6 Tips for Creating an Optimal Learning Environment

Your association is committed to providing the most comprehensive learning opportunities in the industry, right? Follow these six tips for creating the optimal learning environment for your members.

1. Know what you are selling. Are your members shopping to fulfill a credit need or are they looking for learning opportunities? Associations that sell credit want to provide their members the fastest, cheapest channel to obtain credit. This method is effective in industries with rigorous or demanding continuing education requirements. Conversely, associations that are committed to providing learning opportunities to their members approach things a little differently. These associations look for new ways to expand their members’ knowledge base, provide innovation learning opportunities and create engaging online communities for their members to further their learning. Know what your association is selling and tailor your content and strategy accordingly.
2. Understand your audience. Each industry approaches learning differently. For instance, in the medical industry, most professionals are pressed for time because of their demanding schedules but benefit most from hands-on learning. CPAs tend to prefer focusing on the smaller details for longer lengths of time. Understanding the specific demographics to your industry can impact the way content is delivered.
3. Information transfer versus learning. There are two types of ways to pick up content: information transfer and learning. Associations must commit to creating opportunities for their members to interact and discuss educational content presented so that students learn the information. Paying attention and retaining something, also known as information transfer,  is much less effective than being able to associate a personal experience with the content and truly learning it.
4. Blend different learning media. Develop a strategy that incorporates different types of media to provide a more robust, valuable experience for your members. This strategy might include traditional, in person learning, along with a library of on-demand programs as well as online communities. Do you encourage your members to start dialogues with others using Virtual Study Groups? These additions create a broader eLearning strategy that provides members the opportunity to interact organically and participate in conversations surrounding the subject matter, meaning a deeper learning and better experience!
5. LIVEn things up! The new online learning experience is made to keep attendees awake and eager for the next bullet point. Live chats, polls and interactivity tools allow members to actually participate in the program, rather than simply listening.
6. Refresh your on-demand programs. Typical, run-of-the-mill on-demand content just isn’t cutting it anymore. To keep your members engaged, it’s important to offer engaging on-demand content in a myriad of ways. Encorporate video previews into your member portal or offer webcasts and conference recordings that target industry-specific needs. You can also supplement on-demand offerings with downloadable information like case studies, blogs or presenter notes.

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