To explore this question, we conducted an internal review of 2025 registration data from a group of Vocalmeet’s legal clients. Our aim was simple: identify which broad CLE categories and course topics attracted the most registrations in this sample, then translate those observations into practical planning ideas for the year ahead.

Note: This overview is based on aggregated data from a limited set of Vocalmeet clients and is intended for informational purposes only; it should not be relied on as legal advice or as a definitive market study.

Our Method

With Vocalmeet’s platform, clients can choose the names and number of taxonomies applied to a product (including online courses). As a result, each organization structures its catalogue differently, creating tags and categories tailored to its needs.

When it comes to broad analysis, however, we would need a consistent way to compare continuing legal education (CLE) topics across multiple clients.

Here’s the method we used to standardize and analyze the data:

1. Collected 2025 enrollment data

We reviewed CLE enrollment data from participating Vocalmeet legal clients for the 2025 calendar year.

2. Standardized course categories

We created a shared list of 20 broad categories to use across all participating clients (for example, Administrative Law, Family Law, Practice Management).

This step allowed us to compare “like with like” across organizations that use their own internal taxonomies. After all, you can’t compare apples to oranges!

3. Mapped client catalogues to the shared taxonomy

We reviewed course titles and descriptions and assigned each course to one primary category from the standardized list.

When a course could fit into more than one category, we used the primary learning objective to determine its place.

4. Ranked categories by enrollment

We calculated the total number of completed registrations for each standardized category and ranked them from highest to lowest within this sample.

5. Identified high-enrollment course themes

Separately, we looked at the individual courses with the highest total registrations.

We noted the main topic and standardized category for each to pinpoint which themes appeared most often among high-enrollment offerings; this allowed us to determine whether a popular topic did not match a top 10 category.

Please note: As this was an internal analysis, the results provide only a snapshot of a subset of clients and do not reflect a comprehensive view of the legal profession as a whole.

Our Top 10 CLE Categories of 2025

From most to least popular by registration:

1. Administrative Law
2. Professional Responsibility
3. Equity, Diversity & Well-Being
4. Litigation
5. Ethics & Professionalism
6. Bankruptcy/Insolvency Law
7. Technology & Innovation
8. Practice Management
9. Real Estate Law
10. Wills, Estates, and Trusts
11. Family Law
12. Criminal Law
13. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
14. Government Law
15. Elder Law
16. Constitutional Law
17. Business / Corporate Law
18. Employment / Labor Law
19. Immigration Law
20. Federal Practice

Our Top 10 CLE Topics of 2025*

From our list of most-enrolled courses, several recurring themes emerged. Below is a generalized snapshot of the kinds of topics that appeared most frequently, along with their standardized category:

1. Bankruptcy Law: Considerations – Bankruptcy/Insolvency Law
2. Social Security: Considerations – Administrative Law
3. Social Security: Managing Overpayments – Administrative Law
4. Social Security: An Introduction – Administrative Law
5. Legal Considerations that Arise from Disasters – Government Law
6. Social Security: Family Benefits – Administrative Law
7. Social Security: Disability – Administrative Law
8. Negotiation and Mediation Strategies in Family Disputes – Family Law
9. Legal Considerations Affecting Military Service Members and Veterans – Litigation
10. Time-Saving Techniques for Crafting Documents in Word – Practice Management

*Topics have been generalized for confidentiality.

What This Tells Us

1. Social security featured prominently

Five of our top ten courses focused on social security, from introduction to specifics. This suggests an interest in practical guides on this topic, whether in an introductory course or a deep dive into a specific section or issue.

This also highlights the value of practical, “how-to” CLE series that help practitioners navigate complex topics and regulatory frameworks. An added benefit of hosting themed CLEs is that they can be grouped into course bundles with a tidy discount to encourage members to buy.

2. Ethics, inclusion, and well-being were key considerations

At the category level, Professional Responsibility, Ethics & Professionalism, and Equity, Diversity & Well-Being all appeared in our top five.

For bar associations and regulators, this underscores the importance of keeping ethics, professionalism, bias, and wellness programming current and practical.

3. Practical technology and time-savers attracted steady interest

While many high-enrollment courses in our sample dealt with complex legal subjects, we also saw strong interest in practical “how-to” courses focused on:

• Effective use of everyday tools (such as word-processing software)
• Practice management efficiencies
• Broader Technology & Innovation topics

For bar associations, these indicate a desire for CLE that helps members leverage their existing tools, improve their hard skills, and stay up to date with technology advancements and trends.

4. Administrative Law sat at the top of our list

In our dataset, Administrative Law ranked first among the standardized categories.

While this is just one sample, it’s broadly consistent with commentary highlighting in-demand fields. For instance, Donna Campbell of The National Jurist noted that labour and employment law were highly popular fields in 2025, while compliance and risk management were hard to ignore (2025).

5. Specialized topics still mattered

Only ten categories can occupy the “top 10,” but that doesn’t mean the rest are unimportant. Areas like Family Law, Criminal Law, ADR, Government Law, Elder Law, and Immigration Law continued to attract registrations.

These topics support areas of practice that are often described as “evergreen” (Campbell, 2025) and offer variety for members who have already met the core requirements. The key is balance: a strong CLE portfolio often mixes broad, high-demand topics with more specialized, high-value offerings.

Key Technology Takeaways

Regardless of your specific course mix, how you organize and analyze your online catalogue has a significant impact on how members find content and how your team learns from the data.

1. Use Clear, Consistent Categories

A helpful rule of thumb: avoid having more categories than you have courses in a given area.

• Keep category labels clear, intuitive, and descriptive; the clearer your catalogue navigation, the easier it will be for members to find the courses that suit them best.
• Standardize your internal taxonomy as much as possible (especially if you manage multiple programs, sections, or jurisdictions).
• Review your categories periodically to remove duplicates and merge overlapping terms.

Best-practice guidance from content and taxonomy experts consistently emphasizes that well-designed taxonomies improve searchability, navigation, and reporting (Nav Thethi, 2024).

If your catalogue is cluttered with unclear or redundant categories, it becomes harder for both members and staff to see what’s working.

2. Tag Courses Thoughtfully

Categories are only one layer of wayfinding; tags help you add precision.

• Apply consistent tags for more specific themes (such as social security, attorney wellness, bias and inclusion, or artificial intelligence (AI)) as needed.
• You can then use these tags to cross-sell related programs and create niche store bundles.

This is also how you can reflect member search terms (e.g., by problem, audience, or scenario) without overexpanding your main category list.

3. Let Your LMS Reports Inform Your CLE Roadmap

You don’t need to wait for a yearly review to learn from your data. With a capable learning management system (LMS), you can:

• Generate reports by category, course, date range, and more.
• See which courses are gaining or losing traction.
• Spot patterns (such as high registration but low completion rates, which may signal a need to revise areas of course content).

Because every member base is different, your own data should guide your decisions. You can reuse our method of analysis to test which topics, formats, and series work best for your audience.

4. Turn Insights Into Action

Once you’ve identified your own high-interest areas, you might consider:

• Developing a short series around topics that attract sustained interest
• Creating course bundles that connect related themes (like wellness, professionalism, practice management, or technology)
• Featuring high-performing categories more prominently in your CLE storefront, newsletter, or social media
  • Some LMSs even allow you to promote “featured courses”; you can take advantage of this capability to further boost your most popular courses.

The goal here is to use the data you collect to make your upcoming catalogue more strategic, relevant, and easy to navigate.

