How to Create Engaging and Effective E-Learning for the Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new products and technologies being released all the time. This means that technicians and sales consultants alike need to keep their skills up to date. However, these two audiences have very different needs when it comes to e-learning.
Technicians need to learn about the latest servicing information and how to diagnose complicated electrical systems. Sales consultants need to understand the benefits of new features so they can explain them to customers and answer their questions.
How can you create e-learning that meets the needs of both audiences?
The key is to use a consistent design that is easy to navigate, entertaining, and varied. It is also important to repeat key information throughout the course. This will help keep students engaged and ensure they can retain the information after they finish the course.
One way to achieve this is to use a template-based approach. This will ensure that the format of the course is always the same, so students know what to expect and don't have to waste time figuring out how to use the system.
A typical template might include the following sections:
Introduction video
Static content slides
Review interactions
Final test
Introduction video
The introduction video is important because it sets the tone for the course and introduces the key concepts. It should be engaging and informative, and it should leave students with a few questions that they want to answer.
Static content slides
The static content slides provide more detailed information on the key concepts introduced in the video. They should include images and illustrations, as well as text. It is important to break up the static content into sections and to include review interactions at the end of each section.
Review interactions
Review interactions can be in the form of multiple-choice questions, matching quizzes, drag-and-drop quizzes, or scenarios. They are designed to help students practice using the information they have just learned.
Final test
The final test is optional, but it can be useful for assessing student understanding of the material. It is important to note that the final test should not be used as a gatekeeper. Instead, it should be used to identify areas where students may need additional support.
In the below video, I detail how I use these techniques with both Sales and Technical Automotive e-learning courses.
In addition to using a template-based approach, there are a few other things you can do to create engaging and effective e-learning for the automotive industry:
Use real-world examples and scenarios. This will help students to see how the information they are learning can be applied in their jobs.
Use a variety of media formats, such as videos, animations, and infographics. This will help to keep students engaged and make the information more memorable.
Make the e-learning interactive. This will help students to learn by doing.
Provide feedback and reinforcement. This will help students to stay motivated and on track.
Tailor the e-learning to the specific needs of your audience. Consider their level of experience, their job role, and their learning style.
By following these tips, you can create e-learning that will help your automotive employees to learn and grow.