Top 6 online training methods for LMS success

Online training methods

Let’s discuss the online instructional methods you can use to make your courses more engaging and boost your participants' knowledge retention.

Synchronous learning with live video lectures

Online synchronous learning is an excellent structure for instructors new to online courses. Synchronous learning combines traditional, in-person methods with activities made engaging by online learning platforms. Think of your typical sessions in a virtual classroom that mimics a physical one.

Like a traditional classroom, synchronous learning must be held at fixed times on a regular schedule. But with online lectures, it’s easier for participants to join from anywhere, as long as they have time.

Asynchronous learning with pre-recorded video lectures

Asynchronous learning is the opposite of synchronous learning

Asynchronous learning is the opposite of synchronous learning, meaning learning at different times. This is made possible by online learning platforms that enable users to take course material on their own schedule. Imagine an online course menu where you can choose the best time for your schedule to attend. The instructional content is, therefore, pre-recorded, offering a few pros and cons.

In asynchronous learning, every instructor and participant interacts with the course content at different times. There is no real-time interaction between any two participants. The lack of fixed scheduling makes asynchronous learning popular in corporate training and situations where ‘on-demand education’ is feasible.

Consider all the intricacies of synchronous vs asynchronous learning before choosing which one to bake into your course!

Blended learning

Blended learning, also known as 'hybrid' learning, combines online instruction and in-person experiences in the same course.

Simply put, blended learning tries to combine the best of both worlds. It uses elements of both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning activities are provided in the classroom, while asynchronous learning activities are provided online.

Blended learning is a great idea when instructing your participants in person is feasible, but time and distance constraints limit how much you can do so. It's a flexible and fun approach worth considering when pivoting toward more online training.

Collaborative learning

Collaborative learning is a specific strategy that is suitable for most large groups. It’s a common tactic in traditional education. But you can easily add collaborative learning experiences to any online experience!

While it may seem strange initially, leveraging collaborative learning online can be enormously helpful. Think of peer-to-peer activities you can create and remember to:

• Introduce your participants to their peers ahead of any collaborative learning activities.
• Have straightforward ground rules for sessions, especially how you intend to grade them.
• Incorporate self-assessments or peer reviews in addition to relevant course material.
• Use the flipped classroom method.

Flipped classroom

What would happen if a classroom were flipped upside down?

A flipped classroom isn’t as chaotic as it sounds. It means that participants become trainers, moving traditional homework tasks into the classroom. It’s a part of blended learning that assigns a different kind of work to participants:

• Participants watch online lectures and are encouraged to study at home.
• Participants collaborate in online discussions with their peers.
• Homework becomes classwork as the topics are engaged with the instructor’s guidance.

A flipped classroom has several benefits and drawbacks that you should consider. But if you’re shifting into a more web-centered instructional approach, it’s a great blended learning strategy!

Adaptive learning

One of the strengths of online learning environments is that they provide opportunities to closely inspect a participant's strengths and weaknesses.

Adaptive learning involves changing instruction methods based on participant performance. After all, depending on how one participant is doing, doesn’t it make sense to adapt to their needs?

Data is the core strength of online learning, leveraging automated analytics, often aided by AI, to craft better experiences over time.

The main challenges for online participants

Those learning in online spaces face two significant challenges. With the right tools and motivation, they can excel in your courses!

Motivation and engagement issues

There’s something about in-person communication and group activities that can’t be replaced

There’s something about in-person communication and group activities that can’t be replaced. Research published by the International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences found that psychological factors made it easy for participants to lack motivation and fall victim to distractions. After all, virtual learning is something humanity has only started experiencing recently! So, it’s no surprise that the recent adaptation to online learning is challenging for us.

The good news is that we’ve very quickly developed features and interfaces that optimize our ability to stay motivated and engaged. Consider gamification, for example, a proven concept that stimulates motivation.

Ultimately, it is up to the instructor to use the tools at their disposal to maximize virtual motivation and engagement. After solid communication skills that you can project through a screen, this skill set sets the best online instructors apart.

Time management challenges

Time management issues are a big part of anything virtual. After all, the lack of a schedule and in-person interaction breaks some habits they may be used to. The lack of a designated ‘workplace’ on the participants' part is a personal challenge that instructors can’t fix.

What instructors can do is recognize that time management challenges exist and try to make them easier for their participants. This is why microlearning elements are so powerful!

Tips for keeping your online participants engaged

If you’re trying to keep online classes on track, you’ll probably struggle with the unique challenges of online engagement. Most of the top challenges of online learning center around a lack of engagement. At home, it’s easy for participants to get distracted and face time management issues.

No matter what strategy you use for your online training, these tips should help you engage with your participants and improve their attention and retention.

Game-based training

Who doesn’t love a good game? Games can be both educational and fun. However, adding games to your training processes makes sure your participants are actively engaging with your course material. Game-based instruction or ‘gamification’ can improve your training by:

• Providing participants with a less intimidating option for participation.
• Increasing their involvement.
• Giving all participants unique opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge.