Conclusion

While our top 10s of 2025 provide an interesting snapshot, the real story is written in your own data. Consider:

• Which categories and topics attracted the most enrollments last year?
  • Which had the most completions?
• Which formats (single course, series, bundle) performed best for your members?

By pairing these insights with clear categories, thoughtful tagging, and regular reporting, you can build a data-driven CLE roadmap that reflects the needs of your members.

So…what were your top 10 CLEs this year?

Works Cited

Campbell, D. (2025, June 9). Fastest-growing and most in-demand legal specialties in 2025. National Jurist. https://nationaljurist.com/fastest-growing-and-most-in-demand-legal-specialties-in-2025/

Nav Thethi. (2024, September 26). Master Taxonomy Management for Digital Success. CMSWire.com. https://www.cmswire.com/digital-experience/master-taxonomy-management-for-digital-success/

The post Our CLE Top 10s of 2025 appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Let’s face it: no matter who you are, your schedule is probably jam-packed and chaotic. And these days, time has become a more precious commodity than ever before. Attention spans are shrinking, and traditional training methods don’t always fit into the daily lives of professionals. This is where microlearning comes in: a modern learning strategy that delivers bite-sized, focused content in short, engaging formats.

If you’re hesitant about incorporating microlearning into your member-based organization’s strategy (or aren’t sure where to start!), now is the perfect time to explore how it can help your organization.

Microlearning can be a powerful benefit for enhancing member engagement while also supporting professional development. Its flexible and accessible nature serves up valuable knowledge in small, digestible lessons, keeping learners engaged and up to date without the information overload!

Whether it’s reinforcing key industry insights, providing on-the-spot training, or boosting skill development, microlearning ensures learning happens wherever and whenever in ways that really stick!

Imagine giving your members access to quick, impactful learning experiences that fit seamlessly into their day, whether that’s between meetings, while commuting, or during a short break. By incorporating microlearning into your educational strategy, you can empower your members to develop professionally, stay up to date with industry trends, and gain even greater value from their membership.

Are you ready to transform how your organization educates and engages its members? Keep reading, and you’ll soon know all the tricks!

Key Takeaways

Microlearning helps member-based organizations deliver learning that’s easier to complete, remember, and apply.

• Enhanced engagement: Short, interactive lessons keep members focused and involved.
• Flexibility and convenience: Members can learn anytime, anywhere, and on any device.
• Cost-effectiveness: Smaller lessons are easier to create, update, and share.
• Improved knowledge retention: Focused content and repetition help learning stick.
• Adaptability to diverse learning styles: Videos, quizzes, infographics, podcasts, and scenarios support different preferences.
• Simple implementation: Assess your members’ needs, create concise content, use the right learning platform, and iterate and improve with feedback. 

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning is a modern approach to lessons that breaks down educational content into small, easy-to-digest chunks, helping learners absorb information fast.

Unlike traditional training, which can take hours, microlearning is designed to be quick, engaging, and efficient, making it easier for learners to pick up (and retain!) knowledge in a snap. It’s ideal for busy professionals in need of skills here and now, which also means it pairs well with just-in-time learning.

According to the Association for Talent Development (n.d.), many people find microlearning valuable because it can be consumed quickly while learners are on the job, unlike longer in-person or virtual training that may require them to carve out time in their work schedules.

At its core, microlearning focuses on one clear learning objective at a time, helping learners grasp and apply information without feeling overloaded. It can stand alone as a quick lesson, act as a refresher for bigger programs, or provide specific education to tackle workplace challenges exactly when needed.

Why Your Organization Needs Microlearning

In a world where every minute counts (and information overload is a real issue!), it’s crucial for organizations to be flexible and creative in order to deliver educational content that works better.

Microlearning is one of the best solutions: its bite-sized, impactful lessons can fit perfectly into even the busiest of schedules! Here’s why microlearning is a total game-changer for your organization:

1. Enhanced Engagement

Long training sessions can be a drag, sometimes leading people to tune out and lose interest. Microlearning delivers short, visually appealing content that captures and retains learners’ attention.

According to the Digital Learning Institute (2014), there is a 50% higher engagement rate with microlearning, and learners achieve a higher retention rate. The precise learning chunks and wide variety of formats benefit both the learner’s experience and the amount of information they retain by reducing the likelihood of cognitive overload.

This is consistent with Balasundaram et al. (2024)’s research, which also demonstrated microlearning’s ability to reduce cognitive overload among learners, which, in turn, allows for enhanced learning and better knowledge retention.

That’s why content like videos, quizzes, and interactive (“gamified”) modules can help encourage members to actively participate in their learning, rather than just passively consume information!

When training is engaging, members are much more likely to stick with it, retain it, and later apply it to real-world situations.

2. Flexibility and Convenience

Microlearning is designed for today’s on-the-go professionals. It allows them to learn anytime, anywhere, on any device. Now, when members have fifteen minutes between meetings or are taking a breather from their current project, they have the ability to access quick, focused learning that doesn’t disrupt their workflow.

Simanjuntak and Haris (2023) explain that microlearning offers flexibility and convenience because the modules are typically focused on a specific learning objective and can be accessed on demand.

Microlearning means members don’t have to dedicate large blocks of time to learning. Instead, they go at their own pace, making it easier to balance professional development with other daily responsibilities.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

Developing and delivering traditional training programs can be expensive and time-consuming. Microlearning, however, is more affordable to create, update, and distribute–especially when using digital platforms! Since content is delivered in smaller chunks, organizations can continuously refresh training materials without investing heavily in large-scale course redesigns.

Lower costs mean more opportunities to provide ongoing education to members while maximizing the return on investment (ROI) of training initiatives.

4. Improved Knowledge Retention

According to Clearwater (2024), people tend to forget a large portion of new information within days or even hours unless they reinforce their learning. Microlearning helps combat this by using repetition and quick, focused lessons that are easier to remember. Interactive elements like quizzes and real-world scenarios also help learners retain knowledge, ensuring that they can apply what they’ve learned when it counts.

After all, better retention leads to stronger skill development, making learning more valuable and impactful for members!

5. Adaptability to Diverse Learning Styles

Every person has a unique learning style, including your members. Some members may prefer watching videos to understand difficult concepts, while others learn best by participating in more interactive activities, and others still excel through reading and reflection. Microlearning can come in a variety of formats (such as videos, infographics, quizzes, and podcasts), which ensures that you can create content that suits every member.

Level up your member-based organization’s learning and accessibility by tapping into each of these different preferences to make your education more inclusive and effective for everyone!

How Can Your Organization Implement Microlearning?

Now that you know the benefits of microlearning, the next question is: how do you make it work? While it’s not rocket science, success comes down to having a solid game plan. Here’s how to get started:

1. Assess Member Needs

Before developing microlearning content, you’ve got to put yourself in your members’ shoes. To pull this off, take the time to gather insights through various methods such as surveys, interviews, and an analysis of past training data to identify important areas like:

• Skill gaps and professional development goals
• Preferred learning formats
• Helpful topics for their professions

By tying microlearning to the actual needs and experiences of your members, you ensure that your content is not just fun to engage with but also (and perhaps more importantly) practical and impactful.

2. Develop Quality Content

Microlearning is effective when it’s clear, concise, and engaging. Cover specific topics and focus on one learning objective per module. Consider implementing:

• Short videos to explain concepts visually
• Infographics for quick reference guides
• Scenarios and case studies for real-world application
• Quizzes and interactive elements to reinforce learning

Content should also be mobile-friendly so that members can access training anywhere–whether they’re in the office or on the go!

