E-learning design models

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The main task of the learning content designer is to develop a practical methodology for teaching and providing learning content. At the heart of the design are theoretical models for adult learning through e-courses. Depending on the goals and objectives of online learning, the right approach should be used to design an e-course to provide a learning experience that meets the specific needs of the participants.
As an Instructional Designer, your main goal is to create e-learning that motivates, retains interest and effectively trains participants.This can be a serious challenge when preparing material for people who have completed their school or student journey. Adult learners are usually hurried, busy and often stressed.If something does not add direct value to their lives, they instantly lose interest. Adult learners simply do not have the time and therefore cannot easily swallow its loss. Training must have a design that focuses on practicality, applicability and helps to achieve the goals of the participants in e-distance learning.
In order to develop online training that grabs the attention, interest and is useful to its participants, it is necessary to choose between a number of models and tools for the specific audience. Quite a difficult task if you are designing training for a mass audience and a little easier if you are preparing in-house training, such as product training.You need information about the needs, expectations and goals of the audience in order to choose the right visualization and technology for conducting the training.The right choice of technology for the design of e-learning will predetermine the choice of specific tactics for providing content. Lets take a brief look at four models for building online courses that can help you build impressive training.Undoubtedly, the approach you will choose when creating the course has a great influence on the ultimate success of the training. If you dont choose the right one, it can ruin the design of the training.Here are some specific ideas that may be helpful in preparing for your next training.

1. Adult learning model
The model is based on the theory of adult learning, also known as andragogy, which was first introduced in 1968 by Malcolm Knowles.This learning model focuses on the differences between the learning of children and adults.The model focuses on the specifics of the perception of knowledge by adults and how it differs from the way children learn.Research shows that personality and situation characteristics are key aspects of learning in older people.They have high intellectual abilities, but their sensory-motor abilities are low and continue to decline over time.In order for e-learning designers for adults to provide useful learning, they need to find a balance between the strengths and weaknesses of adult learners.One way to work is to design flexible learning pathways (as opposed to fixed learning pathways for children).In this way, adult learners will be able to choose learning activities that meet their specific needs.Even more interesting is the design of the so-called adaptive learning paths, ie. analysis of available knowledge and provision of knowledge only in the areas of deficit in adult learners.

2. Problem-oriented learning model
This is perhaps one of the most effective e-learning design models for adults.This model is based on the view that adult learners are only interested in training that helps them solve specific practical problems.This model assumes that three main types of learning objects should be included in the design of the training.Learning objects that serve to receive knowledge (these are usually materials for reading, listening, watching videos, presentations, examples, etc.).Learning objects that serve to do something in the subject area (these are usually games, exercises, case studies, assignments, project development, etc.) and learning objects through which adult learners connect what they have learned with specific life situations ( situations that they personally experience and in which they can apply what they have learned in training).
To use this model successfully, several basic principles are followed:
* Measuring and assessing the level of knowledge and skills with which adults begin this training.
* The interestingly described problems motivate people, keep their interest and commitment to learning.
* The posed problems provoke the participants in e-learning to further develop their skills by solving real life tasks.

 3. Model of cognitive flexibility
This learning approach emphasizes the fact that adult learners need to acquire, organize and manipulate the information they receive.
In order for this model to be applied in an e-learning, its designers must comply with the basic principles:
• Knowledge is rooted in context.The new information needs to be put into context so that you can help retain knowledge in older learners.
• Knowledge must be concentrated.Adult learners are looking for the essence, not diluted information.When designing training materials you should find a very precise balance.Neither simplify nor complicate the structure and content of training.
• Knowledge is (over) built.The constructive approach supports active involvement in the learning process.
• Knowledge is interconnected.An essential aid in the understanding and perception of knowledge in adult learners is the connection of the various learning objects in a dynamic way, which allows quick access to them if necessary.Here, remember that adult learners come with prior knowledge (whether they are up-to-date, correct or not) and this must be taken into account when designing the training.

4. Model of social learning
This model is also suitable for the design of distance e-learning for adult learners with previous experience on the topic of learning.This model requires you as learning designers to focus on using the following key elements: providing the opportunity to demonstrate the skills of collaboration between learners, personal accountability of the contribution to the learning community, group discussions (supported or not by a learning facilitator) ), direct interaction and interdependence between the participants in the training.Thus designed training enables adult learners to acquire a wide range of knowledge, skills and practical experience mainly through their peers.
Of course, there are many different design training models to consider.Examples are case-based training, project-based training, multimedia integration, design and choice of graphics and layout Dont worry about the graphic design deficit.You can always find authors or designers of digital materials to bring your learning design to life.You can buy (semi) ready-made templates, individual learning objects or basic digital materials or order specifics for your training in NIT- New Internet Technologies.

The models presented above will give you the opportunity to get to know the specific needs of potential participants in the training.They will help you develop impressive e-courses that hold attention, provide useful and practical information, and generally improve the competencies of the participants.