Has anyone got any thoughts on the best ways to end an e-Learning module.
I'm finding that sometimes the modules I'm creating come to an abrupt end. I'm mainly making IT instructional e-Learning and the business requirement is that we don't include a test at the end so I feel that sometimes the courses don't come to a conclusion rather than just stopping.
I usually try to include two things to end all of my modules - regardless if there is a test or not.
Review/Recap slide that quickly summarizes what was covered in the module. I've had success using bulletpoints on screen that reinforce the concise summary in my narration script. This helps to tie everything back to the objective(s), and brings closure to the instruction,
An exit button w/ instructions to close the course - this follows my summary slide. Depending on your audience, this may or may not be necessary. Our employees have limited experience with computers so we've found if we don't explicitly tell them "you can leave," people just sit there confused. One case for including this could be that after you've brought closure to the content, this slide/button can bring closure to the module much like a classroom teacher dismisses the class after they're finished with a lesson.
The summary, especially when presented as a bunch of objectives, can also have links to specific topics/slides to encourage post-course/assessment review. This way, a more wary or perhaps conscientious learner might realise that although they've technically passed with a score of 86%, there are still a couple of bits they need to revisit.
Next steps is also handy for recapping job aids, resources and contacts along with any other processes/steps that add value to the support side of things.
I would agree with the formula, however I would add a step that allows them to return to some sort of Navigation option to review any sections they want to, or Exit.
10 Replies
Hi Louis,
I usually try to include two things to end all of my modules - regardless if there is a test or not.
Hope that helps!
I agree with the summary slide. It just repeats the objectives or summarizes what was covered.
Summary
Next Steps
Exit Button
Funny you'd ask, Louis! David Anderson's weekly challenge addressed this a couple of weeks ago.
He links to end-of-course ideas and best practices as he presents the challenge, and you can see the solutions people came up with by following their links in the Comments section: http://community.articulate.com/blogs/david/archive/2014/04/04/elearning-summary-resource-slides.aspx
+1 for Owen's formula.
The summary, especially when presented as a bunch of objectives, can also have links to specific topics/slides to encourage post-course/assessment review. This way, a more wary or perhaps conscientious learner might realise that although they've technically passed with a score of 86%, there are still a couple of bits they need to revisit.
Next steps is also handy for recapping job aids, resources and contacts along with any other processes/steps that add value to the support side of things.
I would agree with the formula, however I would add a step that allows them to return to some sort of Navigation option to review any sections they want to, or Exit.
Thanks for all your suggestions guys...really helpful as ever!
+1 for Bruce's addition
Hey Louis, When I saw this it reminded me of a blog post I wrote not too long ago: Four Ways to Help Learners Exit Your Storyline Course and I also created this Exit Slide Template which is available in the downloads.
Navigational menu to exit - it's an option I use to end content with an exploration concept.
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