4 (+1) key instructional design strategies to make immersive learning more interesting

How do you design your immersive e-learning solutions to be engaging and interactive? Here are some instructional design strategies that can help you develop an immersive learning module that delivers a valuable learning experience and real results.

1. Storytelling

A great option that works for most topics in a corporate e-learning environment (marketing, HR, soft skills, even some finance- and operations-related roles) is storytelling. The learner steps into an immersive learning experience structured around a realistic storyline, and acts as the protagonist. As they take decisions, the branching scenario delivers different outcomes and the simulation keeps changing every time it is played. Keep the stories, scenarios and decisions realistic and relevant.

2. Gamification

Through gamification (a very popular instructional strategy of external motivators) you can build engagement and motivation within the immersive learning environment. By adding game-style elements, you can enhance the experience. Game-based learning is also a great way to engage learners in your immersive e-learning solution.

We’ve written a few other articles about gamification and game-based learning – you can check them out here.

3. Guided Learning

Consider creating a guide character who walks learners through the process. This allows the learner to actively participate in the simulated storyline without having to exit the immersive learning environment for theoretical training. Every time a choice is made, the mentor explains the logic behind the best option. The mentor can answer simple questions, coordinate with the subject matter expert for answers to more complex doubts, and guide the learner on their learning journey.

4. Learning Through Exploration And Discovery (LEAD)

When you’re in an immersive learning environment, you allow your learners to enter a ‘map’ with a number of points to be crossed and learning destinations to be covered. This allows them to learn at their own pace. You can provide visual indicators, such as arrows and icons, but allow the learner to freely explore the area and interact with all topics to be learned. This is especially effective for immersive onboarding training, where the intention is to relax the trainee and allow them to interact with a number of equally important topics on their own learning paths. 

+1. Back to Basics

While there are many ways in which you can make the most of your immersive learning experience, it’s important to remember that the priority is your learning material and not the immersive environment itself. While virtual reality and augmented reality are exciting technologies, they can’t be the core of the e-learning process. The learning material must be the focus of your e-learning modules.

When you’re planning content development for your immersive e-learning solution, do reach out to the e-learning experts at Hornbill FX to discuss the right balance between content and technology. Get in touch today.