An Interactive Approach to

eLearning Design for Adults

1 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Table of Contents

1.

2.
3.

4.

5.

6.
7.
8.

Foreword.......................................................................3
Introduction to Adult Learning........................................4
How do adults learn?..........................................................5
4 things to consider when designing an eLearning
course for adult learners.....................................................6
Adult Learning and Levels of Interactivity .......................7
Examples: Level 1 Interactivity .......................................11
Image Builder...................................................................12
Flash or Flip Cards.............................................................13
Steps or Ladder Depiction...................................................14
Pyramid...........................................................................15
Panning Cards ..................................................................16
Examples: Level 2 Interactivity .......................................17
Tabs................................................................................18
Interactive eBook .............................................................19
Character Dialog or Conversation .........................................20
Interactive Video...............................................................21
Labeled Images or Graphics ................................................22
Examples: Level 3 Interactivity .......................................23
Scenario Exercise or Mini Scenario........................................24
Role Play..........................................................................25
Visual Assessment ............................................................26
Mind Map.........................................................................27
Classification or Sorting .....................................................28
Examples: Level 4 Interactivity........................................29
Complex Simulations .........................................................30
Serious Games..................................................................31
Conclusion.....................................................................32
About Raptivity .............................................................33

2 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Foreword
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this eBook are those of the author (Raptivity) and do not necessarily represent
or reflect the views of other entities referred to anywhere in the eBook. None of these entities has endorsed any of
the references in the categories mentioned by the author. The author is not endorsing any third party tools, samples
or services being referred to in this eBook.
Adults learn differently than children and teenagers. They
have certain perceptions about the learning process and
have special needs as learners. These needs should be
taken care of while designing and developing an eLearning
course for adults. One of the principles of Adult Learning
Theory states that adults enjoy active learning than
passive listening or reading. They also seek some degree
of control over the learning content and process.
Learner Engagement is paramount, for the success of
an eLearning course for adult learners. In an instructorled training, the instructor/trainer interacts directly with
learners and ensures that they are tied up in the course.
However its altogether a different ball game for selfpaced eLearning courses. Its challenging to make adults
active participants in the eLearning course. Interactivity
and interactions play an important role there.
This eBook focuses on how adults learn and how interactivity
helps make eLearning courses highly engaging and
productive for them. The book begins with an introduction
to Adult Learning. It then expounds various levels of
interactivity and examples of interactions for each level.
It also explains the instructional usage of each type of
interaction. This eBook will suggest you some interactions
to add while creating an interactive eLearning course for
adult learners.

3 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

1.

Introduction to Adult Learning

4 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Introduction to Adult Learning

How do adults learn?

Motivation and experience are the two major factors that influence adult learning.
Motivation

Experience

Need to Learn: Adults must feel the need for

information. They learn effectively only when
they have a strong inner motivation to develop
a new skill or acquire particular knowledge.
Adults will learn only what they think they need
to know.

Experience of adult learners can be an asset and

a liability at the same time. Past educational or
work experiences may color or bias the learners
perceived ideas about the course.

Immediate Value: Adults are practical in their

approach to learning. They want to know, How
can this course help me right now? Adults look
for immediate value from their learning. They
learn by doing and seek an environment that
demands active participation.
Relevance: Adults need to be able to use the
skills learned immediately so that they see their
relevance. Adult learning focuses on problems
and those problems must be realistic. Adults like
to start with a problem and then work towards
finding a solution to it.
Practice: Adult learners perform better when
they practice frequently. There is a difference
between what the learners can do and what they
need to do. It is important to bridge this gap for
adults by developing practical activities to teach
specific skills.

5 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Introduction to Adult Learning

Involvement

Problem-centered

Adult learners need to be actively involved in the learning

process, for them to be hooked on to the course. Interactivity
and interactions play a pivotal role in engaging adult learners.
Interactivity creates an interchange between the learner and
the eLearning course. Add meaningful interactions wherever
possible into your course and create an enhanced learning
environment for adult learners. Give them the control of their
learning, which will keep them motivated and engaged.

Adult learners are interested in problem-centered learning

and practicing what needs to be done. There is a difference
between what they need to know and what they need to
do. Create environmental practices that help adult learners
perform their role better and retain learning.

