9 practical steps to creating engaging compliance e-learning: Part 3

Step 4: Embrace microlearning

Once you’ve got the hang of reducing the length of your compliance training courses, it’s a great idea to consider “microlearning.” This is a style of e-learning design that uses small bits of knowledge to maximize engagement. Learners are far more likely to stay engaged when a piece of content is very small and easy to digest.

As a guideline, aim for a course length of five to 15 minutes. If you cannot reach your learning goal within 30 minutes, split it into multiple learning objectives or use a learning path (create a series of courses on compliance-related topics).

Use short paragraphs and sentences and get straight to the point. If possible, try using short video tutorials or easy-to-read graphics to condense compliance-related information even further. Visuals like videos and graphics can often explain compliance topics much more effectively than lengthy texts.

Step 5: Follow these best practices for writing content

Not everyone has a natural talent for writing but, with practice, we can all improve our writing skills. Good writing is especially important when it comes to complex, abstract topics like compliance. A well-written text helps readers understand compliance-related issues more quickly.

Here are seven key points to remember when writing e-learning content for compliance training:

1. Know your audience. Describe compliance-related topics in terms that are relevant for your learners.
2. Have a clear goal. Keep your learning objectives in mind.
3. Don’t “bury the lead.” Put key information up top, important details next and minor details last.
4. Write in short, simple sentences. Try to avoid sentences longer than 20 words.
5. Use the active voice. Avoid passive verb constructions.
6. Use images and videos if possible. This can help communicate complex information more efficiently.
7. Always have your course reviewed before you publish it. Ideally, ask someone from your company’s management or legal team to review your compliance-related e-learning content to ensure its accuracy.

Read the fourth part of this five-part blog series. Or go back to part two.