Strategies for Designing Engaging E-learning Instructions: Know your Learners’ Need

Abstract

E-learning has the potential to engage learners in ways that is not possible in a conventional classroom environment. Nevertheless, for this unique capability of e-learning to be optimised, a good understanding of learners’ need as to what motivate them to be engaged in activities is paramount. This chapter suggests strategies for engaging learners in e-learning based on past empirical studies on computer games characteristics and an exploratory study on values influencing learners’ decisions to engage in activities. The exploratory study in this chapter adopted qualitative research methods of Kelly Repertory grid and laddering interview based on the means-end chain (MEC) theory. Based on the exploratory study, value dimension was added to the existing literature. The value dimension of excitement, warm relationship with others and sense of accomplishment were revealed as important to learners in their decision whether to engage in activities. Strategies for e-learning instructions that promote the revealed values were suggested with the aim of integrating the value dimension with the existing literature as well as proven teaching approaches.

Citation

Lian Tan, W. (2012), "Strategies for Designing Engaging E-learning Instructions: Know your Learners’ Need", Wankel, C. and Blessinger, P. (Ed.) Increasing Student Engagement and Retention Using Immersive Interfaces: Virtual Worlds, Gaming, and Simulation (Cutting-Edge Technologies in Higher Education, Vol. 6 Part C), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 35-63. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-9968(2012)000006C005