4 things to consider when

designing an eLearning course
for adult learners
Adults are concerned about the experience of tasks
and activities equally as the end result of those tasks.
Memorization tasks dont fare well with adults; instead
courses that have real life scenarios and a good amount of
exercises are appreciated. Adults do not prefer linear courses;
allow them to explore the course in a way that is
meaningful to them.

Experience

Adult learners tend to map learning to real world immediately.

Hence real life applications and benefits must be tied to
the eLearning course. Incorporate practical problems in the
course. Help them gauge how the course will fetch them
advantages in real life.

Realistic

Reference: The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles

This article features a detailed explanation of the Assumptions, Principles and Application of Malcolm Knowles Theory of Andragogy.
You can also find a list of recommended related resources in this article.

6 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

2.

Adult Learning and Levels of Interactivity

7 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Adult Learning and Levels of Interactivity

There are typically four levels of interactivity, in the context of eLearning. These levels simply describe the
degree of interchange between the eLearning course and the learner, through which engagement and active
learning takes place. The interactions on the other hand refer to the templates or designs that are used to build
interactivity in the eLearning course. Thus, interactions can be termed as a subset of interactivity.
Interactivity and interactions, if used correctly, engage and motivate the learner towards critical thinking, effective
learning, and long-term memory activation. Lets look at this infographic that further explains the levels of
interactivity.

8 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Passive Learning (Page-Turners)

Very little or basic interactions
The learner is a receiver of the information
and has no control on the learning
Simple design, graphics, audio, video,
animations, and quizzes
Suitable when information needs to be merely
passed on to the learner, e.g. policy training

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 1

Adult Learning and Levels of Interactivity

Limited Interactions
Simple interactions and exercises
The learner has more control on the learning
and g
 ets more involved with the course
Liberal use of multimedia
Suitable for courses to aid on-the-job-performance
or skill development, e.g. product or process
trainings

Levels of Interactivity in eLearning

Highest level of interactivity, learning
occurs real-time
The learner is free to learn and practice new
skills, and has full control over the learning
Very complex content, high-end animations, high
impact graphics, digital avatars to teach complex
subjects, customized audio-visuals
Ideal for trainings where learners are expected
to deal with real life situations and apply their
knowledge on the job

Moderate Interactions

LEVEL 3

LEVEL 4

Enriched Interactions

More complex interactions

The learner is actively involved in the learning
and practicing what is learned
Complex graphics, animations, illustrations,
audio, videos, branching scenarios, and
simulated environments
Suitable for courses to aid utilization of
cognitive skills into work or real life situations
e.g. problem-solving techniques

9 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Adult Learning and Levels of Interactivity

You can decide the level of your course depending on various

aspects such as course objectives, nature of content, budget,
technology infrastructure and target audience.
The degree of interchange increases from Level 1 (being the
least interactive and simplest) to Level 4 (being the most
interactive and complex). Higher levels of learning need higher
levels of interactivity. As the level of interactivity increases, the
development cost and time involved may also increase.
As mentioned in the previous section, adults are goal and
relevancy oriented. They are practical and prefer to learn by
doing. Trial and error is one of the best approaches to adult
learning. Hence using interactivities of level 3 or 4 would be
ideal to engage adult learners.
However, you need not always have high levels of interactivity
for adult learners. Lower levels of interactivity that ask them
challenging questions, make them think, and make them
solve problems close to real world environment will have a
good impact and result. A good strategy is to use optimum
combination of interactions, depending on the type of content
and learning objectives.
In the next section, we will see various interaction designs that
can be used for each level of interactivity, which can help you
build a productive learning experience for adult learners.

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3.

Examples: Level 1 Interactivity

11 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 1 Interactivity

Image Builder
In this type of interaction, an image builds part by part with its relevant text. When the entire image is built, the
learner can click on/roll the mouse over any part to know more about it. This explanation could be in the form of text,
image, or video.
When can this interaction be used?
Concepts, processes, procedures, products, or
elaborate systems can be effectively explained
using this type of interaction. Interconnected
parts appear and are described in segments,
each building one after the other. For example:
Show a diagram of a product being
assembled and allow the learner to explore
each part by rolling mouse over it.
Present a flowchart in a sequence and let
the learner learn more about each step of
the chart by clinking on it.

