You may have heard about the upcoming transition of needing to convert flash-based eLearning modules to HTML5 (if you haven’t, have no fear, it’s all explained here) and be thinking, “Ain’t nobody got time for that”. Whilst there is work involved to transition your module between these formats, it also provides you with a great opportunity. How long has it been since you have updated your eLearning modules? Potentially information and learning outcomes have changed, it could look outdated and it may not incorporate learning strategies that encourage engagement in our day and age.
If you find yourself in a position where you need to transition your eLearning modules from flash-based to HTML5, why not review your content and make updates in the process?
1. Is the Content up to Date?
Read through your content and ensure that it is up to date. Potentially the learning outcomes, company data or task processes have changed.
For example, if you are transitioning an induction module, has the CEO changed? Are the values of the organisation still the same? Is the company branding still correct?
An example of this is a module we were recently updating. It was an induction module and had several videos scattered throughout it. These videos were old and dated back 10 years ago. When we put ourselves in the shoes of the user, we were thinking, “Is this still relevant?”, “Should I still be completing this module?” and “Is that still the CEO now?”. If you have modules of this nature, come up with a plan of how you can replace this outdated content with something more recent.
Transitioning from Flash Player to HTML5 may involve yourself or a developer adjusting the module to ensure it works in its new format, so it makes sense to consider content updates during this process.
2. Is the Look and Feel Outdated?
Review your eLearning modules, involve feedback from others and decide if the look and feel of the module is outdated. Does the module look like it comes from the 90s or does it reflect the designs of websites and apps your learners are used to?
Imagine that you are on the hunt to buy a car and you have two options. You could buy an older model car that lacks expected technology (e.g. bluetooth or reversing camera) or pay a bit more and get a newer car that has been updated to align with the era that we live in. For many users, if a course looks old and like it hasn’t been refreshed over time, it is more likely that they will disengage with it. If you haven’t put the effort into updating it, why should they put the effort into completing it?
If you feel that your module looks outdated, create a plan to revamp your eLearning template. You can replace older designs with more modern layouts and breathe new life into your learning solutions (Pappas, 2018).
3. Does It Include Current Examples?
One of the best ways to improve an outdated module is by updating old and outdated examples with new ones that reflect our current day and age.
For example, if your course includes images of a Nokia mobile from the 90s why not replace the image with the newest iPhone? Learners will connect with examples that are relevant to their world.
4. Is the Quiz Engaging?
There is nothing worse than having to a complete a lengthy and boring quiz that is either ridiculously easy or impossible to figure out.
Over time, we as instructional designers have built our skills so that we are able to better engage learners through realistic and meaningful scenario questions. You may have these instructional design skills yourself or you could employ someone to support you in applying this.
Instead of traditional multiple choice or true/false questions, attempt to develop interactive ones that test the learner’s practical knowledge. The difference between the two is represented below:
Example of a traditional quiz based knowledge check.
Example of an interactive assessment created for one of our clients.
Feel free to contact Kim Tuohy our founder (kim@belvistastudios.com) if this blog has stirred up questions about the need to update your modules or the impact of flash on your eLearning library and how they may stop working one day. We also have a self-assessment tool that shares how you can check if your eLearning is flashed based and needs updating.
That’s it for this blog on using old flash eLearning modules as an opportunity to update them. We hope that these tips support you in deciding on the updates that would be beneficial to your modules throughout this process. Remember, if your modules have been sitting on the shelf for a long time, now is the best time to brush the dust off and make them shiny and new again.
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