It’s not too hard to apply game-based training activities in your courses. Just remember to bring in or create games that:

• Are fair to all students, giving them opportunities to participate and stand out.
• Close the gaps between lessons and homework assignments.
• Encourage social learning experiences by getting them to work together.

You can add game-based learning experiences using simple learning management systems (LMS) features like chat rooms and screen sharing. However, using external links to other tools can also make sense while staying connected in your LMS.

Live chat sessions

Many of the best online training methods involve using live chat sessions. Imagine what it’s like to be a participant who doesn't know your peers but wants the benefits of the traditional classroom. As the instructor, you can get them accustomed to live chat sessions early on.

Live chat sessions with fewer controls can allow participants to address their learning material together. Try not to control these sessions too much, but gently encourage participants to:

• Discuss the course content.
• Brainstorm ideas for projects, homework, and studying for tests.
• Share experiences and provide each other with helpful advice.

The key is to set clear guidelines while allowing them to communicate freely.

Social learning theory

Between behavioral learning theory and traditional learning theory, we have the theory of social learning

Between behavioral learning theory and traditional learning theory, we have the theory of social learning from Albert Bandura’s experiments. Getting right to the heart of the matter, social learning:

• Requires a strong model that participants want to emulate.
• To consciously pay attention to a task.
• A process to reinforce and retain the information.
• A method that reproduces the information.
• Motivation to retain information and continue learning.

To take advantage of social learning theory and capability, apply group activities centered around one model. Typically, the model is the instructor or the subject of a case study.

Peer reviews

Speaking of social learning, one of the best ways to divulge and reinforce learning in a social environment is through peer reviews. Have your participants complete peer-review exercises to test their knowledge, which could be applicable in realistic scenarios. Incorporate individual or group projects that involve observing, scrutinizing, and learning from their peers' experiences.

Microlearning

Time management is one of the hardest problems for both participants and instructors in corporate training. Coaches and consultants can perhaps benefit the most from the ‘bite-sized’ learning opportunities that LMS enables you to offer.

Microlearning is an approach to learning that allows students to learn on their schedules in small bursts. It’s an open buffet, but they can come, eat, and leave as they please!
You can add short-form content to provide microlearning opportunities, such as:

• Short videos
• Slide shows
• Interactive modules
• Pop quizzes

Digital whiteboard

One of the most important features to get accustomed to is your digital whiteboard. Virtual whiteboards can do everything a traditional blackboard can do. With the right tools, you can draw anything you need while instructing. Your participants can see your digital whiteboard while hearing your explanation. But you can also instantly undo your last action, quickly erase content, and use advanced editing features.

You have many choices for online whiteboards. Now, you can equip your whiteboard with various tools and features, including physical pens for your screen. Better yet, you can instantly capture and download your whiteboard anytime.

A virtual whiteboard should be a part of any online training method you use.

Keep video lecture content short

Video lectures make online training much more efficient. You can create new video lectures, automatically record them, and repurpose the best videos into asynchronous learning content.

The main problem with using video content in online learning is that watching videos can be tiring. The more topics you cover, the more difficult it will be for your participants to:

• Stay focused.
• Rewind and find the information they need.

Short-term video lecture content is easier to navigate and make sense of. So, as a best practice, break up long videos into shorter lectures. Each video should cover one sub-topic, making it easy for participants to keep up and focus their attention where needed most.

Course blogs

Starting a blog for a course with many participants could be a great strategy for some online learning conditions. You can use it to have participants work individually or in small groups. You can test their writing, research, and logical skills while using the blog to share important course information.

Mobile-friendly tools

You need a mobile-friendly learning platform that is useful to busy participants on the go!

If you’re training employees, mobile accessibility and ease of use take on a new importance. Asynchronous learning and microlearning strategies are almost impossible to take full advantage of without mobile access.

People use mobile devices like smartphones and tablets for professional and entertainment purposes. It’s better to reach them where they are more equipped to succeed. It’s also incredibly easy! A mobile-friendly platform like Easy LMS adapts your course content for smartphones.

Implement online training methods with Easy LMS

Imagine if you could implement all the online training methods we’ve gone over in one place. That’s exactly what Easy LMS offers you.

Easy LMS is a complete LMS that enables you to instruct participants from any place at any time. You can also record lessons to turn them into on-demand lessons in the future. Or, you can mix both these methods in the ways we’ve discussed. The choice is yours!

With Easy LMS, you can:

• Apply synchronous, asynchronous, or blended learning.
• Distribute (pre)recorded content.
• Combine different types of media in your courses.
• Create exams.
• Generate customized certificates.

If you’re ever wondering how your methods work, Easy LMS will tell you with our in-depth reports. A quick glance with visual representation of the statistics makes it possible to apply different online training methods whenever the situation calls for it.

Useful resources

1. Creately blog
2. Stanford
3. Chegg

Frequently Asked Questions