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There is a specific type of learner that I always keep in mind when I am creating a course.
They have back-to-back patients and perhaps a couple of minutes until the next task needs tending to. When it's time to sign in to the training, then they glance at the intro slide, and I am sure they wonder, how long is this going to take?
If your course doesn't immediately look like it will respect their time.....you've lost them already. The module does not have to be super short, but it has to be worth it.
Particularly in healthcare, the employees aren't interested in how the training looks. They need quick, concise, and pertinent answers. They have no time for fluff! If the training kicks off with a block of text, a tacky stock photo, or a learning objective that does not resonate with them, such as "Understand the registration process"... yup, you guessed it... they're gone!
How do I design for the no-time, no-patience learner? Here is a checklist of what I have found that is actually working for me.
Ultimately, I am not designing lessons; I am designing lifelines. When someone leaves training knowing what to do, when to do it, and why it's important, that's victory for me. Particularly for that stressed-out employee who's just trying to make it through the day. A good design can be the difference between confusion and clarity. That's what gives me a sense of purpose and satisfaction with my job... that the learner didn't just take the course; they will remember it. Doing my work with intention and knowing that I have helped many understand their role and how to succeed.
Here is a great watch on microlearning for busy adults. Great tips that make sense. After watching, think about how your next module, course, or lecture could be condensed into a powerful 3-5 min lesson. We have so many individuals with short attention spans; we need to be mindful of how we can help them grasp what we are teaching with time constraints.