The concept of Sales Funnel is explained in this interaction sample where the funnel gets build and the description
for each section of the funnel can be seen on rollover. The appearance of image parts one after the other in such
interaction, helps learners retain and relate information easily.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

12 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 1 Interactivity

Flash or Flip Cards

These are one of the fast paced learning templates you can use. They allow learners to quickly revisit information
and test knowledge. In this type of interaction, the leaner needs to flip the card(s) to reveal the description, cues, or
images on the flip side.
When can this interaction be used?
This type of interaction comes in handy to
reinforce core concepts, facts, and vocabulary.
You could also use it to test the knowledge of
your learners, helping them retain knowledge
over the long-term. For example:
Questions appear on one side of the card
and the corresponding information or
answers appear on the flip side.
Give a clue on the front side and help
learners recall the information on the back.

The concept of Sales Funnel is explained in this interaction sample where the funnel gets build and the description
for each section of the funnel can be seen on rollover. The appearance of image parts one after the other in such
interaction, helps learners retain and relate information easily.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

13 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 1 Interactivity

Steps or Ladder Depiction

This type of interaction allows you to represent content as sequenced steps, each step having a caption and an
accompanying description. The steps appear one after the other and learner can click on each step to know more
about it.
When can this interaction be used?
This type of interaction is very useful when
information needs to be made available in a
sequence such as a task, process, or workflow.
For example:
Consumer buying process
Quality assurance process

Steps/Ladder interaction has been used in this sample to explain the stages of embedding innovative practices. The
visual representation in the form of steps helps learners retain the information.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

14 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 1 Interactivity

Pyramid
In this type of interaction, the learner can view a hierarchal representation of a concept. A click or rollover of mouse
on each level will display its description. The pyramid could have more than one face where different subsets of a
concept can be explained on each face.
When can this interaction be used?
This interaction model can be used to
help learners discover information about
hierarchical relationships, concepts, and
processes. For example:
To showcase an organizational structure
To explain a particular theory

This sample creatively uses a pyramid to explain various types of customers for any organization and how they should
be engaged. Description for each level of the customer pyramid can be seen by clicking on related level.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

15 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 1 Interactivity

Panning Cards
In this type of interaction, the learner can pan through a series of images in a 3D way. Learner can read more about
the image by clicking on it.

When can this interaction be used?

Panning cards can be used to create slide show
type of interactive presentations, and can
be enriched using a set of images or videos
along with supporting description and audio.
For example:
Key features of a product
Top tourist attractions
Achievements of the organization

Panning Cards interaction template is used in this sample to explain Five Human Motivations.The use if relevant
images makes the interaction interesting and the definitions can be read by clicking the bottom left icon.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

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4.

Examples: Level 2 Interactivity

17 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 2 Interactivity

Tabs
In this type of interaction, a series of tabs are displayed on the screen. This is a great navigation widget for learners to
switch between information present on various tabs. When the learner clicks on a tab, information pertaining to that
tab is displayed. This interaction lets learners explore a group of related items, walk through concepts, or compare
objects.
When can this interaction be used?
Tabs are suitable to explain information
which need not be read in a sequence and
learners can choose the order. You could use
it to present a lot of related content chunks
or /categories/features in a logical and userfriendly way. For example:
Key functions of various departments
Organizational Dos and Donts
Types of sexual harassment

This tab interaction explains the core product offerings of a company with the help of description and images. Each
offering can be explored by clicking on relevant tabs.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

18 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 2 Interactivity

Interactive eBook
In this type of interaction, the learning content is presented in the form of a book and learners need to flip the pages
to read through. Learners can directly reach a particular topic/ page by clicking the topic in the Table of Contents or by
typing the page number in given field. This interaction combines the familiarity of reading books with digital content
which could be combination of text, images, hyperlinks, audio, and video.
When can this interaction be used?
These multimedia 3D eBooks can be used to
present information which can be logically
divided in sub-topics, in an interactive way.
For example:
Employee handbook

Highlights
of
various
departments for an year

organizational

Company history

This eBook sample explains the effects of Global Warming, where each sub-topic forms a separate chapter. The
flipping effect gives the feeling of actually reading a book. The use of images and video makes reading interesting for
learners.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

19 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 2 Interactivity

Character Dialog or Conversation

This type of interaction presents content in a conversational way and engages learners with illustrated characters. It
is a great way to illustrate a dialogue between two or more individuals/objects, and unfold the learning content along.
The conversation can be presented in the form of only audio, only on-screen text, or both in sync.
When can this interaction be used?
Character Dialog/Conversation can be used
to give a human/lively touch to your course
and present information in a conversational
format. For example:
Customer service call
Job interview
Employee training by manager
Employee induction program

This sample effectively uses a conversation between a sales person and a customer to illustrate the dos and donts,
of a sales talk and also shares practical tips to open one. The humorous touch involves learners into the conversation
better.
Click here to view and explore the sample. Click the Start preview button to play it.

