital Learning And Its Role In The Education System

    Spread the loveEffective digital learning is the future of education and it is here to stay. With the ever-growing trend of online learning, it is no wonder that effective digital ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Start Menu Not Working in Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It

    Spread the loveWindows 11 has a lot of new features and improvements that users will find useful. However, some users may have noticed that their Start Menu is not working ...
  • EdTech Futures

    The IT Investments Securing the Future of Higher Education

    Spread the loveThe future of higher education still seems uncertain after the massive disruptions of the last two years. Universities and colleges are struggling with budget difficulties amid cybersecurity threats. ...
  • Adaptive LearningAssistive TechnologyEdTech FuturesInstructional TechnologyTeachers

    Will AI Replace Teachers?

    Spread the loveThrough the years, robots have taken over many jobs. First, they replaced horses and wagons and horses and plows, then they started to replace people. A few examples ...
  • EdTech FuturesHigher EducationHigher Education EdTechUncategorized

    The Future of Higher Education Must Avoid Returning to the Past

    Spread the loveColleges and universities can make higher education safer, smarter, and more accessible through automation and collaboration technologies – if they commit to it. Author: John Hulen, Director of ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.