I need to create an interactive elearning course for an audience that is known to struggle with using computers (as in, many of them don't have one at home, don't use one at work, or if they use one at work then they only know how to do three or four specific things).
I don't typically educate this audience online, but the decision for an elearning course came from a higher power. So I'm looking for ways to make it simple, user-friendly, etc.
Does anyone have any tips or resources for such a situation?
When we first rolled out all our elearning training, we created handouts that showed the learners how to navigate through the learning module. That might be a helpful tool to provide them until they get comfortable with it.
We have to deal with these types of audiences quite regularly so we've come up with a few general rules that tend to help:
1- Include instructions for everything, do not assume that anything is 'obvious' (maybe include a help button)
2- Provide clear instructions - rather than using phrases such as drag and drop, use 'click on the object and then drag it to ....' etc
3- Keep interactions in a similar format i.e drag and drop so the learners can build familiarity
4- Ensure there is some way they can ask questions. Typically for our audience they have to sit in an IT suite at work to complete the modules so we ensure there is someone there that is pc savvy to answer questions (but not tell them the answers!) If this isn't possible Steffanie's idea of a handout could help, or someone they can call who knows the module.
5- Make all interactive items as obvious as design allows, this could be using icons for all clickable items or using hover states.
6- Keep all key buttons (next, prev, submit etc) in the same place on the screen and, where possible, layout activities in the same way so learners can build familiarity.
Obviously this isn't an exhaustive list, but it's what we've come up with so far.
Most of them probably have a smart phone though and have used an ATM machine and have probably even checked out groceries themselves at the store. A simple clean user interface will win every time. Sometimes too many instructions up front make things seem more intimidating - just keep it clean ... think phone.
My previous company referred "computer newbies" to this website for basic computer training. I thought they were engaging and interactive and hopefully it will inspire you as you create your own.
Just a note on the link Layton f put on the BBC no longer have these courses available, pity as I was going to use them for a beginners internet course for UK pensioners. Back to the drawing board
Pam, personally I'd keep the interaction to a minimum, have a clean GUI (by that I mean simple use words instead of shapes/ buttons)and go heavy on video(not also the easy way, I know)
10 Replies
Hi Pam,
When we first rolled out all our elearning training, we created handouts that showed the learners how to navigate through the learning module. That might be a helpful tool to provide them until they get comfortable with it.
Good luck!
Hi Pam,
Welcome to the forums.
We have to deal with these types of audiences quite regularly so we've come up with a few general rules that tend to help:
1- Include instructions for everything, do not assume that anything is 'obvious' (maybe include a help button)
2- Provide clear instructions - rather than using phrases such as drag and drop, use 'click on the object and then drag it to ....' etc
3- Keep interactions in a similar format i.e drag and drop so the learners can build familiarity
4- Ensure there is some way they can ask questions. Typically for our audience they have to sit in an IT suite at work to complete the modules so we ensure there is someone there that is pc savvy to answer questions (but not tell them the answers!) If this isn't possible Steffanie's idea of a handout could help, or someone they can call who knows the module.
5- Make all interactive items as obvious as design allows, this could be using icons for all clickable items or using hover states.
6- Keep all key buttons (next, prev, submit etc) in the same place on the screen and, where possible, layout activities in the same way so learners can build familiarity.
Obviously this isn't an exhaustive list, but it's what we've come up with so far.
Hope this helps
Harri
Steffanie, handout instructions are a wonderful idea. Thank you.
Thanks for all the tips Harri! It's nice to have a checklist to make sure all the most important things are covered.
No problem
I'd be keen to know if you run into any unforeseen 'user errors' or come up with more additions to the list.
Most of them probably have a smart phone though and have used an ATM machine and have probably even checked out groceries themselves at the store. A simple clean user interface will win every time. Sometimes too many instructions up front make things seem more intimidating - just keep it clean ... think phone.
Hello Pam,
My previous company referred "computer newbies" to this website for basic computer training. I thought they were engaging and interactive and hopefully it will inspire you as you create your own.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/computer-basics/
layton, great minds think alike!
Thanks to you all. This is great stuff!
Agree with Darlesa.
Perhaps reate a screen template that looks like a microwave oven
Sure they can use one of those, and that you could adapt it in some way.
They will feel lees threatened clicking on something they know.
Just a note on the link Layton f put on the BBC no longer have these courses available, pity as I was going to use them for a beginners internet course for UK pensioners. Back to the drawing board
Pam, personally I'd keep the interaction to a minimum, have a clean GUI (by that I mean simple use words instead of shapes/ buttons)and go heavy on video(not also the easy way, I know)
Hope this helps
Chris
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