It’s hard for most people to even read a few sentences on certain topics, so how in the world can we make training on them accessible?
A team I was on was charged with creating a new HIPAA script (how does HIPAA always get into these discussions?). It had to be an hour long. That’s right. Sixty minutes of HIPAA-compliance fun.
If you’re looking for a good time, read about HIPAA here. Maybe you’ll read two or three lines, but then you’ll click on to reading about something more interesting, like how long it takes paint to dry (the answer varies, depending on the type of paint; read all about it here).
So, what can we do? Here are three quick tips:
1. Have a clear picture of what the people want. Chances are, if someone’s asking for a lengthy course on some brittle topic, they have a good reason. Perhaps it’s a federal regulation or an internal policy that requires it. Perhaps it’s to test if e-learning really can get people to quit a job. Ask. Get a sense of why someone needs what they need. Knowing the why can get you to a better how.
2. Variety is the spice of life. Dictionary.com tells us that quote is by William Cowper, from his poem, “The Task.” Check out his picture. He looks like he could use some spice. Anyway, he’s right. Spice it up. Add video content. Try different types of activities and scenarios. Appeal to hearts and minds. Show learners consequences for non-compliance through juicy case studes. Give learners a reason to stay tuned in. Dry toast is dry toast until you add butter and seedless raspberry jam. Then, that toast is a catalyst for a sensory explosion. An e-learning course is no different.
3. Have a discussion, not a lecture. I used to teach philosophy, and I can tell you, the fastest way to lose a university student in a philosophy course is to lecture on philosophy. I had to create stories and conversations people could relate to. E-learning’s the same. Avoid lawspeak. Instead of this engaging nugget from hhs.gov: “Individuals, organizations, and agencies that meet the definition of a covered entity under HIPAA must comply with the Rules’ requirements to protect the privacy and security of health information and must provide individuals with certain rights with respect to their health information…” try something like this: “Our organization values customer privacy and security when it comes to health information. It’s up to you to help us follow the law to protect it!” Don’t like that? Then find some other way to say it. The point is, discuss the topic. Don’t poke people with it.
Look, we’ll always have boring legal rules, but we don’t have to be boring in our approach. What have you done to make e-learning more engaging? Share your stories!