E-learning Preferences At-a-Glance
A look at how each generation prefers its online learning.
By Brandon Fleisher and Kevin Himmel
Baby Boomers
- Prefer to learn in the classroom, but will respond to e-learning if it is straightforward, can be navigated in a linear fashion, and is clearly relevant to their jobs. (A course designed not unlike a three-ring training binder comprising clear learning objectives, followed by a series of electronic pages that are organized in a linear pattern into modules, sections, and courses, will typically resonate with them.)
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- Dislike flashy training dressed up with a lot of gee-whiz tech appeal.
- Are more apt to tolerate computer-based instruction if there are printed instructions made available that explain how to access the e-learning, as well as coaches or facilitators to guide them through the learning experience.
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Generation X Learners
- Generally prefer training courses that they can explicitly link to their jobs, do not create onerous demands on their schedule, reward them for their participation and employ at least some tech-enhanced delivery.
- Want e-learning that is engaging, fast-paced, and incorporates moving graphics, images, and interactivity—but don’t like e-learning that uses technology without a purpose (so avoid pumping programs full of superfluous tech and other extraneous “eye-candy”).
- Like choices, such as the option to turn audio on or off, or the ability to choose between watching a video and reading a transcript.
- Want you to teach them what they need to know right now. As for the rest, they prefer a job aid or takeaway that they can reference, as needed, at a later time.
- Eschew e-learning courses that resemble electronic pages or printed materials, responding better to nonlinear courses that engage them visually, aurally, and technologically.
Generation Y Learners
- Like e-learning to include gaming, social networking, competition and participation.
- Are not big fans of click-through page-turners. Instead, they want to participate as much as possible.
- Want to learn in their own way, at their own pace, and on their own schedule.
- Prefer choices, such as being able to search on their own for the content they need to learn using wikis, blogs and other online support resources.
- Demand loads of interactivity and graphics in their courses, with content presented in small “chunks”—supported by menus and indices that allow them to click around and explore the content they want to learn in their own sequence.
- Don’t like lockstep, ironclad, highly linear courses that prescribe how they progress through their own learning experience. Many militantly resist linearly designed courses, viewing them as an inefficient use of their time.
Brandon Fleisher is a VP at Regis Learning Solutions.
Contact Brandon
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Kevin Himmel is managing director at Regis Learning Solutions.
Contact Kevin
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