Instilling interactivity in online training

Much of the web is conveyed through text. Reports, websites, news articles, message board posts, social media status updates – these are all text-based communication mediums. Text is an extremely effective and direct way to convey information and has low production values, which makes it the ideal communication tool in many scenarios.

However, plain text isn't always the most ideal means of interacting and engaging users. For training purposes, subjecting employees to pages upon pages of text may not help them learn new processes and skills. Moreover, in an online environment – where there are multiple ways of truly engaging participants – exclusive use of plain text may actively work against company goals.

For example, online training modules could contain interactive games, exercises, videos, images, audio and other learning media. Participants could also be encouraged to participate in online communities with other new recruits and veteran workers to supplement training materials. There are literally dozens of ways the internet can be used to create an engaging training environment.

“The shortage of technical training has sparked the implementation of online training to meet the growing shortage of technical workers,” Tech Republic adds. “However … 'page turners' do not promote effective learning. Engaging the learner in an online environment requires interactive strategies and creative instructional solutions. The challenge for the online instructional designer is to make sure the online course content is motivating and instructionally sound.”

The importance of input

So what's the difference between an effective online training program and one that doesn't teach participants anything? While there are a number of answers to the question, input is very clearly one answer.

Reading text is passive learning. Students aren't required to do anything but soak up knowledge. They aren't being challenged to apply, or even critically think about, the material being presented to them.

Interactive training modules that force participants to provide input are more effective in this regard. Whether it's some sort of game, quizzes, multiple choice questions, matching exercises or simply mousing over imagery for alternative information, companies should always be looking to engage trainees.

If workers aren't constantly using their mouses to interact with training programs, then it's likely an online training course may be too passive.