One thing that I sometimes struggle with is creating a hook in the beginning of my microlearning/eLearning courses.
So, I'd love to crowd-source a bit: how do you all hook your learners at the get-go so that they enter into it feeling engaged and wanting to keep exploring? Any pics, tips, general advice, are all welcome!
Tell them how they will benefit from the course (not the company's objectives).
That might be done via a scenario or posing a question. For example, "Have you ever been frustrated by ___? Let's look at a hassle-free way to get through that process."
Great question, Andrew! I'm loving the advice you're getting from Judy and Lynsey. To go along with what they've said, I wanted to share this article that includes examples.
Hi Sarah! Actually, that's the thing (along with my own personal lessons learned at work) that prompted my question! Hoping this generates some more discussion and examples!
Creating a compelling hook at the beginning of your microlearning or eLearning courses is crucial for engaging learners and motivating them to continue exploring the content. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you create an effective hook:
Storytelling: Start your course with an intriguing story or scenario that relates to the topic. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture and captivate learners' attention. This can help them connect emotionally and become more invested in the course.
Thought-provoking questions: Begin with a thought-provoking question related to the course material. This can stimulate curiosity and encourage learners to think critically about the topic. Consider using open-ended questions that encourage reflection and self-assessment.
Start with a surprising fact or statistic: Share an unexpected fact or statistic that grabs learners' attention and highlights the importance of the course topic. This can pique their curiosity and motivate them to explore further to understand the underlying reasons or implications.
Use visual stimuli: Incorporate visually appealing images, videos, or infographics that are relevant to the course content. Visuals can quickly grab learners' attention and create an immersive learning experience. Make sure the visuals are high-quality and support the learning objectives.
Engage with real-life examples: Share real-life examples or case studies that illustrate the practical application of the course material. By demonstrating how the content relates to their everyday lives or work, learners will be more motivated to continue learning and exploring the topic.
Interactive activities: Begin the course with a short interactive activity or quiz that encourages active participation. This can involve asking learners to make predictions, solve a problem, or provide their initial thoughts on the topic. Immediate engagement and involvement can hook learners from the start.
Personalize the introduction: Tailor the beginning of your course to address the specific needs and interests of your target audience. By acknowledging their challenges or goals right from the start, learners will feel a personal connection and be more inclined to engage with the content.
Remember, the key is to create a hook that sparks curiosity, relevance, and emotion. By utilizing storytelling, thought-provoking questions, visuals, real-life examples, interactive activities, and personalization, you can effectively engage learners at the beginning of your microlearning or eLearning courses.
5 Replies
Tell them how they will benefit from the course (not the company's objectives).
That might be done via a scenario or posing a question. For example, "Have you ever been frustrated by ___? Let's look at a hassle-free way to get through that process."
I agree with Judy, definitely find their WIIFM during the TNA stage and address that up front in the eLearn.
Also, depending on the content I like to use interesting stats and facts if you can, like 'Did you know that 10% of drivers don't know how to xx?
Great question, Andrew! I'm loving the advice you're getting from Judy and Lynsey. To go along with what they've said, I wanted to share this article that includes examples.
10 E-Learning Attention-Getters That Really Work
I hope that sparks some new ideas on ways to connect with your audience!
Hi Sarah! Actually, that's the thing (along with my own personal lessons learned at work) that prompted my question! Hoping this generates some more discussion and examples!
Creating a compelling hook at the beginning of your microlearning or eLearning courses is crucial for engaging learners and motivating them to continue exploring the content. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you create an effective hook:
Storytelling: Start your course with an intriguing story or scenario that relates to the topic. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture and captivate learners' attention. This can help them connect emotionally and become more invested in the course.
Thought-provoking questions: Begin with a thought-provoking question related to the course material. This can stimulate curiosity and encourage learners to think critically about the topic. Consider using open-ended questions that encourage reflection and self-assessment.
Start with a surprising fact or statistic: Share an unexpected fact or statistic that grabs learners' attention and highlights the importance of the course topic. This can pique their curiosity and motivate them to explore further to understand the underlying reasons or implications.
Use visual stimuli: Incorporate visually appealing images, videos, or infographics that are relevant to the course content. Visuals can quickly grab learners' attention and create an immersive learning experience. Make sure the visuals are high-quality and support the learning objectives.
Engage with real-life examples: Share real-life examples or case studies that illustrate the practical application of the course material. By demonstrating how the content relates to their everyday lives or work, learners will be more motivated to continue learning and exploring the topic.
Interactive activities: Begin the course with a short interactive activity or quiz that encourages active participation. This can involve asking learners to make predictions, solve a problem, or provide their initial thoughts on the topic. Immediate engagement and involvement can hook learners from the start.
Personalize the introduction: Tailor the beginning of your course to address the specific needs and interests of your target audience. By acknowledging their challenges or goals right from the start, learners will feel a personal connection and be more inclined to engage with the content.
Remember, the key is to create a hook that sparks curiosity, relevance, and emotion. By utilizing storytelling, thought-provoking questions, visuals, real-life examples, interactive activities, and personalization, you can effectively engage learners at the beginning of your microlearning or eLearning courses.