20 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 2 Interactivity

Interactive Video
In this type of interaction, the learner is shown a video that pauses at set intervals to reveal either additional
information or questions to test knowledge. It actively involves learners during a video and gives them feedback
wherever required.
When can this interaction be used?
Interactive video can be used to explain a video
or pause for a teaser question to ensure that
the learners are paying complete attention.
For example:
Explain product lifecycle or product
assembly through a video and check
knowledge where required.

Explain about the companys core
competencies through a video and provide
extra information where required.

This interaction sample uses a video on Ergonomics to inform learners about comfortable seating position while
working on a computer. Multiple choice questions presented in between the running video ensure learner engagement
and knowledge reinforcement.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

21 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 2 Interactivity

Labeled Images or Graphics

In this type of interaction, the learner is presented with an image that has a few marked elements. When clicked,
elements display additional text, image, and/or video information.

When can this interaction be used?

This type of interaction can be used to draw
learners attention to important parts of an
image. It is a great way to elucidate a diagram
or a graphic. For example:
Describe features of a software
Highlight various parts of a machine
Explain a work setup

This sample uses image of an audio setup to list and explain the essentials of voiceover recording. Learners can roll
mouse over and click on the highlighted markers to explore the setup.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

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5.

Examples: Level 3 Interactivity

23 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 3 Interactivity

Scenario Exercise or Mini Scenario

In this type of interaction, the learner is put in a situation with multiple paths that lead to different endings. The
learner is required to analyze the scenario and choose the path of the scenario. A corrective feedback is provided for
each of the decisions of the learner.
When can this interaction be used?
This type of interaction can be used to teach
learners about how to make a good choice or
decision. Learners face realistic challenges
and consequences of their decisions. For
example:
How to attend a customer
How to deal with a situation or problem
Guiding a learner through any process
which has multiple outputs

This sample provides learners with scenarios of handling customer calls as call center representatives. Learners are
supposed to choose between the responses for handling a call in multiple ways that could lead to multiple endings.
It provides feedback on whether the response chosen is correct or incorrect.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

24 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 3 Interactivity

Role Play
This type of interaction places the learner in a story/scenario as a character that must investigate or do research to
solve a problem. Essentially, the learner reads about a situation and then proceeds to solve the stated problem.

When can this interaction be used?

This type of interaction can be used to engage
learners by putting them in a particular role
and make them analyze the situation from the
role players perspective. For example:
Problem solving techniques
Managing team conflicts
Process management training

This interaction sample puts learners in a role of a management consultant where they are required to decide on
actions to solve problems related to clients human resources. Feedback is provided in terms of the chosen action
being correct or incorrect.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

25 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 3 Interactivity

Visual Assessment
In this type of interaction, learner is first presented with a visual story or scenario and then needs to answer some
questions related to it. It is like an open book test where the learner can anytime refer to the visual representation
while answering the questions.
When can this interaction be used?
This type of interaction can be used for
knowledge reinforcement or quick knowledge
check. The use of multimedia elements
like audio-visual introductory screen and
questions, make the interaction captivating.
For example, explain a complex process,
procedure or a model as a graphic and include
questions to test understanding.

This sample on Change Management is based on the famous fable, Our Iceberg is Melting. Learners are first
provided with the visual representation of the fable. They are then required to take the assessment to test their
understanding of the story. They can refer to the visual representation anytime they want.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

26 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 3 Interactivity

Mind Map
In this type of interaction, the learner can explore a key concept and elements surrounding that concept with the help
of a mind map. The learner can click a particular event/element/node to expand and also view additional information
which could be in the form of text, images, and videos.
When can this interaction be used?
This powerful graphical technique can be used
to break enormous information into simple
sets, or to simplify complex concepts and
relationships between ideas, in a recallable
layout. Mind map can, in fact, be used to
explain or expand any concept/subject/theory.