3. Leverage Technology

The right learning platform can make or break your microlearning strategy. When choosing a Learning Management System (LMS), look for something that:

• Supports various microlearning formats (such as videos, PDFs, SCORM files, and images)
• Can easily be used on mobile devices
• Tracks learner progress and engagement
• Allows for on-demand content delivery

Organizations can also use email campaigns, social media, or mobile apps to deliver this bite-sized learning directly to members, ensuring even easier access!

4. Gather Feedback and Improve

Continuous improvement is vital to ensuring that your members always have the highest quality learning experiences. To achieve this, all you have to do is ask and look!  You can gather feedback through methods like:

• Surveys and polls
• Course analytics (such as completion rates or quiz scores)
• Discussion forums or feedback sessions

Conclusion

Microlearning can be a powerful way to engage, educate, and empower your organization’s members. By offering short, flexible, and effective learning experiences, you make sure knowledge is easy to access, remember, and use. Whether you’re boosting professional growth, getting new members up to speed, or reinforcing important ideas, microlearning keeps you relevant in a world that’s constantly changing.

Ready to transform the way your organization delivers learning? Start small, think big, and watch your members thrive!

References

Association for Talent Development. (n.d.). What is microlearning? Www.td.org. Retrieved May 27, 2026, from https://www.td.org/talent-development-glossary-terms/what-is-microlearning

Balasundaram, S., Mathew, J., & Nair, S. (2024). Microlearning and learning performance in higher education: A post-test control group study. Journal of Learning for Development, 11(1), 1–14. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1423546.pdf

Clearwater, L. (2024). Understanding the science behind learning retention | reports | what we think | indegene. Www.indegene.com. https://www.indegene.com/what-we-think/reports/understanding-science-behind-learning-retention

Digital Learning Institute. (2014). Microlearning & the benefits. Digital Learning Institute. https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/microlearning-the-benefits

Simanjuntak, F. P., & Haris, D. (2023). Development of digital-based learning modules using the microlearning method to improve mathematical literacy skills for 7th graders at SMP Swasta Bina Bersaudara Medan. Asian Journal of Applied Education (AJAE), 2(1), 27–48. https://doi.org/10.55927/ajae.v2i1.2788

The post All About Microlearning: Why Less Means More appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

In this blog post–based on the exciting presentation that Vocalmeet’s own Dr. Laurelle Jno Baptiste gave at ACLEA’s 60th Mid-Year Meeting–we’ll be taking a look at the not-so-distant history, current trends, and future possibilities of association CLE.

As association leaders, you’re likely well aware of the vital role that staying ahead plays in the ever-evolving legal field–in which CLE serves as everyone’s trusty guide!

So, let’s fasten our seat belts and get ready to explore the past, present, and future of CLE!

The Past: Geography and Scheduling and Bonus Costs, Oh My!

Once upon a time–but not that long ago!–legal professionals found themselves in a largely lecture and theory-based atmosphere. They were limited in their interaction opportunities and faced geographic, financial, and scheduling barriers that often left them missing out.

But, fear not; things were about to change!

Operations, programming, marketing, and website presence have undergone massive transformations, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of member-based organizations. Today, we’ll be looking at the evolution of each. Let’s start with the past:

• Operations:  Administrative staff were tasked with tracking and recording credits, renewals, and course registrations manually, requiring massive amounts of time and effort.
• Programming: Prior to the virtual shift of 2020, many CLE programs were held in-person, limiting accessibility for those with geographic, physical, or financial restrictions.
• Marketing: In 2009, direct mail was considered most effective by 46% of those surveyed; in 2018, marketing emails and in-person promotion were considered most effective. (Wasserman et al., 2018)
• Website Presence: In Marketing General’s 2018 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report, several of the surveyed associations mentioned their website as being a concern. (Wasserman et al., 2018)

Now, this isn’t to say that the years before 2020 were the dark ages–certainly not! eLearning is not new, and lecture-based continuing education continues even now.

There is a synergy that exists when combining the “old” (or at least, older) ways with the new; consider, for example, webinars. These combine traditional lecture-style presentations with the increased scope of an online audience. Same basic principle, much higher yield!

The Present: Embracing Technology for Enhanced eLearning

Fast forward to today, and CLE is moving to overcome traditional challenges. Communication and collaboration have only increased through the use of online tools, expanding accessibility with on-demand and hybrid courses.

Let’s now take a look at exactly what kind of online tools are being used:

Digital Platforms

Traditional event venues are evolving into digital spaces (or else combining with them!), offering flexibility through online on-demand and/or live streamed lectures. These can be hosted on online learning platforms, which offer members a whole host of resources: event registration, forums, resources, and–once an event is over–even recorded, on-demand versions of that very session!

E-Learning and Webinars

Remote, asynchronous learning is on the rise, allowing professionals to tailor education to their schedules. No more travel or scheduling conflicts; members can learn what they want, when they want, where they want!

Collaborative Platforms

Technology fosters collaboration through communication tools and platforms, enabling efficient teamwork in geographically dispersed settings. Consider, for example, how we no longer need to be in the same room to collaborate; this means something like a mentorship program can match mentors and mentees together, regardless of location, and let them share their skills.

This increased technological integration in the present ensures that associations are well-equipped to help members navigate the complexities of the contemporary legal landscape. The industry may change quickly, but with the right technology, it’s a breeze to keep up!

And what of our four favourite factors (operations, programming, marketing, and website presence)? Let’s take a look at what the present holds!

• Operations: Cloud-based Association Management Systems (AMS) can have a considerable impact on the organizational effectiveness of today’s organizations, as they can increase operational efficiency while also reducing administrative costs and burdens.
• Programming: Fueled by the pandemic, the eLearning industry saw record growth in 2020; it’s expected to reach $465 billion by 2028. This highlights a growing demand for flexible, accessible CLE options. (Holst, 2023)
• Marketing: Hubspot notes that in 2023, segmented emails drive 30% more opens and 50% more click-throughs than unsegmented ones. (Kirsch, 2022)
• Website Presence: Mobile users are projected to increase from 6.95 billion in 2020 to 7.49 billion in 2025. (Taylor, 2023) This indicates the importance of ensuring your association’s website–and CLE!–is mobile accessible and responsive.

One can only ask: what does the future hold?

The Future: AI-Enabled Efficiency

Let’s now gaze into our crystal balls and take a moment to explore the thrilling possibilities that CLE is predicted to meet.

AI simulations will transport us into practical real-world scenarios that provide immersive experiences that enhance practical knowledge and provide a controlled environment for refining skills. Members will be able to use tools like Zoom and the Metaverse to hold mock trials to gain valuable, more hands-on experience than presentations alone.

AI algorithms will also allow associations to create personalized education paths for individual members based on their behaviour on the platform. Consider the YouTube algorithm: it pays attention to the kinds of videos you show interest in, then recommends things it thinks you will like based on this data (and that data of other users with similar interests). Tailored paths will work in a similar vein.

