How to develop a digital learning strategy

Digital learning has seen a large growth in popularity in recent years. 

With a market size of £244 billion, now is the perfect time to enter the industry.

MOL offers a Diploma in Digital Learning Design for HR and L&D professionals, to upskill and create high quality digital learning courses.

If you want to learn more about digital learning design, we’re here to tell you how to develop an effective digital learning strategy. 
 

What is a digital learning strategy?

A digital learning strategy refers to a plan that outlines how tech and digital tools can be used to enhance the learning process for learners. 

In the context of this blogpost, we will be discussing how a digital learning strategy can be developed and implemented to support the learning of employees in the workplace.
 

Define the audience, goals and objectives

To begin developing an effective digital learning strategy, course designers need to consider the target audience of the course, the goals of the course and how they align with company objectives. 

For the audience, consider who the learners will be. For example, consider if the learners will be new employees, managers or remote workers. This can change the goal of the strategy. 

For goals, consider what you want to achieve from the strategy. For example, do you want to upskill managers, train new employees or train remote workers on effective working practices.

Whatever your goal is, ensure it is measurable and clearly defined. 
 

Clearly define the desired learning outcome

A learning outcome determines what skills or knowledge you want your learners to successfully acquire upon completion of the course. This includes:

• Knowledge-based outcomes
• Skill-based outcomes
• Attitude-based outcomes
• Competency-based outcomes.

To establish which one of these you want to achieve, consider which skill/knowledge gaps are prevalent amongst employees. This can be established through HR or management feedback and data.

Perhaps if customer service ratings are low, consider an attitude-based outcome. If you want your employees to be less reliant on managers, consider a competency-based outcome. 
 

Select appropriate technologies

To begin choosing the appropriate technologies, start by understanding the characteristics, preferences, and needs of your learners. When designing and developing a digital learning strategy, you want it to be a personalised learning experience so it meets the needs of your learner and increases retention.

Consider factors such as their age, technological proficiency, access to devices and internet connectivity, or any specific requirements or challenges they may have. Research digital tools to use and whether they meet the requirements of your strategy. 
 

Develop engaging and interactive learning materials

You want your learning content to be engaging and enjoyable, for an immersive learning experience for your learner. Consider a multimedia digital learning experience for your learner. 

You could include a wide range of multimedia elearning materials, such as videos, games, voice overs and quizzes to make the learning activities more enjoyable. 

When you take a digital learning design course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills on how to develop interactive learning materials for your digital learning courses. 
 

Monitor and evaluate results

Monitoring and evaluating your results allows you to determine if the digital learning course was effective. When you use formative and summative assessments, you can measure learner knowledge and compare the results with the desired learning outcomes to determine the course effectiveness in achieving its goals.

You can compare the course performance and learner outcomes with benchmark data, such as previous iterations of the course or similar courses within the institution or industry. This comparison can help identify areas where the course is excelling, or areas that need improvement.
 

Evolve and adapt the strategy

Implement a cycle of continuous improvement based on the evaluation results. Apply the insights gained from monitoring and evaluation to make enhancements to the course. Regularly review and update the course content to ensure it remains relevant and engaging with learner needs and objectives.
 

Enhance your skills with a digital learning design course

Do you work in learning and development? Do you want to advance your career with a digital learning design qualification? Enrol on our Digital Learning Design course today.