Designing meaningful online learning experiences

I recently came across an essay I wrote for my PGCert summative assessment. The aim of the essay was about considering how formative and summative feedback can enhance a distance learning module. The main focus was to help me consider how I could improve upon a distance learning cancer module I ran, as a senior lecturer.

One of the key problems I faced, was encouraging the nurses to not only engage with each other on the course, but engage with the learning materials. Why is this important to me now? Well I have entered into the space of creating online courses to help healthcare professionals enhance their communication skills; to help them become more confident practitioners and more skilful communicators to master person-centred care more effectively.

Direct link to learning and patient care

If you look at any governing bodies supporting healthcare education, there is always a direct link between the importance of education and training and improving patient care and health outcomes. There is also an expectation that healthcare professionals will receive the highest standards of education throughout their careers through continued professional development (CPD).

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one of the most pressing challenges is creating meaningful online learning experiences that truly engage students and support their CPD to the highest of standards. This conversation starts with a fundamental question: how can we design online learning environments that go beyond content delivery to foster deep learning and application of skills and knowledge?

Formative learning

At the heart of this discussion lies formative learning – a dynamic process that emphasises learning as a journey, not just a destination. Shifting away from a focus on merely measuring achievements towards supporting and enhancing the learning process is imperative. It is about creating opportunities for students to grow and, more importantly for educators to connect with their learners in meaningful ways.

Key aspects of formative learning include:

• Focus on growth: prioritising student development, encouraging exploration, questioning and experimentation.
• Active engagement: Learners actively participate in their own learning process, often through interactive and reflective activities.
• Learner centred approach: The needs, experiences and goals of the learner are central to the process.

There is an argument that online courses should take a learner-centered approach. Students can co-create the learning environment by sharing materials and fostering interaction with peers. This encourages meaningful exchanges. However, applying these principles depends on the educator’s resources and the course’s type and design. It is a goal worth aiming for.

For any design to succeed, both educators and students must commit to the process. Providing clear and detailed feedback is crucial. It helps educators refine courses over time. A course should not be created and then forgotten.

Building a Community of Practice

A meaningful online learning experience is not just about achieving academic outcomes—it’s about fostering a community of practice/practitioners. Students who feel part of a collaborative learning environment are more likely to engage, persist, and succeed. By co-creating this understanding, educators and students can move forward together, building a shared commitment to growth.

Personal take home points to enhance formative learning

1. Put yourselves in the shoes of the learner. What do they need to know? What would be helpful to know about? What is going to make them think? What is going to give them that light bulb moment? How can they apply what they learn to clinical practice?
2. To enhance the learning environment online, the content needs to be engaging, interactive, thought provoking and applicable to their given situation. They need to go away and reflect on what they have learned and engage in experiential learning.
3. Our Introduction to Communication Skills course, includes content and materials that relate to what healthcare professionals have told us are necessary for them. This course provides a strong foundation for them to go on and explore more advanced communication skills.
4. It is important for those who are going to use your courses, to provide feedback. Feedback, given in the right way is provides you with direction, an appreciation of the learners need and a desire to create the best learning environment possible.
5. To consider the fact that we need to cater for the needs of people who have diverse learning needs and have this reflected in the design of our courses.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Creating meaningful online courses is a continuous journey, requiring adaptability and a commitment to meeting diverse needs. Every educator and learner brings unique challenges and perspectives, making the process dynamic and ever-evolving. At Healthcare Communication Matters, we are dedicated to crafting e-learning opportunities that go beyond delivering information. Our goal is to create transformative experiences that empower healthcare professionals to grow, connect, and apply their skills in impactful ways.

We’d love to hear from you. What has helped you thrive in online learning, and where do you see opportunities for growth? Join us as we shape the future of e-learning together, building courses that inspire, engage, and make a difference. Let’s collaborate to turn challenges into meaningful progress.

Note: This blog originally appeared on Linkedin.