How to Write Good E-Learning Scripts:

The first step in writing e-learning scripts is to be able to write well. This statement itself is ambiguous and can have multiple meanings.

What does it mean to write well?

Is it using technical language, being supportive, descriptive or even specific or is it ensure effective graphics, animations and plenty of white-space.

All of these can be correct, the key to writing well is to know your audience and MEET THEIR NEEDS!

 

Here are 5 Principles to help us write good SCRIPTS:
 

People orientated

It has to people orientated, make the module sound like it is has many people involved, where possible include animations and develop story-based scenarios. So instead of writing something like “Things to consider when implementing a cyber-security plan” have animation saying and showing “You need to install anti-virus on all systems and block these ports on your fire-wall” Reach out and speak to your learners. This will support you in reaching out to your learner and implementing the personalisation principle. If the scenario is developed well with the audience in mind, you could also develop the training based on constructivism theories. So that’s the 1^st principle the document is for YOU!

Easy and comfortable

E-learning should be developed so that the learners feel comfortable and easy while studying, include light statements and humour (sometimes with animation) that will put the learner at ease. This will allow them to take the course in good spirit. Examples of these could include: “These are the policies and procedures all Counsellors have to follow” or you could say “Let’s see the policies and procedures required to support our clients”. The difference in the statements, puts the learner at ease through showing support and closeness.

Minimum Scripts

Keep e-learning scripts to a minimum, ensure you do not over-emphasise the same point, include interactive elements to re-embed knowledge as oppose to repetition. Implement the chunking theory where learning is broken into manageable chunks. The module should flow and there should be a mixture of learning taking place. Ensure effective white spaces and learner thinking time, you could also use the resources available to promote this.

Flow and Relevance

E-learning scripts sound great when there is a flow, when it feels like it’s a couple of disparate courses jumbled up together, it can be quite cumbersome. Always, always ensure one slide leads on to the next. Where possible implement a storyboard scenario to keep learners attached, furthermore develop course based on constructivism theories for learners to feel involved and how the course matches their roles.

Interactivity

Yes make e-learning interactive and I’m not talking “clicky clicky bling bling”
Throughout the module include periods of learner activity, this could be case-study questions, problem solving or even testing on taught knowledge. Provide spaces and areas where learners do the work. Get learner to act out, e.g get learners create an action plan or create a mind-map based on a certain scenario. Avoid spoon-feeding every bit of information. Learners need to see what their learning.

Write your thoughts on the above  principles below:

 

 

 

 

See what I did.

Where possible involve peers and other people to implement further learning collaboration, if you could get learners connecting with other learners or even other people relevant to the course you will see an increase in learning coupled with better motivation.

Develop modules with stories that will develop both feeling and opinion, make sure to try and get learners involved.

Conclusion

Effective e-learning require good planning and a solid strategy in place, know from the beginning who your audience is and how you are going to support them. Keep the courses iterative and look for feedback via peer-reviews, focus groups and learner feedback.

Thank You for Reading