Learning levels of interactivity: which one do you need?
If you are using eLearning resources, planning to develop, or just interested in this type of training, you should know that eLearning courses can be classified based on the level of interactivity they offer.
Based on these levels of interactivity, you can determine how interactive you want your eLearning courses to be. So if you’re just looking to dole out some basic information, a simple and fun course might fit the bill. However, if you are looking for real learner engagement and interaction, a more interactive eLearning course is a must. It is a fact that the more interactive the course, the more effective it will be in achieving the learning objectives.
What levels of interactivity do you need?
The level of interaction that best suits your company and your corporate goals is based on many factors, including:
-The nature of the content.
-Your technological infrastructure
-Budget
-Target audiences
Interaction Level: is a metric used in eLearning that refers to concepts such as user interaction, complexity and level of sophistication of the course.
Let’s see the details:
Level 1. Passive-no interaction
This level is what is commonly known as a ‘page turn’. The course is linear and could be considered a basic training, in which the student acts only as a receiver of information.
Basically, the sequence of screens is fixed and the student cannot choose the order in which they want to see the content, go back to a previous topic or navigate freely. It is a level that is not very motivating for the student. This is hardly considered eLearning, however it can be effective for communicating simple concepts and is relatively inexpensive to develop.
At this level, students do not interact with resources, they only have:
-Simple graphics, images and animations
-Rollovers
-Basic questions of the questionnaire.
Level 2. Limited interaction
In this case, the course is still basic, but the student has more control over their training; they have the ability to do more than just watch, read and navigate. This level is used for non-complex operations and maintenance lessons.
At this level, students interact with resources such as:
-Clickable animated graphics
-Navigation expands to menus, glossaries and links to external resources.
-Often includes simple exercises (ie drag and drop components, matching and identification).
-Audio and video.
Level 3. Moderate interaction
At Level 3 there is a high degree of complexity and customization of the course. In addition, the student has more control over his training and perceives the course as a participatory and dynamic activity and not just as a presentation of content.
This level is an industry favorite primarily because it optimized the balance between active learning and development time. Some resources:
-Animated videos
-Custom audio recording
-Complex simulations where students enter data into fields
-Scenario based cases
-Custom Flash animations where students have the ability to investigate.
Level 4. Simulation and game-based learning
This level gives the greatest degree of interaction on the part of the student.
The course includes simulations and the contents are transmitted through the use of didactic games to keep the student motivated.
-Learning in real time.
-Use of gaming technology.
-3D simulations: for example, software or hardware simulations and serious games.
-Includes variety of multimedia (ie personalized videos and interactive 3D objects).
-The use of digital ‘avatars’.
-Basically involves all the elements of levels 1, 2 and 3 plus interactivity ornate; and higher levels of sophistication.
Keep in mind that in the corporate world it is important to have highly interactive training for your employees these days. So we encourage you to check out these ideas on how to start creating more interactive content!
Are you creating interactive e-learning courses? Will this encourage you to experiment with other levels of interactivity that you weren’t using? Are you providing an engaging experience for your employees?