There’s no doubt that great content holds the first place among many elements that make up for a highly successful training program. In a world, where the demand for result driving instruction programs is on its full swing, high performing content is where the success capability of instruction lies.
Content development is one of the crucial aspects where the L&D teams take pains, to offer the learners, exceptional and expected content that really engages them to learn and perform better, keep them on the learning wave constantly to become the versatile talent fit in the corporate scenario. Content initiates the learning path where learner is engaged to the core to learn, adapt and act in a real business world with much competence and skill. Content determines the progress of the learning pursuit and it is the prime factor that drive interest among the learners till the end.
Now what exactly is the content that steals the whole show of E-Learning?
Content is the center and the soul of training and that is what extends its life. It is the axis around which corporate learning revolves. According to the Training Industry Magazine , Content is knowledge, and it is the sum total of words, pictures and sounds that connote knowledge. It is through effective use of this knowledge, learning imparts skills and enhances performance. Though the fabric of content may vary from one area to another, its sole purpose is to make the learners, experience a fulfillment of their expectations and become competent to act in the instances where they were incompetent earlier. In other words, it is doing the learning(what is learnt).
Picking out the right content for your instruction program is an art and it really matters. Some of the things to consider in the process are-
Relevancy
The examples and the elements that constitute training content, must carry relevance from the onset to the close. Include industry specific, job related content that attract learners. Relevance or relatedness truly influences, as learners always explore for relevant resources that assist them to get over their challenges at workplaces. Hence learning which offers relevant content for realrisks of the learners is always at the top in the list of priority.
Work with SMEs
The process of content developing involves the contribution of SMEs who analyze the need of the content type for each instruction program. They critically research into the goals that are to be attained by the learners at the end. SMEs intense grasp on the subject makes it easy for the content developers to decide on the content. Their involvement is something without which content development never happens and with which it happens faster.
Build it relying on Research reports
Whatever learning you are planning for, investigate into the existing research reports brought forth by industry’s leading professionals. As those reports carry authenticity of information and everything that has been experienced and analyzed, they offer a complete learning experience based on proven knowledge and that leads to efficient application of learning.
Bring in experiences, simulations to Engage
Include real life scenarios in the content, put in some insightful simulations that trap the learner’s attention and inspire them to quickly progress in the learning path. These are a great way to motivate and instill the spirit of determination, leading to effective business actions besides accomplishing the journey of learning.
Keep it brain based
As learners and their learning capabilities vary, it is crucial to tailor the content accordingly. It is recommended to learn various intellectual capabilities of the targeted learners, and then proceed to develop the content. Monitor the content development and make it appealing to learners’ brain so that it would drive desired results.
Support Materials
Provide an easy pathway for support materials of different formats, that guide in learning and assessment, besides enriching the delivery of instruction.
'Content is the King' This aphorism states the cruciality and profitability of content. If you are into e-learning in some way or the other, you cannot give up on content as it demands effectiveness and uniqueness to meet the needs of millennials, and it is the ultimatum that turns your training investments into actionable business results impacting the bottom line.