The Transition from Live Workshops to eLearning

Live workshops have long been a popular method for teaching, particularly in fields requiring hands-on training and leadership development. These sessions typically involve:

• A fixed schedule and location
• Real-time interaction between instructors and students
• Adaptable pacing based on student engagement
• Group exercises that encourage collaboration
• Printed handouts summarizing key concepts

When moving from live instruction to eLearning, many course creators underestimate the fundamental differences between the two formats. Unlike traditional workshops, eLearning courses are designed for independent study. Key characteristics of eLearning include:

• Self-paced learning with no fixed schedule
• Little to no interaction with other students
• Exercises designed for individuals, not groups
• Handouts that must function without an instructor’s guidance

Without careful planning, common pitfalls can negatively impact the learning experience. Here are four major mistakes often made when designing an eLearning course—and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Device Compatibility

In a classroom setting, course slides are designed for projectors, often using a 4:3 aspect ratio (1024×768 pixels). However, eLearning students access content on a variety of devices, including widescreen monitors (16:9), tablets (4:3), and even smartphones.

One of the most frequent mistakes is designing content in a format that doesn’t display well across different screen sizes. This can lead to negative feedback and poor user experience.

How to Fix It:

• Design slides and videos with a responsive layout that adapts to different devices.
• Choose an LMS (Learning Management System) that supports multiple display formats.
• Test content on various screen sizes before launching.

2. Using Low-Quality Recording Equipment

Poor audio and video quality can significantly impact learner engagement. Many assume that built-in computer microphones and basic screen recording tools are sufficient. However, low-quality sound—background noise, distant voices, and distracting filler words—can make content difficult to follow and decrease credibility.

How to Fix It:

• Invest in professional-grade recording software like TechSmith Camtasia or Adobe Captivate.
• Use a high-quality USB microphone or headset for clear audio.
• Edit recordings to remove background noise, filler words, and long pauses for a more polished result.

Creating professional-quality content enhances the learning experience and increases student retention.

3. Adapting Group Exercises for eLearning

Group activities are a common way to reinforce learning in live workshops. However, these exercises do not translate well into self-paced eLearning environments. Without an instructor to guide discussions, students may feel lost or disengaged.

How to Fix It:

• Replace group activities with interactive quizzes or reflection prompts.
• Incorporate gamification techniques, such as earning points or badges for correct answers.
• Use scenario-based learning to encourage problem-solving and critical thinking.

Breaking up content with interactive elements keeps learners engaged and improves knowledge retention.

4. Treating Handouts as an Afterthought

In live workshops, printed handouts often contain slide thumbnails with space for notes. This format works well in an interactive classroom but does not provide much value in an eLearning course.

eLearning students rely on handouts as a standalone resource, and poorly designed materials can leave them with unanswered questions.

How to Fix It:

• Create a comprehensive workbook that supplements the video content.
• Include explanations, diagrams, and practice questions to reinforce learning.
• Design the handout as an essential learning tool rather than a simple reference.

A well-structured handout enhances content retention and helps students review key concepts after completing the course.

The Key to Effective eLearning Design

eLearning provides flexibility for students to learn at their own pace, but it lacks the real-time interaction of live instruction. To create an effective course, focus on high-quality production, engaging exercises, and well-structured materials.

By avoiding these common mistakes, course creators can develop a more professional and impactful learning experience—leading to greater student satisfaction and long-term success.