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How do we make navigation in e-learning so that learners do not experience difficulties when moving from one slide to another? Otherwise, there is a risk they may lose focus.
Today we will present 7 tips for logical and correct navigation in your online course.
1. Use one way to move forward in the course.
Learners will get confused if they have more than one option available for navigating forward in the course. Therefore, do not make the mistake of offering them multiple choices. In addition, you may consider using an explanation that „tells“ people what the different navigation elements do.
2. Explain to learners how the navigation works.
It is a good idea to briefly explain to your learners how navigation works in your e-learning. It does not have to be anything fancy. Even a few simple text boxes with instructions and a few arrows pointing to the different buttons on your slide will do an excellent job. The options you should highlight are exit, help, and any other more important part of the navigation.
3. Use clear and precise names.
To make navigation in your e-learning even easier, we recommend using clear and short descriptive names for links and buttons. It is much better to say „Exit the course“ instead of „Click here to exit the course“.
4. Use icons that are relevant to the content of your training.
Use common icons. For example, it is much better to use an arrow to show moving forward than a star or a flower, which will confuse learners.
5. Use the same navigation on every slide.
It is essential to use the same navigation on every slide of your e-learning. The easiest way to do this is to use the navigation control options built into the template you choose. When navigation is added manually, there are often omissions and it may happen that learners skip a given slide.
6. Allow learners to see their progress.
When learners navigate through the course and do not know how much of the material they have covered and how much is left, they may feel discouraged and disoriented. Therefore, it is a good idea to allow them to see their progress.
7. Test the navigation.
Additional tips for navigation in e-learning
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Provide an intuitive design and color scheme. Colors and design can play a significant role in your course navigation. Use colors that are not only pleasing to the eye, but also help distinguish the different navigation elements.
For example, use one color for the „next“ and „back“ buttons, and another for the „home“ and „exit“ buttons. -
Provide access to an easy-to-use search tool. Including a search function can help learners find specific information or a section in the course without having to go through all the materials.
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Integrate interactive elements to support navigation.
For example, add quizzes or interactive tests that guide learners to the next sections depending on their answers. -
Offer an option for personalized navigation. This includes the ability for learners to mark sections they have reviewed, create notes, or set preferences for what they want to see next.
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Ensure easy access to help and support. Place clearly visible support and help buttons or links that learners can easily use if they encounter technical problems or have questions about the course.
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Keep navigation compatible across different devices. Make sure the navigation is equally convenient and easy to use on different platforms and devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones.
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Include feedback on navigation at the end of the course. Ask learners to share their opinion on the usability and effectiveness of the course navigation, which will help you make the necessary improvements for future courses.
Before publishing your course, you should test all elements of its navigation. You can ask a friend for feedback to see whether they encounter any difficulties. Do not forget to check the links and buttons on every slide.
