Andragogy is the big word used in the educational field to describe the process of engaging adult learners. One of the key tenets within this philosophy is adult learners want to learn at their own pace which means they want to be in total control of the learning process.
I’ve got to say, this definitely applies to me. When I’m learning a new programming language or software tool, I need to be in complete control. Some aspects of the learning process come easily and I don’t want to waste my time going over them again and again; however, other aspects come much more slowly. In this case, I need to take my time and carefully dissect the information.
As such, my experience has greatly influenced how I design eLearning content. I cannot stand watching and listening to an eLearning course that is narrated. The course is out of my control as I have to listen to the narrator tell me what I need to know. Sometimes, the information is simplistic and I grasp the information within a few seconds; however, I cannot move forward until the narrator is done speaking. Other times, the information is complex and the narrator does not explain the information in a way that I can understand. A narrated course completely removes the user’s ability to control the learning process and, frankly, can bore the hell out of the learner.
As stated in my last post, we live in a culture that says ‘entertain me’. In fact, our culture is so permeated with this sentiment that some refrigerators and cars come with televisions…some even come with gaming consoles and DVD players. We, as eLearning developers cannot turn our backs on the things that drive our learners. Most adults are technologically inclined. Even my 84 year old grandpa is quite resourceful with his computer and iPod.
How do the majority of adults learn to use these gadgets? Here is a great case study. The two most popular video games adults play today is Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Now, when an adult puts the game into their console, how do they learn to play the game? Is there a narrated tutorial? Nope! Most adults plug in their guitars and other peripherals and figure it out on their own. Another case study. Cell phones are extremely popular in the adult population. Most cell phones include ringtones, games, email abilities, etc. Do cell phone companies include narrated tutorials for users to learn how to use their phones? Nope! Most cell phones come with a manual that the users can read, but, for the most part, users figure it out on their own. By playing with their ‘toys’, they learn while being entertained. In this way, learning becomes an adventure as adults entertain themselves while being in complete control of the learning process.
For these reasons and many more, I rarely use narration in any eLearning course I design. Forcing someone to listen to a narrator removes the adventure from the learning process as it removes a key tenet from what educators know to be vital in engaging adult learners.
Hopefully, you noticed that I used the word ‘rarely’ in the previous paragraph. There are times that narration can be extremely helpful. For instance, if you are demonstrating a piece of software via a video tutorial. It helps the user to see what you are doing as well as hear you explain why you are doing it; however, when creating a video tutorial, be sure to include a playback bar so the user stays in control of the learning process. If they missed something, they can rewind it and watch it again. If the learner has to get up and take care of the kids or dinner, include a pause button so they can quickly get back to it when they are ready.
Another time in which I will use narration is to tell a story. Some courses need a storytelling element due to the content (i.e. domestic violence course). The key in using this kind of narration is to make the course visually engaging and make sure the narrator uses the right voice tone, accent, etc. It would not work to tell a story of domestic violence if your narrator sounds bubbly and happy go lucky. When using this type of narration, it is always best to give the learner an option to skip the story. Again, the learner must always feel as if he/she is in control of the learning process.
Now, I know there are developers out there who will completely disagree with my thoughts. There are many out there who find narration a key aspect of the learning process. I have no qualms with you. For some learners, you might be absolutely right. They need to hear what is being taught. Kudos to you for knowing your audience and meeting their needs. All I would suggest to you is that you give the learners an option to remove the narration. This will ensure that those who need the audio will have it; however, it will also ensure those that do not are satisfied as well.
Narration has its place in eLearning, but we must make sure it is used wisely. Failure to do so could detract from the learning process. Our job is to ensure we do everything possible to make learning an adventure for our audience. Know them and edutain them.
Filed under: eLearning Methodologies