And what of our friends, operations, programming, marketing, and website presence? We expect they will likely be characterized as follows:

• Operations:  By 2028, generative AI will reshape customer service and support. (Gartner, 2023) This will allow associations to transfer the burden of FAQs and common support to AI representatives.
• Programming: The virtual reality education market is expected to grow from 11.8 billion in 2023 to 61.55 billion in 2028, affecting all levels of education. (The Business Research Company, 2023)
• Marketing: The Metaverse is projected to reach 1 billion users by 2030 (Futureiot Editors, 2023), presenting exciting opportunities for associations to host virtual events, build communities, and personalize member experiences.
• Website Presence: Learning Management Platforms will increasingly use AI to track user behavior and recommend personalized learning paths for members, as well as promote content suited to their interests.

Overall, our vision of the future emphasizes advanced technologies, a data-centric approach, and a focus on delivering personalized and immersive experiences.

You may also like: Building Better CLE: Tips for Bar Associations

What Do I Do Now?

While adapting to change can be scary, there are three simple things you can do to ensure that your association–and its members–thrive.

• Focus on Staff Training: We only fear technology when we don’t know it. The best way to ready an association for the future is to ensure staff is consistently trained and up-to-date with what’s out there.

• Boost Your Cybersecurity: This goes hand-in-hand with staff training; after all, you want your staff prepared for the types of attacks (e.g. phishing or ransomware) that could happen. Changing technology means new threats–but don’t worry! Arm yourself with knowledge (and some security audits!) and you’ll be in a better position to stay safe and secure.

• Ethical Considerations: One of the scariest things about AI is the idea that it’s going to replace us. This notion plagues every industry, and legal is no exception! In reality, however, AI is just a tool. The help or harm comes from how it’s used. AI should be used to enhance, not replace–so make sure to ally your association with organizations who understand this important distinction.  

When it comes down to it, the evolution of CLE is one born of the desire to make members’ lives better. The shift from more lecture-based learning to technology-enabled sessions increases collaboration and flexibility, while AI of the near future promises tailored learning paths for every member. Remember: the more intuitive, accessible, and cost-efficient the CLE, the wider the audience it’ll gain!

So, here’s to the evolution of CLE in the ever-changing world of law. May your association’s adventure be ever filled with continuous learning, growth, and success!

Hungry for more? Check out the one-pager version from the event HERE!

Sources

Editors, F. (2023, October 20). AI to fuel one billion metaverse users by 2030. FutureIoT. https://futureiot.tech/ai-to-fuel-one-billion-metaverse-users-by-2030/

Gartner. (2023, August 30). Gartner Reveals Three Technologies That Will Transform Customer Service and Support By 2028. Gartner. https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-08-30-gartner-reveals-three-technologies-that-will-transform-customer-service-and-support-by-2028

Holst, R. (2023, April 24). Council Post: Growth Despite A Downturn: Predictions For The Hybrid Learning Industry. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/04/24/growth-despite-a-downturn-predictions-for-the-hybrid-learning-industry/?sh=5f0466253702

Kirsch, K. (2022, November 30). The Ultimate List of Email Marketing Stats for 2022. Hubspot. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/email-marketing-stats

Taylor, P. (2023, January 18). Forecast number of mobile users worldwide 2019-2023 | Statista. Statista; Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/218984/number-of-global-mobile-users-since-2010/

The Business Research Company. (2023, January). Virtual Reality In Education Market Size 2022 And Growth Analysis. Www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com. https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/virtual-reality-in-education-global-market-report

Wasserman, A., Kerr, M., & Rossell, T. (2018). WWW.MARKETINGGENERAL.COM SUPERVISED BY: Tony Rossell Senior Vice President 2018 MEMBERSHIP MARKETING BENCHMARKING REPORT. https://nacmnet.org/wp-content/uploads/The-2018-Membership-Marketing-Benchmarking-Report-Highlighted.pdf

The post Journeying through CLE’s Past, Present, and Future appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

For convenience and simplicity, many rely on their association to provide them with these opportunities.

In fact, many members go to their associations first for professional development! 

For obvious reasons, associations should be ready, willing, and able to answer the call.

It may sound difficult to become the landing spot for all your members’ continuing education needs, but it can be done with the right LMS and the right plan. 

Optimizing your CE system is more than just providing great content; associations need their entire system and all of their processes working toward the same goal. 

The results will speak for themselves: increased revenue and more engaged members! 

To get your association’s CE on the right path, follow the steps below:

1. Connect Everything

Your continuing education platform shouldn’t be an island. 

Ensure that your CE is interconnected with your entire system–including your event center, career services, and CRM software. 

With proper integration, members are able to access your association’s store, job board, and main page directly from the CE platform, allowing these sections to work together to enhance the user experience. 

Your continuing education platform should look and act the same as your main website–you want to provide the most seamless transition possible! Ideally, users shouldn’t even notice they are going between different platforms.

The easy exchange of data across your entire system allows for additional benefits, including single sign-on (one login for everything!) and a better shopping experience overall. 

2. Get Social

Your association should also consider integrating various social systems, like connecting their CE to social media and establishing a member forum. Continuing education isn’t only courses and training, after all; social learning in peer discussions and communities can offer some of the most valuable and relevant lessons available!

Consider creating a course-related forum section for current and past learners to discuss the material–or even open the forum up to all members! You can even mix and match with specific threads within your forum. Encourage discussions by posting think pieces, industry news, and relevant topics.

With social media, learners can share about their learning experiences, which can grant them validation and support. Additionally, by creating a digital badging system, members can showcase the training and certifications they’ve completed on social media, member forums, and job boards–promoting their achievements and your CE all at once! 

3. Personalize It

The most effective learning systems organize their entire experience around each individual user. 

The advanced AI present in many learning management systems today can create personalized learning recommendations for members based on usage and interests. For example, course and certification suggestions can be generated based on past job searches, showing members what training is a prerequisite or could give them an advantage. This can work for non-members as well–effectively turning your LMS into a recruitment tool!

Don’t be afraid to ask members for more information about their likes, interests, and goals, either. You can use this information and create a personalized development path as well. Offer them training in the formats that appeal to them most, suggest training that might serve some of their objectives, and provide recommendations that can give them a helpful career boost. 

4. Support and Evolve

Even with the most intuitive LMS, members will still need support from time to time. Make sure that your association’s lines of communication are open, that your instructions are clear and easy to understand, that there is someone to contact when necessary, and that training and support resources are easily accessible. 

This goes beyond technical support, however; members can also benefit from continuing education support. Provide assistance and advice for members as they plan their careers and educational development paths; a little help can lead to a lot of loyalty! 

Next, you want your association to be at the forefront of your industry. Your courses need to evolve over time, and your materials need to be updated to reflect any changes in the industry. If compliance regulations shift, be sure to offer courses and training that allow members to update and maintain their skills. 

Be sure to incorporate the latest in learning trends and technologies–your members want you to be cutting-edge, and keeping your courses (and platform!) modern will go a long way. Keep your content as up-to-date as possible so that members will be confident in your CE and your association overall. 

5. Create New Opportunities

To get the most out of a training course, associations may need to advertise it and offer it in various ways. Consider making your in-person conferences hybrid, which can improve attendance, engagement, and revenue generation. When it comes to online sessions, record them! You can then use the resulting videos to make fast, easy on-demand courses for members.

Associations can also look at repacking and repurposing older courses with newer ones to help renew interest in past content. Try offering different price levels for different groups–member tiers can create an additional revenue stream and let members pick the plan that’s right for them. That’s instant personalization!

Finally, pin any training that is related to current industry news or changes–this highlights the importance of both the item and your CE. The most important content is that which is evergreen (always relevant) and that which is relevant to the now. Be creative with it! Filling niches is one of the best things an association can do.

