Online learning has progressed rapidly in the past 20 years. Technology and science have moved our capabilities from classrooms and one-to-many instruction to nearly autonomous delivery in synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid modalities. At the same time, we have seen innovations in personalized learning that provide learners with tailored experiences that match individual needs, preferences, and abilities. Personalization enhances engagement by making learning relevant and interesting, improving retention and understanding.
Why does personalized learning matter?
Personalized learning can target specific skill gaps and optimize performance, leading to more effective learning and professional growth. At the same time, advances in supporting technology enable scaling learning experiences that are in effect customized journeys that make each learner’s experience more meaningful and productive.
The next step will be creating curricula that can seamlessly provide the same benefits across organizations with even more enterprise diversity. This article explores the challenges and strategies that must fit such cases by adapting curriculum design to the learning environments in today’s enterprises.
Learning environments
It's essential to consider the types of audience environments typically available to learners, how they differ, and the challenges in designing learning experiences for each.
Different business units have different skill set requirements and different numbers of employees who must improve or reskill to satisfy them. One way to approach this is by considering how to organize and administer learning experiences in various environments.
Let's explore the strategies for meeting the challenges of the three learning environment types: synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid
Synchronous eLearning
A synchronous eLearning environment offers real-time virtual learning where participants engage simultaneously. These may be live online classes, webinars, or virtual meetings. This environment mimics traditional classroom settings where learners interact with instructors, learning platforms, and peers in real time. The challenges for planning and coordinating synchronous learning include:
- Coordinating sessions across different time zones
- Avoiding disruption of learning
- Keeping learners engaged over extended periods with interactive content and active facilitation
Asynchronous eLearning
Learners access asynchronous eLearning materials, complete assignments, and engage with content independently without real-time interaction with peers or instructors. Such activities include listening to recorded lectures, participating in online discussion boards, and self-paced courses. Asynchronous learning offers flexibility, allowing learners to fit learning around their schedules. Challenges with asynchronous learning include:
- Learners may struggle with motivation without real-time interaction
- Delayed feedback can hinder progress
- Lack of peer interaction can make learners feel isolated
Hybrid learning
Hybrid learning environments combine synchronous and asynchronous elements, offering real-time and self-paced learning activities. Examples include flipped classrooms and blended learning
programs. Hybrid learning provides benefits in both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Challenges with hybrid learning include:
- Seamlessly integrating both modes can be complex
- Significant resources are required to develop and manage synchronous and asynchronous components
- Ensuring a consistent learning experience across both environments can be challenging
Designing for these learning environments means balancing flexibility, engagement, and accessibility, tailoring current content and methods to meet everyone’s needs and constraints.
Design challenges for each learning environment
Synchronous eLearning
- Time Zones: Use tools like World Time Buddy to schedule sessions to accommodate various time zones. Offer multiple session times or record sessions for those who cannot attend live.
- Technical Issues: Ensure robust technical support is available. Provide learners with troubleshooting guides and access to tech support before and during sessions.
- Engagement: For live sessions, incorporate interactive elements like polls, breakout rooms, and live Q&A. Use multimedia content to break up monotony and maintain interest.
Asynchronous eLearning
- Motivation: To motivate learners, implement gamification elements such as badges, leaderboards, and progress tracking. Encourage peer-to-peer interactions through discussion boards and social media groups.
- Feedback: Utilize automated feedback systems for quick responses. Schedule regular check-ins and virtual office hours for personalized feedback.
- Isolation: Create a robust online community. Facilitate peer mentoring and group projects to foster connections and support networks among learners.
Hybrid learning
- Integration: Design a cohesive curriculum that seamlessly blends synchronous and asynchronous activities. Ensure clear guidelines and schedules so learners know what to expect.
- Resource Intensive: Invest in robust learning management systems (LMS) that support both modes. Train educators in using these systems effectively to manage and deliver content.
- Consistency: Standardize critical aspects of the learning experience, such as grading rubrics and communication channels, to maintain consistency. Use templates and frameworks to ensure uniformity across different learning activities.
These strategies can help navigate the complexities of each learning environment and create compelling, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences.
