18 Tips and Tricks to Engage Your Learners and Make Learning Interactive
Jan 24, 2022
It’s 2022. By now we should all know that people expect courses to be comprehensive, yes, but also FUN. They want to be involved in what they’re absorbing and ideally would like to do that in an entertaining way.
Through the years I have tried and true tips like always making sure you're producing courses with the LEARNER in mind and making sure I keep it simple. But, for the first time ever, I have completed a list of 18 tricks for you to make your courses interactive and fun. You’re welcome.
But before we dive right in, welcome! You’ve now entered into The Dreamer’s Lounge! I’m Ariel Schiffer, and I have made it my mission to take out the digital trash one bad course at a time. I am the creator of The Course Alchemist, Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, and Curriculum and course design expert.
This podcast is for entrepreneurs who are looking to elevate their digital product suite so their offers speak for themselves. Nothing is worse than being oversold into something that under-delivers just like an overpriced bottle of wine. So, if you’re ready to develop high-quality offers, bring in consistent revenue, and have a business with long-term results for you AND your clients, grab your drink and join us inside…
1. Have Your Learners Do Things While You Teach
Try and ask questions while you’re teaching that require reflection. This way your learner is already associating what you’re teaching with how it relates to them.
2. Combine Live Elements With Videos and Pre-Recorded Content
So many people think this has to be all one or the other, but truly, a mixture of both is super effective. Recorded content can really showcase a polished professional side, while live elements help you genuinely connect and demonstrate your attitude and personal warmth.
3. Assign Accountability Buddies
This is really helpful if your cohort doesn’t really know each other well initially, especially if they are going to have to get vulnerable with the group. It’s always nice to have a friend off the bat when you’re new or don’t know what to expect, and oftentimes it makes everyone more open and receptive.
4. Make it a Competition or Challenge
A lot of people utilize them only as lead magnets, but they can really help you in your actual programs as well. Remember people want interactive and entertaining courses; competitions fit the bill on both ends.
5. Use Case Studies
You can use real ones to cement your message or results, as well as fake ones to demonstrate two people with different learning styles, etc.
6. Send Swag
Having a physical component to your course, especially if it’s virtual, is a really great way to engage people on a tangible level.
7. Leverage Social Media
Now’s the time to break out those quippy hashtags, and/or go really crazy and reward people (hey how about with some swag) for tags. Anything to draw attention to your brand in a fun and interactive space!
8. Class Project Time
Nothing bonds people like breaking them out into groups as they complete a task together. It also allows for different people to share their perspectives about what they’re learning.
9. Leverage Pre-Work
Have your learners finish some pre-work beforehand so they’re warmed up and the wheels are already spinning by the time you get them. Also, everyone loves a good personality quiz.
10. Personalize Learning to the Learner
Incorporating examples of actual clients will help those who are similar feel more connected and included. It’s not always possible, but bringing up actual learners who are attending can go a long way.
11. Incorporate Pop Culture
Again, people want funny, so humor and GIFs are great in small amounts; they’re really useful to pop up and re-engage an audience if you’re in the middle of a less interesting section of your course.
12. Start With Upbeat Music
You want to make sure you’re starting off on the right foot, and nothing gets people pumped up like some sweet sweet jams.
13. Encourage a No Phone Policy
This one should be obvious; if they’re getting sucked into the ‘gram, they’re not paying attention to what they’re supposed to be learning.
14. Include Different Learning Methods
Breaking up your course to acknowledge that people learn differently is not only effective but respectful of everyone’s individuality and differences.
15. Make Your Courses Fun (For You Too)
In terms of doing the work of actually course building, people are going to pick up on your energy, so do whatever you have to do to make sure you are bringing good vibes to your recording area. In terms of your learners, encouraging them to celebrate milestones throughout will go a long way in maintaining interest and motivation.
16. Teach in Different Ways That Make Sense
Slides, workbooks, videos, use all the content to deliver a consistent message because, as stated in 14, everyone learns differently, and has their own favorite method of ingesting information.
17. Utilize New Apps/Tech
As we’ve mentioned before, gamification is getting more and more popular in terms of course creation, and I see it growing even more this year. Try and stay in the loop about new and fun ways to get your content to people.
18. Have Fun and Set a Positive Tone: The Bottomline
Remember, ultimately you set the mood. People are looking to you because you’re an expert on your course, and if you truly believe in what you’re offering, you should be excited…or you shouldn’t be teaching about it. I know this was a lot, but I hope you are able to take away at least one tip that will help you connect with your audience on a deeper level, and get your message out there in new and innovative ways.
If you’d like to connect with other Dreamers in our community, join The Dreamer’s Society. And if you’re interested in learning more about working with the Dreampro team, check out our website!
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See you next week!
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