This sample uses a mind map interaction to expound the stages of website development process in a unique way.
Various stages and sub-elements of each stage can be explored by clicking on the nodes and sub nodes of the mind
map. Mind map can be easily moved to left, right, top, and bottom by just holding over the mouse on sides.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

27 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 3 Interactivity

Classification or Sorting
This type of interaction model enables you to create a classification exercise of items which can appear in image
and text combinations. Learners have to drag and drop items in various category buckets. This interaction could also
provide option to show immediate, delayed, or no feedback.
When can this interaction be used?
This type of interaction can be used to reframe
static content into interactive knowledge
checks. These exercises invite learners to
take actions and make decisions. The goal
is to engage and challenge learners to apply
what theyve learned. From simple labeling
exercises to sorting, and even filling in the
blanks, this interaction can be used in a variety
of creative ways. For example,
Classification of items into categories
Classification into Dos and Donts
Assembling a particular machinery/setup

This sprinkler cupcakes interaction sample helps users to identify cupcake types by their sprinkles. They are required
to drag the names and drop them below the correct image.
Click here to view and explore the sample.

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6.

Examples: Level 4 Interactivity

29 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 4 Interactivity

Complex Simulations
Simulations are the imitation of real-world process operations, applications, or systems. They provide learners with
an opportunity to learn by doing and bring them close to real life situations. Real time feedback is provided to learners
at each step.
There are different types of simulations that can be used in eLearning, such as software simulation, business simulation,
procedural simulation, technical simulation and virtual representation of a real environment.
When can this interaction be used?
Simulations can be used for skill development
for cases where learners are required to
apply the knowledge in their jobs or real life
situations.
For example, application training, process
training, equipment operation training,
management skills training.

This Patient Management demo takes learners through medical cases in a simulated hospital environment. It lets the
learners practice their skills and knowledge to deal with real life medical situations, without risking patients condition.
Click here to view and explore the demo.

30 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Examples: Level 4 Interactivity

Serious Games
Serious games in eLearning allow learners to engage with new skills or subject matter in a fun way. Learners are
expected to work towards a stated goal, either individually, or in a group. They need to make choices of actions and
face the results of those actions. They are allowed to experiment and make mistakes in a safe environment and get
real time feedback for each of their decisions.
Serious games are unlike simple quiz games which aim to only test the learners understanding through questions.
Whereas with serious games, learning gets
unfold as the learners apply skills to the
virtual world. Game elements such as goals,
challenges, rules, barriers, characters, objects,
competition, scoreboards, badges, and
achievements are used in this interactivity.

When can this interaction be used?

Serious games can be used when you want to
create an impact on learners mind, provide
practice for real life scenarios or impart new
skills.
Games can address many training requirements
such as skills training, compliance training,
and product training.

This is an example of an educational game called Trade Ruler. In this game, the learner is a ruler of an island and
needs to engage in international trading to make his/her island prosper. As learners play the game, they get to learn
about how two countries can get greater gains from trading with each other, if they have different resources. It
teaches a complex topic with the help of game elements.
Click here to play and explore the game.

31 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

7.

Conclusion

The possibilities of building interactivity

and creating interactions in eLearning
courses are endless. Factors like learning
objectives, type of training and content,
target audience, and project scope will
greatly influence the level of interactivity
for your course.
The degree of engagement for adult learners
will increase as the level of interactivity
increases. However, not always high levels
of interactivity have a great impact for adult
learners, but effective use of lower levels
can also give good results.
Choosing the right combination and amount
of interactions is the key for effective adult
learning. Needless to say, the essence of
learning objectives and content must stay
at the core for any Interactivity level.

32 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

8.

About Raptivity

Raptivity is a powerful interactivity building

tool that enables creation of stunning
eLearning interactions quickly and easily,
without any programming. It offers a rich
collection of 190+ Flash and HTML5 compliant
interactions to choose from, which span
across categories like games, simulations,
brainteasers, interactive diagrams, virtual
worlds, and many more. These interactions
are conveniently grouped into various
categories for the users to choose from.
Getting started with Raptivity is as simple
as picking an interaction template and
customizing it with your own content. You
can integrate Raptivity output seamlessly
with any authoring tool(s) that you use,
such as PowerPoint, Captivate, Storyline,
Lectora, and Claro.
Click here to know more about Raptivity.

33 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults

Copyright 2015 Harbinger Knowledge Products Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
34 | An Interactive Approach to eLearning Design for Adults