Immersive learning challenges
Each of the three environments poses challenges to using immersive learning, such as VR and AR. These modalities also offer exciting possibilities. Let’s examine challenges—and strategies for overcoming them—for each environment:
Synchronous eLearning
Challenges:
- Technical barriers: Not all learners can access VR/AR equipment or strong internet connections
- Real-time interaction: Coordinating immersive experiences in real-time can be complex and requires robust support
Strategies:
- Accessibility planning: Ensure VR/AR tools are accessible to all participants, providing loaner equipment if necessary
- Technical support: Offer comprehensive tech support to troubleshoot issues quickly
- Interactive sessions: Design shorter, focused, immersive sessions to effectively maintain engagement and manage technical constraints
Asynchronous eLearning
Challenges:
- Lack of immediate feedback: Learners can’t get real-time help if they encounter issues or have questions
- Isolation: Immersive learning might feel isolating without real-time interaction with peers or instructors
Strategies:
- Self-paced modules: Create well-structured, self-paced VR/AR modules that guide learners through the content step-by-step
- Support channels: Establish robust support channels (like forums or chat support) to provide timely assistance and feedback
- Community building: Use discussion boards or virtual meet-ups to build a sense of community among learners
Hybrid learning
Challenges:
- Integration: Seamlessly blending immersive experiences with traditional learning methods
- Resource intensive: Developing and maintaining synchronous and asynchronous immersive learning components can be resource-heavy
Strategies:
- Cohesive design: Develop a cohesive curriculum that integrates immersive learning elements smoothly with other learning activities
- Balanced approach: Use a balanced approach to ensure learners can switch comfortably between immersive and traditional learning environments
- Consistent resources: Allocate sufficient resources for developing and maintaining immersive content, including training instructors
Each environment has its hurdles, but with strategic planning and the right resources, immersive learning can significantly enhance educational experiences .
Intelligent tutoring & adaptive learning
Using intelligent tutoring and adaptive learning offer both strategies and challenges for meeting the learners' needs in each learning environment.
Synchronous eLearning
Challenges:
- Immediate adaptation: AI systems must quickly adapt to learners' needs in real time
- Technical issues: Real-time data processing demands robust infrastructure, which can be prone to technical glitches
Strategies:
- Real-time analytics: Use AI algorithms that process data swiftly to provide immediate feedback and adjust learning paths dynamically
- Reliable infrastructure: Invest in high-quality infrastructure to minimize disruptions, ensuring a smooth experience for learners
Asynchronous eLearning
Challenges:
- Delayed feedback: Learners may not receive immediate support, hindering progress
- Self-motivation: Without real-time interaction, learners may struggle with staying motivated and on track
Strategies:
- Automated feedback systems: Implement AI tools that provide instant, automated feedback based on learners' inputs
- Engaging content: Use AI to personalize content and assist in creating engaging, interactive modules that maintain learner interest and motivation
Hybrid learning
Challenges:
- Consistency: Ensuring a seamless learning experience across synchronous and asynchronous elements
- Resource allocation: Balancing resources between real-time and self-paced components
Strategies:
- Unified platform: Use a cohesive platform that integrates synchronous and asynchronous AI-driven learning tools
- Balanced design: Allocate resources to develop both types of content equally, ensuring learners have a consistent experience regardless of the mode
Intelligent tutoring and adaptive learning offer personalized, practical strategies to enhance educational experiences in each environment. Overcoming these challenges involves robust technology, thoughtful design, and continuous improvement.
Build or buy?
Is it better to build the in-house platform (s) that are needed to implement the curriculum strategies you have identified, or would it be better to buy the software and planning services (including consulting) needed? Or is there a mixed strategy?
Each approach has its benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your specific context and resources. Here’s a breakdown to help you consider.
Building in-house
Pros:
- Customization: Full control over features and design tailored to your needs
- Integration: Easier to integrate with existing systems and workflows
- Flexibility: Can be modified and scaled as needs evolve
Cons:
- Cost: Upfront development costs can be high
- Time: Development can be time-consuming
- Maintenance: Requires ongoing technical support and updates
Buying software & services
Pros:
- Speed: Ready-made solutions can be implemented quickly
- Support: Vendors provide ongoing support and updates
- Expertise: Benefit from the vendor’s expertise and experience
Cons:
- Cost: This can be expensive, particularly with licensing fees
- Customization: This may not perfectly fit all your needs
- Dependence: Reliance on vendor for updates and fixes
Mixed strategy
Pros:
- Balance: Combines the benefits of both approaches
- Customization and speed: Use off-the-shelf solutions where they fit, and customize or build specific components where necessary
- Flexibility: Can adapt over time based on feedback and evolving needs
Cons:
- Complexity: Managing both in-house development and vendor relationships can be complex
- Cost: It may still be costly, depending on the balance of build vs. buy
Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, timeline, technical expertise, and specific needs. A mixed strategy is often practical, balancing speed, customization, and cost.
Resources
Creating and maintaining a comprehensive curriculum plan can be a complex and lengthy process. This article has outlined the pieces and challenges. By taking time and an analytical approach, designing a curriculum plan that satisfies immediate priorities while future-proofing the project is possible.
There are two essential resources available to you:
- Membership in the Learning Guild provides many articles and research papers. You can extend this content by attending Guild conferences and online events. An archive of past online events is also available to the Member Plus group. Conferences are a great way to build on this further by networking with other attendees. The Guild is a professional community whose members work on the challenges described in this article. Collectively, this is an irreplaceable treasure.
- Several web resources offer comprehensive collections of software reviews. These are a great help when wrestling with the “build or buy” question.
The Learning Guild was founded in 2002 to expand and support expertise and leadership in enterprise and government online learning. You are more than welcome to join us!