Behavioral change through e-learning: how do you do it?

Many students purchase a course to learn a new habit, break an old one, or change their lifestyle.

In these courses, it is not just about learning a new skill (such as learning a new language), but about changing existing behavior.

How can you design your e-learning so that it leads to the desired behavioral change in your student?

1. Behavioral change takes time

‍We all know the feeling: we start a course full of enthusiasm because it perfectly matches what we are looking for at that moment. For example, we want to start a diet, learn to meditate, or become more visible on social media.

But research shows that, unfortunately, e-learning courses are very often not completed. So, make sure you keep your student's interest. ‍

2. Make progress clearly visible

‍To prevent students from dropping out halfway through, it is important that they can clearly see that they are making progress. You can use a timeline for this, for example, where students can clearly see what percentage of the e-learning they have already completed. But it is even more fun to make it interactive.

For example, give daily or weekly assignments and have students post them in the community, or on a "bulletin board" or in the discussion forum, for instance.

This creates a sense of accountability and builds "urgency." Additionally, it is important to set manageable (learning) goals.

It is better to formulate several small goals so that the student feels they have already achieved multiple milestones, rather than setting one goal that might seem far away.‍

3. Make it fun and celebrate success

‍In a previous blog, we already wrote about the success of gamification in e-learning. Gamification is the use of game elements to make learning activities more challenging and fun.

Traditional game elements such as scoring points, competing with others, and following game rules are applied to increase engagement in learning. You can also use gamification to celebrate student success.

Celebrating successes during learning and the process of behavioral change has a positive effect on student motivation.

4. Stay present

‍If the student only has the learning environment to log into, that can be a significant hurdle. Invite the student to learn by, for example, sending reminders via an app or an email in which you remind the student why they chose this e-learning in the first place.

‍This triggers them to continue. You can also set fixed moments to "check in" with your students. For example, "Celebrate Success Friday" or "Visibility Wednesday" – if you apply this consistently, students will look forward to it and feel motivated to contribute as well.

After all, they see other students sharing their successes and naturally don't want to be left behind!

Consistency is a key feature of behavioral change, so a regular "check-in" moment fits perfectly with this.‍

5. Practice what you preach

‍If you are teaching a course and want to foster behavioral change in your students, you are a vital source of inspiration yourself.

After all, your students didn't buy your course for nothing. They may have been following you on social media for a while or are on your email list, and they decided to purchase your course based on your inspiration and success.

So, don't let them down!

Consistently show them, in your training and, for example, in the associated community, how the behavior you are teaching them continues to improve and enrich your life every day.‍

6. Start an active community‍

Starting an (active!) community that aligns with your course is perhaps one of the most successful tools for achieving long-term behavioral change.

The community acts as a support system and a social network. Students can encourage and support one another. They can answer each other's questions and share valuable information.

In addition, a community is a fantastic platform for sharing successes and for you as a trainer to be present in the group. For example, you can start a Facebook group or be actively present on the discussion forum within your e-learning platform.

‍In short, if you take these tips to heart, e-learning is extremely well-suited for achieving lasting behavioral change!