In many cases, eLearning managers and HR supervisors wonder why learners don’t finish a course. As we mentioned in part one, it depends on factors like how much support is provided and how motivation is addressed. However, two of the biggest factors in determining whether a learner dropped out or completed a course are related to time and content presentation. 

In this post we’ll see how we can reduce dropout rates to make course worthy of completion.

Lack of time or conflict in schedule

Problem: Work and family issues occupy most of an eLearner's time, and not much is left to studying. 

Solutions:

12.   Flexible modules. Elearning administrators must create a flexible module to accommodate the needs of even the busiest eLearner. An effective module must be divided into concise sub-topics that are substantial but short enough to sustain a student's attention. 

13.  Minimize learners’ distraction as much as possible. You can do this just by setting up a separate area for eLearning. This will make it much easier for employees to concentrate. 

14.  Offer learners time in working for taking their courses. Give them enough time to take their courses while they are at work. Many people don't like using their spare time to take an eLearning course.

15.  It's all about focus.  Tell learners what they need to know and let them go. eLearning is best when it’s direct, focussed, and brief. 

16.  Realistic deadlines can replace lengthier schedules as sources of positive pressure. 

17.  Support from instructors or virtual communities can help motivate and push eLearners despite their time constraints. 

Poor course design

Problem:  Often, a well-designed course is enough to sustain an eLearner's attention and motivation.

18.  Create a course that’s as visually inviting as possible. eLearning environments should be inherently lively and interesting for your audience. Replace words with diagrams, infographics, charts, powerful images, animations, interactive illustrations, and videos, chances are they will stay.

19.  Prioritize.  A well-crafted module is determined by concise sub-topics. Remember that you have limited time to convey your content, so anything you include in your course should be absolutely necessary to learn. 

20.  Be creative in the way content is presented. Learners want and expect more than an eLearning course that looks like a text-book. Get creative and think in different ways to present content.

21.  Test, test,test.  During eLearning development, a course must be tested with a qualified number of subjects to determine its efficiency before being introduced to the public. The demographics of the subjects should correspond to the demographics of the expected eLearners, and A/B testing of sub-topics and modules should be done to ensure maximum flexibility, ease of use, and quality.

Non-relevant content 

Problem: Too many courses are designed with very little concern whether the content is relevant to the learner’s work context, needs, and actual knowledge. 

22.  Provide only the information that can help really them do something. When you are going to ask the learner to do something, be sure that it is worth the learner’s time and energy; otherwise, the course loses credibility. 

23.  Help them connect to the content in a personal way. Just try talking directly to your, ask questions and make them reflect. Good questions keep the learner interested and motivated. 

24.  Always keep your learners in mind.  For every piece of content you include, its important to think, what will the learner get out of it? 

25.  Keep your content updated. You need to revamp your content to keep with the changes. Include the latest facts and figures relevant to the learner's context in a specific moment. 

As with other modes of education, the success of eLearning results in better-skilled and more knowledgeable individuals. From planning to eLearning development to deployment and implementation, the separate causes of low completion rates should be addressed as soon as possible.