You may also like: How to Sell Your Online Courses to Your Members

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, becoming the go-to continuing education resource for your members is a goal that can be achieved with the right tools, strategies, and dedication. 

Combine the right LMS with a well-thought-out plan, and you can provide your members with the best CE experience around, rewarding your members with new skills and your association with repeat renewals for years to come!

References

The post Become the Go-to Continuing Education Resource for Your Members appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

What does that mean for member-based organizations? Well, they have to be proactive in providing content that is both useful and relevant to their members, as well as hits on points that more general education may miss.

As noted by Dr. Laurelle Jno Baptiste in a recent webinar, that’s where niche content comes in. Niche content is unique, tailored content that isn’t widely available. It focuses on specific topics or industries and provides your members with valuable information and insight. Typically, the better you tailor your content to your audience, the better your return on investment will be.

When it comes to continuing education, you want to offer courses that really matter to your audience, so focus on timeliness, relevancy, value, and specificity.

1. Set Your Targets

When deciding what content to create, you first need to think of your target audience. Niche content is based directly on its consumers, so if you don’t have a good grasp of your audience, you won’t be taking full advantage of the technique.

The key is to create a persona: a fictional person who will represent your core demographic. You may have multiple personas for different factions of your audience; for example, you may have one for recent grads, one for industry veterans, and one for the group in between.

You can split your targets into as many personas as you want–just remember, each persona represents a group you want to cater your content to. If you aren’t going to make courses for each type, there’s no point wasting time on that persona. It’s best to set your focus on a few main targets–broad enough to capture the majority of your member base (if not all of it!) when they overlap, but narrow enough that you can tailor content specific to that group.

Once you have your personas, do your research:

• Will your topic be in high demand? Is this something your persona’s demographic will actually want? Is it relevant to their needs and interests?
• What topics are the most highly searched? This will help you narrow down your choices. If a topic is highly searched, that’s a good indicator of its potential success.
• Is your topic current or evergreen? Is the topic you’ve picked timely? Perhaps there has been something in the news recently about your topic. Alternately, evergreen topics are those that are timeless; you may want to touch on something that’s often missed out on but that remains highly important in your industry.

Still not sure what to do? Ask your audience! Host polls on your organization’s social media pages to find out what your members are most interested in; you may find that you’ve been missing out on some key areas of opportunity. When in doubt, it’s best to ask directly; your members will appreciate it!

2. Tailor-Made

As mentioned earlier, the more thoroughly you tailor your content to your audience, the better your ROI will generally be.

Consider Facebook or Youtube algorithms; once you click on a topic, they will curate your feed to be more relevant to what they perceive to be your interests. For example, say you click on a Youtube video about making paper flowers; you’ll likely be recommended more origami tutorials (or videos on other similar crafts) next time you go to your home page.

Member-based organizations can learn to do something similar. Pay attention to your analytics: is one of your courses doing particularly well? You may want to create more courses in the same vein; high purchase and use rates indicate that you’ve likely hit on a good topic!

Alternately, if you find a course is doing less-than-stellar compared to the others, you may want to avoid making similar content for the time being.

A good way to boost these results is to make your content highly searchable on your platform. When selecting a learning management system (LMS) to host your education, pick one that allows for tagging, categorizing, and filtering. Members will be able to look up keywords or search for popular courses–making your content easy to find and allowing for more accurate analytics. If a member can’t find it, they can’t buy it–creating a number of problems for your organization!

3. Make it Make Sense

Next, when developing your courses, you want to make sure you’re presenting your information in the optimal format. Make sure to divide your content into neat, digestible segments–this improves retention and increases understandability. If your course doesn’t make sense to your audience, it doesn’t matter how good its concept is–they’ll be too busy being frustrated and confused to get anything valuable out of it!

Because of this, you want to pay as much attention to the actual execution of your material (how it’s created and presented) as you do the topic selection process.

Look into splitting longer courses into modules. Consider: which is easier to process, one four-hour lecture, or eight half-hour lectures? Humans need time to absorb information and build mental connections. Additionally, if your course is too long, you run the risk of overshooting your members’ attention spans. Keep things tight and concise for the best results!

You may also want to add a degree of interactivity to your courses. Video hurdles–in which members are prompted to answer a question on-screen during a video–can help keep viewers on their toes and stay focussed. There are a variety of interactivity types that can be applied to course content, from multiple choice questions to drag and drop activities and more; when used at key points in a module, they can gamify the experience and keep members’ attention where it belongs: on your course!

4. Marketing Mastery

When wielded correctly, niche content courses can be a powerful marketing tool. After all, you’re providing something that isn’t available elsewhere!

First, start by creating a landing page for your courses; this will provide information on and display the value of what you offer. When making advertisements and building campaigns, you can link back to this page, inviting potential members to find out more—you want to drive as much traffic here as you can!

When your page is set to go, you can embark on a social media campaign to market your CE across the internet. When creating your campaign, be sure to take advantage of the many promotional tools the web has to offer; Canva, Hootsuite, and Jasper AI are all great options to keep quality marketing content coming.

Testimonials and quotes from members who have taken your continuing education programs are especially helpful in showing the value of your product. Worried about getting enough responses? A little incentive to help motivate members to share their experiences should do the trick; try offering discounts on courses or coupon codes to those who submit a testimonial!

Finally, when making your content known, make sure to pay attention to search engine optimization (SEO). By creating a wide web of content that promotes your courses across as many channels as possible, you’ll be able to boost your CE’s search page results. When people are aware of the quality, niche content you offer, it’ll be hard to resist!

You may also like: The Inadvertent Dangers of Outsourcing Your Continuing Education to Third-Parties

Conclusion

When developing continuing education courses for your organization, it’s important to focus on finding a niche. You want your content to be relevant, timely, valuable, and a little rare–the more important but overlooked topics you find, the more interesting material you’ll be able to take advantage of.

Remember, your continuing education courses have the power to draw all sorts of new members to your organization–you just have to pick the right topic!

Want to learn more? Check out our webinar, Continuing Education: Your Shield against Economic Headwinds!

The post Supercharge Your CE: Taking Advantage of Niche Content appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Most states require a certain number of CLE hours each year to maintain a law license, but it can be hard to find quality courses that fit members’ busy schedules. And–let’s be honest–most CLE courses aren’t exactly the most exciting things around!

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way! By following a few simple steps, bar associations can start building better CLE courses with ease.

1. Harnessing the Power of Niche Content

When it comes to CLE courses, one size does not fit all. Attorneys will often look for courses specific to their particular area of practice, so the more specialized the content you provide, the better!

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples. An attorney who works in criminal law will not be interested in a course on tax law; likewise, a corporate lawyer will not want to sit through a course on family law.

This much may seem obvious, but it can go a step further. Your association should search for interesting, relevant, and unique topics for its courses. Yes, you should have more general courses–these are perfect for introductory programs!–but if you want to really bring value to your membership, try thinking outside the box.

Try to make your content timely. Is there a precedent-setting case in the news? Perhaps you’ll want to do a deep-dive webinar on the details. Are there laws being reexamined or updated? You could cover these, as well!

Additionally, by partnering with experts in various niche areas, bar associations can offer courses that are tailored to specific practices. This will ensure that attendees get the most relevant and useful information possible.

