Page 12: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (March 2020)

Training Tips for Ships

Tip #10

Don’t Handcuff Your Trainees ...

... Let them wonder free!

© Kevin Carden o any of your e-learning modules force outcomes and increase test scores.

learners to spend a certain amount of time Unfortunately, in reality, it does little other than create a on a page before advancing to the next great deal of frustration for the learner. It can cause them to

D one? Do they force readers to answer one dislike the process and can perpetuate the feeling that train- or more questions before advancing to the ing is an ill-conceived and poorly executed but necessary evil next page? Do they prevent access to the to be endured rather than enjoyed. There are few things that ? nal exam until every learning page has been visited at least can kill curiosity and enthusiasm for a subject more quickly once? Do they enforce a prerequisite structure that prevents than waiting for the “next” button to become active on a page access to more advanced learning material until the prerequi- despite there being nothing more to be learned. Learning is site material has been completed? *never* enhanced by forcing a trainee to stare at material

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions then they don’t wish to see at that moment. To think that doing so 1) you are not alone, and 2) you need to seriously consider creates some advantage is mistaken. It is detrimental.

removing those restrictions. One of the magic aspects of e-learning is that it naturally

Many well-meaning e-learning content providers and con- conforms to differences in learners. Some come to the ma- tent developers impose these kinds of restrictions on learners terial having a strong background, while others come with proceeding through on-line courses. The thought is that these little. Some come with excellent learning skills, while others restrictions can ensure that learners have seen (and hopefully come with little academic experience. A properly structured have learned) the material before advancing to the next topic e-learning experience will let fast learners learn quickly. It or taking the exam. It is intended to produce better learning will let knowledgeable learners pass by materials they already 12 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • March 2020

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