The Goldfish Effect: Navigating Shortening Attention Spans!
Are you leaving your organisation vulnerable to compliance risks? In this blog, Irene Gaydon, Change and Learning Architect for Marbral Advisory, explains how the regulatory training landscape has changed and how businesses need to adapt now to modern learning practices to ensure they remain compliant.
If you were to do an online search, at least 19 sources would confirm that adult human beings now have a shorter attention span than a goldfish! While there is evidence to repudiate these claims, in the fast-paced digital era, the trend of globally shortening attention spans in adults has emerged as a significant challenge for educators and trainers. While content with a clear value proposition can captivate users for much longer, this trend has far-reaching implications, especially for online regulatory training, where effective engagement is essential to ensure learners not only pay attention to the content, but also retain and act upon the knowledge gained.
Causes and Impacts of Shortening Attention Spans on Online Regulatory Training
The modern digital landscape inundates users with a surplus of information and distractions. As a result, users have become adept at quickly assessing the relevance of online content and making snap decisions about their worth. Online regulatory training faces unique challenges as the complex, lengthy and sometimes uninspiring subject matter often fails to capture learners' attention, leading to reduced engagement and a lack of comprehension of vital regulatory information. This lack of engagement can hinder the retention and practical application of regulatory concepts, leaving organisations vulnerable to compliance risks.
Engaging Adult Learners Using Stories, Video, and Microlearning
To counter the effects of shortening attention spans in online regulatory training, adopting engaging strategies is imperative. The use of storytelling, video, and microlearning can make content more enjoyable, relevant, and impactful for adult learners.
Stories: Stories have been a powerful communication tool since ancient times. Integrating real-life scenarios and case studies into regulatory training can make abstract concepts more tangible and relatable to learners. By presenting the consequences of non-compliance, learners can understand the practical implications of adhering to regulations. Additionally, engaging or shocking stories foster emotional connections with the content, which further enhances understanding and retention.
Video: Video-based learning has gained popularity due to its visual appeal and accessibility. Videos can effectively convey complex regulatory topics in a concise and engaging manner and can include animations, interviews with subject matter experts, and dramatisations of compliance scenarios, making the training content more compelling. Adding an element of fun, such as quizzes or interactive exercises, keeps learners engaged throughout the learning process and reinforces knowledge retention.
Microlearning: Breaking down regulatory topics into bite-sized modules is efficient and effective. Bite sized, focused content allows learners to quickly and conveniently access or revisit information. Its flexibility allows integration into busy schedules, fostering continuous learning and skill development.
Ensuring Access using Mobile Devices and Enhancing Accessibility
As mobile devices become integral to daily life, optimising online regulatory training for mobile access is essential. Mobile-friendly training materials enable learners to access content anytime and anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.
To enhance accessibility, closed captions and descriptors should be provided for audio content. Closed captions accommodate learners with hearing impairments and also benefit those who cannot access the audio or prefer reading along with the audio.
Contact Us to Elevate Your Online Regulatory Training
At Marbral Advisory, we understand the challenges posed by shortening attention spans in online regulatory training. Our team of experts are committed to creating engaging and effective training programmes that resonate with adult learners. Contact us today to discuss options and how we can help elevate your online regulatory training. Together, let's create a dynamic and impactful learning experience that not only captures learners' attention but also empowers them to apply their regulatory knowledge with confidence and proficiency.
Marbral Advisory write and develop training programmes and deliver face-to-face training, virtual classroom delivery, and develop bespoke e-learning and microlearning for clients. Get in contact with Irene today to discuss your business training requirements: irene.gaydon@marbraladvisory.com or visit our learning page for more information: https://www.marbraladvisory.com/learning
