9 content forms for your online academy
You can fill your online learning hub in various ways. This blog discusses the several content forms you can use in your e-learning. Naturally, you first determine your goal: what does the user need? How can you provide this for them in the most efficient way? When you’ve got this clear, you will look at the content. We’ll give you an overview of 9 possible content forms.
1. Articles
You offer the user an effective way to gain knowledge by presenting articles. You cover the core of one subject in an article, short but powerful. Nobody wants to read a whole book only to discover a few facts.
2. Blogs
A blog mainly differs from an article concerning writing style. The default set up ‘introduction-text-conclusion’ is used more loosely. Often an advice or opinion is given in a blog. It frequently contains lists, tips or checklists which give the user a quick and convenient overview of the subject.
3. Infographics
An infographic is ideal to present data visually. It quickly offers clarity and an overview by means of drawings, graphics and tables. It illustrates the mutual relations of data in a schematic manner. Using a infographic, you easily follow the steps of a process or timeline.
4. Videos
A video combines text, image and sound. Our brain prefers this way of taking in information. Moreover, video is suitable for having how-to’s and demonstrations. It can be convenient to offer a transcript of the video in our learning hub, so a user can easily look at the information later on. Please be aware of the length of the video: when it’s too long users will stray off.
5. Podcasts
A podcast is a very suitable medium to delve into a subject in a relaxed manner. Often a podcast consist of an interview or a conversation between multiple people, and that’s what our brain likes: we like listening to real conversations. In a podcast you can create more than enough interaction with your listeners by asking direct questions.
6. Case studies
Stories from the practice are well-read, because they illustrate how presented theories are applied in real life. The theory thus comes to life. Success stories are also extra motivational.
7. eBook or whitepaper
When you want to delve deeper into a subject, an eBook or whitepaper is suitable. Users can then study the offered theory independently and on their own pace. A whitepaper is commonly 8-12 pages long and rather theoretical. An eBook is designed more looser, with bigger fonts and many images.
8. Quizzes and games
You can present content as a quiz in your online learning hub. People like to know how they do concerning managing the offered information. By presenting a quiz or test they can gauge this or bring it into practice. By integrating a game into your learning hub you offer the users a possibility to experiment with theory in for example a simulation. We are all very sensitive for rewards, you can use these in your games. For example by letting a user earn a badge or letting them continue to the next level.
9. Social media and intranet
Finally, use social media or intranet to create interaction between users of the online learning hub. In private groups people can share work, tune in with each other, discuss or give feedback.
Do you want to know how your users experience your content forms? Ask them! By using a short survey you receive feedback of your users which helps you to optimise your online academy.
Download the whitepaper 'Benefits of Online Academy' today and start growing!