Not only will this make your CLE courses more interesting for attendees, but it will also make your audience more likely to return in the future. You want to capture their intention with insightful, valuable content. After all, why would an attorney take an irrelevant, useless course from their bar association? It’s all about quality!

Once you’ve made your content, make sure to categorize it thoroughly. You want your members to be able to actually find your courses! Keep everything as organized and accessible as possible.

If your bar association is looking to build better CLE courses, consider harnessing the power of tailored content. It’s one surefire way to interest and engage new members! Now, let’s look at a few more:

2. CLE for the Next Generation: Attracting New Members

As the legal profession evolves, so must the way bar associations provide Continuing Legal Education. The needs of lawyers are changing, and bar associations must adapt to continue to meet those needs. In particular, there is a need to engage new lawyers in CLE programs.

First, you have to let your audience know what’s available. Make sure to promote your programs across your association’s social media channels. To spice things up, try offering seasonal packages, keeping things timely and relevant. Remember to be consistent; if you only post rarely and sporadically, you won’t stay in the minds of your members for long!

Next, you want to make things interesting. You can try incorporating gamification into your programs; by making them interactive and offering digital badges as achievement-style rewards, you’ll be upping the excitement factor of your courses. You could even incorporate–selectively!–a few choice memes to amuse your audience.

Third, it’s important to make sure the programs you offer are affordable. New lawyers often have large student loan debts and may be working in jobs that do not pay high salaries. Discounts on CLE programs for new members can make them more accessible to new lawyers.

By offering relevant, convenient, and affordable CLE programs, bar associations can better engage new lawyers with their educational offerings. This, in turn, will help to ensure that your members’ careers–and your association’s membership base–continue to thrive!

3. Two Birds, One Stone: the Value of the Hybrid Events 

As the world becomes increasingly mobile and virtual, it can be difficult to know how to best engage your members; is it better to do in-person or online sessions?

The answer is simple: host a hybrid event!

Hybrid events are a combination of in-person and virtual courses, and they offer several benefits to both bar associations and their members. There are a number of ways to make your event hybrid, like livestreaming the session on your association’s website, or else recording and posting it online after the event–or, even better, both!

Hybrid CLE courses allow members who cannot attend in-person to still participate and receive credit. This is especially beneficial for members who have busy schedules. Livestreamed courses take care of geographical limitations, and on-demand recorded courses open the field up to everyone.

Hybrid CLE courses allow bar associations to further their reach and increase their earning potential at the same time. You’re making your session accessible to an entire second audience–without losing the first–and bypassing the most common barriers to entry for in-person events. This means you can earn more revenue than from an in-person event alone!

The use of hybrid CLE courses is a win-win for both bar associations and their members. By offering these courses, bar associations can ensure that their members are able to receive the education they need–while simultaneously expanding their reach and non-dues revenue!

You may also like: The Top 5 Strategies for Bar Associations to Increase CLE Revenue in 2021 and Beyond

When it comes to building better CLE for your bar association, it’s best to pay attention to the basics: focus on tailoring your content, attracting new members, and increasing accessibility. You want solid, quality courses that no one else offers; you want to attract new members with your value and ease of use; and you want to reach as wide an audience as possible. Follow ACLEA’s footsteps and “Adjust, Collaborate, and Elevate”!

The post Building Better CLE: Tips for Bar Associations appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

In an increasingly competitive world, the ability for associations to distance themselves from their competition is becoming more and more difficult.

Associations everywhere are looking for new ways to increase profits, attract more members, and retain them for longer. Thankfully, continuing education–particularly of the online variety!–has proven to be the most effective method of meeting all three demands.

For members, the need for continuing education is only growing stronger, regardless of field. Additionally, industries are evolving faster than ever before, meaning both knowledge and experience become outdated quickly.

In this ever-changing world, those who stay up-to-date with industry knowledge and trends through continuing education are the ones who thrive–and the associations that offer this education are poised to reap the profits!

When it comes to associations offering continuing education, increased profits come in several different sizes and shapes.

The first, and perhaps most important, is the revenue stream that online continuing education opens for associations. For career-driven members, the cost of education is more than justified by the value of the return. Moreover, continuing education presents a variety of benefits, including generating new leads, bringing in new members, enhancing member engagement, and even positioning your association as an industry leader.

1. Continuing Education as a Revenue Stream

For today’s workforce, the ability to stay ahead of the curve (or even just to stay competitive) within a given industry depends on the skills and education one can acquire–as well as how up-to-date both are.

In the past, experience went a lot further than it does now; today, current knowledge is a necessity, and it requires proof, typically displayed through degrees, diplomas, and certifications. Consequently, associations that offer members the chance to stay up-to-date on industry trends and educational requirements provide not only a highly in-demand service, but one that is crucial in almost every industry!

For the association with an established continuing education platform, they now have a constantly evolving and replenishing revenue stream in place. The more options and opportunities an association makes available to its members, the more potential revenue continuing education offers the provider! Everybody wins.

Additionally, as industries evolve and require new certificates or skills, associations gain equal opportunities for new revenue streams. The cycle of revitalization that new and changing industry certificates and educational requirements provide an association is a blessing in disguise. While you do have to create the courses that match trending topics and new requirements, the demand will easily lead to a great return on investment for any association that participates.

Industry trends aren’t the only factor affecting continuing education, though; ever-increasing globalization taps continuing education in to provide international knowledge and education. E-learning means that your association’s reach can expand far beyond geographical boundaries, as well. Consider: you could be bringing new members in from across the globe, sharing your education with people from everywhere!

2. Continuing Education for Lead Generation

Another great benefit for associations offering online continuing education is that it can bring an increase in both new and potential members.

Take, for example, the offer of a free course. This can be used to attract potential members to an association’s website in exchange for their contact information. From here, the association can target this new and qualified lead in the future with association information, other course offerings, and advertising.

Don’t want to go the free course route? You can instead use continuing education as a point of approach for potential new members. You’re providing something of value to discuss with and offer your candidates.

If nothing else, continuing education gives an association yet another benefit to tempt members interested in registering, while also positioning your association above any competitors who lack educational opportunities.

3. Continuing Education for Member Engagement

One of the most important and most overlooked elements of an association is the matter of member engagement.

It stands to reason that the more engaged in an association members are, the more invested and willing to renew they will be. By offering continuing education, associations establish a system that keeps members involved, simply by keeping them up-to-date on current industry trends, demands, and opportunities.

But, it’s also more than that!

Continuing education encourages members to participate and advance in their fields by keeping them educated and informed. An informed member is a valuable asset, not just to an association, but to the industries they belong to! There’s no better way to help advance careers (and industries!) than by cultivating a member base filled with skilled, knowledgeable professionals.

At the end of the day, continuing education is a service that members are better for receiving and they, in turn, reward their associations with their loyalty year after year.

4. Continuing Education for Industry Positioning

Part consequence, part intent, offering continuing education to members also establishes the providing association as a thought leader within the industry.

Those who keep members engaged and informed in their industries and those who provide industry education tend to become a hub for industry discussion and involvement. For most associations, this is a very welcome and profitable side effect to offering continuing education!

Members seek out associations that represent their needs and provide them with a voice, so what better choice than one that seeks to better its members in return? The potential opportunities that result from this are plentiful for associations, including a more significant and visible presence within the industry, as well as the option to expand into other educational content (such as with tutorials, webinars, and conferences).

From this new industry position, associations will typically see increased interest, memberships, renewals, and–most importantly–profit!

