E-learning is emerging as a revolutionary force in the modern world that helps spread knowledge and skills around the globe without any restrictions. The advancement in technology not only breaks down the traditional barriers but also provides unique instructional design methodologies for learning.
Action Mapping is among the famous and innovative strategies that help increase the effectiveness of your e-learning. Let’s discuss what action mapping is and what role it plays in the world of e-learning.
What is Action Mapping?
Action Mapping is a proper systematic instructional design process that creates meaningful and engaging E-learning experiences for users. Action Mapping process was developed by Cathy Moore and the first version was published in May 2008. In the process of action mapping, learning objectives are aligned with real-world actions which makes the content relevant as well as applicable.
The main purpose of action mapping is to fill the gap between learning and application. Traditional e-learning ways barely provide the learner with skills or practical knowledge that they can apply in their professional or personal lives. Action mapping helps address this issue by focusing on actionable and practical outcomes.
How to Create an Action Map?
A step-by-step guide on how to create Cathy Moore action mapping for effective e-learning is given below:
Step 1: Identify the Business Goal
The first step of the action maps ladder is to identify the business goal(s). You and your stakeholder or client should be on the same page before you start the training. This collaboration can help you understand why they are signing up for the training and which missing blocks they’re looking forward to bridging.
You can conduct an analysis before getting started to find out what the learners are up to, what are your objectives for them, and where they are lacking. The business goal can be placed in the center of the action map.
Step 2: Define the Actions
The next step is to identify what actions the learners are supposed to perform to achieve success in the previously defined business goal. These actions are the foundation for developing learning objectives and content.
Knowledge and skill are not the same things so it is important to clearly define the actions for the learners to follow. The more practical work is included, the more effective the learning will be.
Step 3: Design Learning Activities
After the identification of the actions in the second step, the third step is to identify the required skills and knowledge of learners to perform the desired actions effectively. This step makes sure learning content is targeted and directly applicable to real-world scenarios.
You need to think thoroughly in this step about clear learning objectives to create training that encourages learners to follow your command and gain practical knowledge.
Step 4: Create Assessment Criteria
The last step is to create an assessment criteria to measure the proficiency of the learners in the identified skills and knowledge.
These assessments should align with the learning objectives and should be designed to test practical learning rather than only basic memorization.
Benefits of Action Mapping
Some of the obvious benefits of action mapping are discussed below:
Increased Relevance
Action Mapping ensures that E-learning content is directly relevant to the learners’ needs and goals. The outcomes of this process are more actionable and are more meaningful and applicable to the real-world structure.
The learning objectives in action mapping are aligned with practicals and business goals. Action mapping allows instructional designers to create modules that resonate with the learners on the practical level.
Also Read: How to Become an eLearning Developer
Enhanced Engagement
Traditional E-learning methods cannot maintain the learner’s interest or attention for too long. Action mapping consists of real-world scenarios that increase learner engagement and also encourage interactive activities.
The hands-on learning due to action mapping keeps the learner hooked throughout the training process and results in oral as well as practical knowledge.
Efficient Resource Utilization
Another benefit of action mapping is efficient resource utilization by making a well-organized instructional design process. When you focus on the necessary skills and actions as an instructional designer you can avoid unnecessary content dumping and the training process remains focused and efficient.
Efficient resource utilization saves time and resources in the development phase and makes the learning experience more impactful.
Improved Retention and Application
Action mapping promotes a deeper understanding of the content by spotlighting practical applications over shallow memorization. When the learning objectives are aligned with actionable outcomes, learners can connect the acquired information with practical applications in the real world.
This makes it easy for them to retain and apply in their professional lives. Improved retention and application results in better professional performance and a higher return on investment for organization.
Common Misconceptions about Action Mapping
Action mapping is misunderstood in many ways limiting learners to opt for traditional E-learning means. Some of the common misconceptions are:
Action Mapping is Time-Consuming
Many people believe that action mapping is a time-consuming process. It is obviously not true and is merely a misconception. Action mapping streamlines instructional design and makes it easy to navigate.
It focuses on necessary actions and skills and eliminates the need for unnecessary content which results in more efficient E-learning development.
Action Mapping Ignores Theoretical Knowledge
Some critics commented that Action Mapping neglects theoretical knowledge and only focuses on practical application. In reality, action mapping tries to create a balance between understanding foundational concepts and building a practical approach to work within professional life.
One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Another misconception is that Action Mapping offers a solution that fits each and every type of learning. In fact, Action mapping is a flexible framework that can be adapted for different learning needs and organizational contexts. It is applicable across various industries.
Also Read: What is Vicarious Learning
Final Thoughts
The concept of E-learning is constantly evolving and it’s high time we leave traditional E-learning ways behind and opt for more effective methods. Action mapping is one of the most efficient processes of E-learning that transforms the learning cycle by balancing equally between foundational concepts and the gain of actionable outcomes.
Action Mapping creates a proper plan for instructional designers or trainers to carry out their training in the most effective ways and get the desired outcome that aligns with their business goals. Action mapping is playing a big role in the evolution of E-learning and is helping to unlock the true potential of online education for learners and organizations.
