Best Study Method for Online Learning

1. Spaced learning

To thoroughly understand what is learned, there are two important elements to consider. One is time. And the other is the application of repetition. 

This can be achieved with spaced learning, which is why it’s considered one of the best methods for combating the learning curve. Spaced learning helps learners manage what learned information is retained, enabling them to reshape the forgetting curve. In turn, spaced learning benefits organizations as it supports the retention of skills and increased productivity in the long-term. 

So, what exactly is spaced learning? Well, it’s a learning methodology where learners are presented with material they have to learn in a timed session, with a short break provided after they’ve completed it. Spaced learning strengthens memory retention because the learner studies the information, and periodically returns to review it in order to retain the knowledge. 

The learner also practices retrieving the learned information using different formats such as solving problems, completing exams, and so on. This reinforces what has been learned, battling the forgetting curve. 

Spaced learning can be tailored to suit your eLearning needs. The spacing can occur within a single course module, or by scheduling modules and courses several hours, days, or weeks apart. By using bite-sized chunks of content and demonstrating the required information repeatedly in different, creative ways, like blended learning, learners are more likely to absorb the information.

2. Make it accessible

If you want your training content to stick, making access to courses convenient for your learners is crucial. They should have the ability to complete training wherever they are, at any time of the day.

This is where mobile learning, or mLearning, comes into play. Ensuring your LMS is mobile responsive makes learning and retaining information easier for your learners. They’ll have a much better chance of recollecting and refreshing their knowledge if they can access their courses when and where they like; on the bus to work, or while waiting on a client for a lunch meeting.

 3. Keep it engaging

Having engaging courses will not only improve completion rates, but it also helps learners to retain information.  So, when planning out course content, keep the forgetting curve top of mind. But how can you achieve this? 

We suggest you make information easier to digest from the get-go. Learner concentration naturally wanes if they’re reading mountains of text, reducing knowledge retention. Instead, mix things up and keep your learners interest by varying the content you’re using with videos and images. Even better, go the extra mile by having your learners actively participate in the course, rather than being passive observers. 

Gamification takes the mechanics of games and applies them to other activities, like eLearning, which can then be used to motivate your learners to complete the required learning. And, because it’s interactive and gets your learners engaged, knowledge retention is more likely.