Types of Instructional Strategies

The role of an Instructional Designer is at the core when it comes to designing an e-learning module that is both effective and engaging. It’s the mind of an instructional designer that works behind the art of modifying the otherwise boring content in a way to keep the learners glued to the training on the one hand and meeting the outcomes on the other hand. And what did he/she use to achieve his/her goals?

Any guesses?

Yes! You guessed it right! It is the right instructional strategy that he/she applies to his/her content to make it effective and fun.

We, the Instructional Designers at Arsiga Konics have tried integrating the best of the ID strategies in our training programs. These strategies are majorly influenced by the needs of the stakeholders, available resources, target audience, goals of the training program, and the method by which it will be delivered to the learners.

Types-of-Instructional-Strategies-eLearning

So, what strategies will you apply to enhance the learning experience?

Let’s check a few.

1	Microlearning	● Microlearning is a new instructional design technique for corporate training that aims to deliver just-in-time performance support.● It’s a 5- to 7-minute collection of bite-sized learning nuggets along with a takeaway such as a short video, audio, AR/VR augmented content, an Infographic, and job aid.
2	Personalization	● Customised learning is when learners can choose their avatars, themes, fonts, and colours for their courses.● It is also related to the format of content delivery like audio/video/text and the levels of interactivity.
3	Scenario-Based Learning	● This ID strategy challenges learners to make the right decisions thereby changing behaviour and performance.● The use of interactive branching real-life scenarios, authentic characters, and customized feedback put learners into real-life challenging situations and behavioral responses.● Learners use their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to solve these problems.
4	Feedback, Surveys, and Assessments	● Asking and answering questions is one of the most fundamental interactions in our eLearning toolbox.● Asking questions, and taking surveys and assessments make learners recall information instead of just re-reading material.● Feedback is important and critical for both education and motivation.● Personalising the learning path for each learner via pre-assessment or surveys helps in creating personalized learning paths for learners.
5	Gamification	● One of the hottest eLearning ideas is gamification. It refers to the use of game-design techniques in the content.● Check for the need for gamification, specific idea or theme behind the gamification should be specified.● Gamified elements such as points, levels, badges and leaderboards, relatable characters, goals, challenges, and obstacles can be included.
6	Simulations	● Comes in three types. See me. Try me and test me.● Best for product or software training.
7	Story-Based Learning	● Elements such as a strong narrative, interesting and thought-provoking plots, real-life relatable characters, and a strong message make story-based learning all the more engaging and fun.
8	Case Studies	● Case studies emphasize real-world applications and incidents.● It helps learners see how it ties into real-world situations.● Creating branching scenarios and stories out of real-world case studies allows learners to relate to them.