You may also like: How to Recession-Proof Your Association

Conclusion

In conclusion, offering online continuing education can be a great way for associations to increase profits, attract new members, and retain existing ones. With the need for lifelong learning only increasing, the provision of quality continuing education not only becomes a valuable asset for any association looking to differentiate itself from its competition–but a crucial one!

Overall, the benefits of offering online continuing education to members are clear, and associations that prioritize this service will be well-positioned to thrive in the competitive landscape of today’s environment!

The post Profiting from Online Continuing Education appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Online learning grants participants the opportunity to learn almost anything from anywhere at any time. Unfortunately, like any course in a physical setting, online classes can come with their own challenges and obstacles if the instructor isn’t prepared.

While there are many solutions and workarounds for these potential obstacles, acknowledging and preparing for impediments will allow you to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

By following these five tips, online instructors everywhere can not only overcome common online course obstacles, but even sidestep them altogether!

 1. Build a Personal Brand and Know Your Participants

There are many articles that discuss how online instructors can get the best possible response from their participants, and one area they all examine is how personable the instructor is, as well as how well they know their participants.

In the digital age, we all know how online settings can make a person bland and anonymous if we let them. Teachers can become faceless robots and learners can be lost amongst the crowd. No one benefits from anonymity in online learning.

Combatting this begins with the instructor.

Give your participants a little background on yourself. Make yourself as welcoming and genial as you can. This will encourage participants to listen and engage more, to reach out if they become stuck or lost at a certain stage, and–importantly!–more forgiving should something go wrong.

To get to know your participants better, ask each of them to give you a little information on their own background–their experience, their session goals, their careers. This will help you provide feedback and even lessons that are tailored to them and their specific needs. The better you know your participants, the better you’ll better understand their work!

2. Foster an Active Environment

There’s a misconception that online courses must be less interactive than in-person classes. This comes from the idea that, because students are learning on their own time, they are alone.

This doesn’t have to be the case–nor should it be!

Like an in-person classroom, online classes need a supportive and active instructor. Not only should instructors be present, they should make their presence known by engaging with participants directly. This active participation will go a long way in showing learners that you’re engaged and care about their progress!

This goes hand-in-hand with our previous step; by making yourself friendly and approachable, learners will be more willing to participate in conversations with you. You can also help bolster discussion by asking follow up questions of their responses–even challenging them to stimulate thought.

Avoid adding too much extra work or research for learners in these discussions, though–otherwise, some might avoid adding their input in the first place. You want to be welcoming and thought-provoking, not antagonistic.

3. Avoid Miscommunication by Creating Clear and Deliberate Expectations

In an online setting, your initial written instructions will set the standard for the entire course.

Not only do these upfront instructions need to be crystal clear, they need to establish guidelines and expectations that everyone must follow–including the instructor.

Timing is always incredibly important when dealing with online courses. One of the huge benefits to eLearning is time flexibility, so participants need accurate scheduling information to organize their courses around their lives.

You should also consider and display how quickly you will be able to respond to queries, then adhere to it. These times can be modified later if needed, but you want to establish accurate expectations from the start. Let learners know what to expect ahead of time, and they’ll be more likely to work well with you.

When it comes to instructions, there’s a good rule of thumb to go by: if multiple people asking the same thing, even you believe the answer is obvious and available, there’s a definite clarity problem you need to deal with. Your instructions are the common denominator in this situation, after all!

When this happens, it’s best to address everyone in the course. The best online instructors are the ones who accept constructive criticism and provide detailed feedback in return.

If the course is designed well, the success of future modules depends on the material itself. Providing written feedback gives participants an actionable list of things to work on for their next assignment.

Make it known from the start that you’re willing to provide extensive feedback and that building from it is necessary to flourish. Don’t forget, though–teaching is a two-way street, so make sure participants have plenty of opportunities to make suggestions, too!

4. Set Learners (and Members) Up for Success

Solitary online learning does not (and should not) mean loneliness.

You don’t have to baby learners, but you can build a course and a system that helps set them up for success.

One tip to accomplish this is to start slow and easy. Make your early lessons or assignments especially easy to understand and complete; this will allow learners to become fully (and comfortably) immersed in the course right away. It also helps build their confidence.

From here, you’ll want your course design to follow an obvious pattern. This will help learners build a rhythm and make it easier to anticipate deadlines.

That being said, missed deadlines are unavoidable, no matter where you’re instructing. Thankfully, you can limit these by setting up helpful, friendly reminders. You can set up automated notifications to advise learners about any important dates coming up.

Another key for setting online participants up for success is to ask for their feedback during the course and upon completion. You’ll need to learn to take critique in stride and work toward resolving criticism, rather than disregarding it.

Do this and you’ll find that with each passing course, you’re becoming more and more effective in your methods! Your course delivery will also grow smoother and easier to manage. You’ll be an expert in no time!

5. Ensure Quality Resources are Easily Accessible

The final obstacle is technological limitations and a lack of online resources. The solutions are theoretically simple but more difficult to put into practice.

First, do your best to ensure that all of the course resources are digital, current, and easily searchable online. If this isn’t possible, make sure that they are at least easy to find for all learners–there’s nothing more defeating in a course than being unable to find a resource!

Go through and check all of your links, confirming that they aren’t broken or missing. Not every course will have access to high-quality digital material, but working material is an absolute must.

Another great tip for online instructors is to try and break up the monotony with a variety of exercises and resource types. This is essential for keeping learners engaged and feeling refreshed when working away on their own.

Then, there’s the technology. Regardless of how well you plan, tech problems can be inescapable at times. You can’t avoid them, but you can expect them; have a plan in place for when they do happen. Tutorials and helplines can be invaluable in this situation.

Conclusion

For learners, falling behind (or getting lost altogether!) can make them feel like they’re on island. Thankfully, the reality is that they aren’t alone!

By following these tips, you can prove this; create a friendly and welcoming environment and you’ll find that eLearning can be every bit as inclusive as an in-person classroom is–if not more so.

Sources:

Milheim, Karen. “Toward a Better Experience: Examining Student Needs in the Online Classroom through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Model.” Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 2012.

The post 5 Ways Online Instructors Can Improve Their Presentations appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

We used to learn in classrooms, sitting in rows of desks and chairs, all staring at one person in the distance. This process was mostly a one-way channel, always in one place at a specific time.

With eLearning, the classroom disappears and the audience is always in the front row with the instructor. The users can access the content any time and anywhere.

However, with the multitude of content and courses that has filled the internet, you want your educational offerings to stand out and be seen.

In order to do that, your course needs to be polished and take advantage of the best platform and tools the internet has to offer.

That’s why we’ve created simple guide to get you more than ready to take the association education world by storm!

1. Have clear learning objectives for courses

A course is only as good as its objectives.

Make them too general, and the material will miss the target. You’ll confuse your audience about what you’re trying to say, and your key points will become muddled. Instead:

• Be clear.
• Be concise.
• Focus on what’s most vital.

Build course content around solid goals and your lessons will be like a well shot arrow, true to the mark!

2. Build a supportive learning community

One of things that has made the internet such a thriving place to communicate and learn is that communities have been built around almost every subject. Your association should do the same.

You need to be able to foster that community connection and encourage conversation. This can be done easily through easy-to-manage discussion boards and forums built directly into your platform; make sure the learning management system you choose to host your content can accommodate this!

Don’t forget: your encouragement to your audience to join the conversation should be constant and consistent–you need your members to know the tool exists so they can actually use it!

