How to engage kids and teenagers with Online Learning
Online courses have become an increasingly popular way of learning over the last few years. However, kids and young teenagers grow up with in-person education, at school and college etc. Getting kids and young teenagers to take an online training course can be a challenge, as it’s not what they’re used to.
So when they’re enrolled on an online course, it’s important to be able to engage properly with these groups, so that they have an enjoyable experience. How can we do that?
eCoach have the following things in mind when we create our eLearning courses:
Make it interactive and engaging
Online courses that are text-heavy and lack multimedia elements can be boring and unappealing. Therefore, it is important to incorporate videos, animations, quizzes, and interactive activities into the course material.
This will not only make the course more enjoyable, but it will also improve retention and understanding of the material.
Use gamification
Gamification is the use of game elements in non-game contexts. It has been shown to be an effective way to motivate and engage learners, particularly kids and young teenagers.
Adding elements like points, badges, leaderboards, and rewards can make the course more enjoyable and create a sense of competition among learners.
This can motivate learners to complete the course and earn the rewards.
Make it relevant to their interests
Kids and young teenagers are more likely to be motivated to take an online training course if it is relevant to their interests.
For example, if a child is interested in football, we’ll try and incorporate some football mini-games or case studies that can be related back to the overall learning points.
It’s important to choose courses that align with the learner’s interests and passions, although if they have to undertake essential learning on topics they don’t have an interest in, we’ll try and make them fun and relevant.
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Offer flexibility
Kids and young teenagers have busy schedules, and it can be difficult to find time to complete an online training course. So it is important to offer flexibility in the course schedule.
This can include allowing learners to work at their own pace, providing access to course material at any time, and offering multiple start dates.
This may not always be possible, but it’s definitely worth being flexible if possible.
Provide support
Taking an online training course can be challenging, especially for younger learners. Therefore, it is important to provide support throughout the course.
This can include access to some of our online support webinars, a discussion forum where learners can ask questions and share ideas, and regular check-ins from the course instructor.
Learn with eCoach
Getting kids and young teenagers to take an online training course requires a thoughtful approach. By making the course interactive and engaging, using gamification, making it relevant to their interests, offering flexibility, and providing support; learners are more likely to be motivated to complete the course and achieve their learning goals.
Are you looking to incorporate eLearning into your organisation? eCoach can help with that.
Not only are we the leading providers of sport-focused online training in the UK, we also work closely with various other sectors. As of 2023, we now incorporate in-person education, which is great if you’re looking for a blended approach to learning.
Get in touch with us HERE, or send an email to our Partnerships Manager, Amy.
