You’re sitting with an SME who points to a map that must be included in the learning material. So, should this chart. And this graph. And this glossary. These measurement formulas. And let’s not forget all this stuff in the PowerPoint. Guided by the Goldilocks principle, you’re committed to giving the learner just the right amount of content. So, what do you do when you’re faced with excessive volumes of material? How do you protect the learner from content overload and keep the SME happy?

Here at Bitville, we take a learner-first approach. We understand that learning objectives have the potential to be lost in an ocean of content. Our bespoke digital learning solutions are developed with the aim of catalysing real behavioural change in the learner. But saddled by content-heavy material, the learner’s eyes glaze over, and we’ve lost them.

Now, don’t get me wrong, we deeply believe in the value of the material suggested by SMEs. They’re the experts after all. So, when you have no choice but to bring in the maps and the graphs and the glossary, here are two quickfire ways to streamline stretches of material.

Hide it and divide it.

Hide it

Hide cluttered content without compromising quality and organization by incorporating pop-ups. Pique learners’ interest by suggesting they “click here to learn more.” This method of stoking learners’ curiosity also gives them a sense of control over what material they choose to consume.

And let’s not forget links. If it’s absolutely necessary that a learner know the history of aeronautics before becoming a flight attendant, then hyperlinks to this information saves time and space within the course.

Another way of managing massive amounts of content is to take a visual approach. Have a look at the content and ask yourself whether this topic could be conveyed within an infographic. Would alternatives to textual information, like an animation or illustration, help the learner engage with the material in a way that doesn’t compromise learning objective attainment?

Divide it

Consider the possibility of breaking down your content into smaller chunks. That could mean taking a 60-minute e-learning course and dividing it up into two 30-minute modules, or better still, three 20-minute modules. Studies show that attention span in adults starts to diminish after 20 minutes, so there’s your sweet spot.

How low can you go? Review the content, while keeping learning objectives in mind, and ask yourself whether the material lends itself to micro dosing. Micro-modules can be structured as a suite of learning material housed under an umbrella topic. Plus, microlearning offers that added psychological effect of getting things done. Completing 3 ten-minute micro modules can give the learner a feeling of achievement at having firmly met 1 or 2 learning objectives instead vaguely meeting 5.

Keep it simple

No matter how technical or detailed the content, the aim should be to simplify the learning process. Giving learners choices and control over how they consume digital learning content boosts learner engagement and supports inclusivity. So next time you’re heading for content overload, stick to a learner-first approach and remember two things.

Hide it and divide it.