3. Use video for course development

Online courses need video content. It’s that simple.

Video is engaging because it’s a both audible and visual.

With video, you can show complex ideas step-by-step, demonstrating how they come together as a whole. The presenter can be front and center for the audience, taking them wherever they need to go.

Nothing keeps audience attention better than video!

4. Choose an easy-to-navigate learning management system

Many platforms are based on out-of-date technology (and thinking). They’re often known for being clunky, obtrusive, and difficult to navigate.

Instead, the platform you choose should be as simple to navigate as possible, while still giving the user everything they need to successfully complete–and enjoy!–their course.

Your platform should organize your content into modules, where video is interspersed with quizzes and resource documents. It should be designed to be intuitive, allowing the user to naturally follow the course without issue.

5. Add feedback and evaluation mechanisms

The best way to improve is to gather and implement course feedback.

Surveys and evaluations can point you to which topics are lacking and which are being covered too heavily.

With user feedback capabilities built into your eLearning, it becomes easy to improve your courses and better target the audience you want to capture. This feedback can also be gathered with advance reporting that shows you how each segment is being completed, how users are progressing, and where they may be getting stuck.

You may also like: Supercharge Your CE: Taking Advantage of Niche Content

Conclusion

When curating your association’s educational content, there will always be a lot to consider, from the topics you cover to the platform and tools you use.

Thankfully, by following these best practices, you’ll be able to better ensure that your course is engaging and offers learners a rewarding experience. And, with clear learning objectives, a supportive learning community, incorporated video, the right learning management system, and evaluation mechanisms, you can create an online course that’s  both engaging and successful.

That’s a win for your association–and your members!

The post 5 Best Practices for Offering Online Courses appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

In the vast world of online education, there is often a fine line between beneficial components and unnecessary complications.

Most associations want an eLearning system that provides the most effective educational experience for their users: one that includes advanced tools and up-to-date, efficient features–but one that is also straightforward and easy to use.

So, where does mobile learning fall in this framework? Is it a valuable addition? Is it unnecessarily complex?

Mobile learning is a simply a form of eLearning that uses personal electronic devices (like your phone!).

Smartphone ownership and internet usage are only on the rise, and the convenience of pocket learning is too appealing to pass up. After all, if you can learn on the go–like during your morning commute, or while waiting in a particularly line–why wouldn’t you?

With this incredible growth and upward trending for smartphones, many associations are trying to figure out if and when they should incorporate mobile learning into their eLearning platform.

So, let’s take a look today at 5 of the great advantages mobile learning offers:

1. It Incorporates Modern Learning Tools  

Adhering to the contemporary trends and tools of eLearning is important for online courses to stay ahead of the curve–assuming that they’ve demonstrated that they actually work!

Some of the best modern learning tools (like multimedia and gamification) have been shown to work extremely well on mobile devices. As smartphone users typically already use their mobile devices for various types of online multimedia and handheld games, these methods lend themselves perfectly to mobile learning and are quickly adopted.

Not only does mobile learning position itself to perform on par with desktop learning, there are even some studies that suggest mobile eLearning may actually outperform its desktop counterpart, particularly in areas that incorporate the aforementioned online multimedia and gamification.

Students in online courses have demonstrated a willingness to adopt mobile learning as the primary vehicle for their courses, and the completion and achievement results have been positive as well. As more research goes into finding different ways to reach modern students more effectively, expect to see a rise in eLearning done on handheld devices!

2. It Offers Improved Continuous Learning

One of the most import advances that mobile learning offers eLearning students is the ability to work on the go.

Not only are the devices smaller and more portable, but online networks are often easier to access when on-the-go compared to laptops (and worse, desktops!). After all, you may have to make your cell phone a mobile hotspot to use your laptop when away from your home network–so, isn’t it simpler to access things straight from your handheld device?

Mobile-friendly online courses also advance what is already a much more flexible method of learning than in-person courses offer. The added freedom to study whenever and wherever gives participants a less structured and isolated environment, meaning users can build the educational environment and routine that works best for them.

Because of this, mobile learning has the potential to feel less like “learning” than more traditional models do–even eLearning on a desktop. It doesn’t necessarily require a dedicated time or place to learn, giving students more choice and flexibility in their studies. Compared with its potential for additional gamification, your courses will soon feel more like “fun” and less like “homework for adults”.

The ability to continue your learning from anywhere on your mobile device also encourages lessons to be completed in bite-sized chunks, a strategy that is being employed more and more in contemporary learning models (Millward, 2005). This “microlearning” can also aid in “just-in-time learning”, where participants pick up necessary skills as they need them–an increasingly common practice that, if catered to, could greatly increase the value of your association’s courses!

3. It’s a Familiar Medium for Younger Generations

This may be surprising, but young adults are not nearly as familiar with desktop computers as you might think.

Only 77% of adults under the age of 49 own computers, whereas 99% of those same adults own smartphones, and 58% own tablets. Not just this–approximately 28% of people aged 18-29 use their smartphones for internet almost exclusively.

With the ever-growing capabilities of smartphones, they are quickly becoming the only device needed for the Internet, meaning that the device familiarity gap for younger generations is likely going to continue to get worse before it gets better.

Additionally, most of the major LMS platforms now include mobile learning capability, which allows them to convert old legacy online courses into more modern, mobile-friendly formats, so compatibility will continue to become even less of an issue than it is today. Mobile learning is only on the rise!

4. It Integrates Courses with Daily Life

In today’s connected world, learners want online courses that provide quick (even real time!) results and instant access–and what better way than with a few clicks on their portable devices? With fully integrated and smartphone-compatible courses, users can multitask to the max by completing their lessons while they wait in line, commute, or even while relaxing at home.

Similarly, course administrators want the ability to connect with their students as easily and quickly as possible, establishing a fluid and highly accessible line of communication.

With mobile learning, courses are can be fully integrated with a student’s smartphone, meaning resources are at a student’s fingertips at all times. This ease of access can help increase both student participation and course visibility; course administrators can send updates, notifications, test results, forum postings, and anything else directly to a participants’ smartphones, making unread notes and unengaged students a thing of the past.

5. It Creates a Collaborative Learning Environment

Another positive for the mobile learning movement is a benefit for both the association and the student: because most smartphone users exist in a world of social media and visible online networks, eLearning (and particularly mobile learning) has the potential to become a more collaborative and shared experience.

Online learning, especially in the early days, suffered somewhat due to its isolated nature, but today’s easier access online networks encourages more visibility and a greater sense of community for online learners.

Furthermore, the simplicity of connecting online courses to social networks (like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter) is a massive marketing opportunity for course administrators. The ability to instantly share and promote your programs online is an absolute boon from a marketing standpoint!

You may also like: How Requirements Documents Help Your Association Obtain the Perfect LMS

Conclusion

For associations looking to enhance their online education, mobile learning shouldn’t be overlooked. By incorporating modern tools, allowing for flexible learning, providing a familiar medium, integrating with daily life, and creating a collaborative learning environment, mobile learning can help maximize the educational experience and enhance the overall success of a program.

Don’t sleep on this fast-growing industry; look into mobilizing your association’s training today!

To learn more about Vocalmeet’s Learning Management System and its mobile features, click here!

Sources:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563212003020

https://www.ericsson.com/mobility-report

Millward, Lynne. Understanding Occupational & Organizational Psychology. Sage, 2005.

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