A Summary on the Article “8 Tips To Apply The Spacing Effect In Your eLearning Course Design”

Online learning can be overwhelming when learners are streamed with a passive amount of
information all at once. Hermann Ebbinghaus back in 1885 found out that long-term memory is enhanced
when learning events are spaced apart in time, rather than massed in immediate succession. As such,
applied to eLearning, online learners are able to commit knowledge to long-term memory, thereby beating
the forgetting curve and enhancing the benefits of the eLearning course. The following are some tips:

1. Reinforce Key Concepts With Real-World Activities

We learn best when we can see the significance of the concepts and apply it to our real-life scenarios. The
application of the key concepts that we learn on what we actually do and practice in real life situations
enhances retention of such concepts.

2. Use A Variety Of Delivery Methods

Reinforcing the teaching- learning process is also vital in the success of the whole process. The
variety of delivery methods and instructional design approaches contribute to the learning of the students. It
serves two purposes. First, is that it allows online learners to explore the subject in different contexts.
Second, is that it can cater to different learning preferences of the students depending on what is suited to
them.

3. Include Summaries And Checklists

One of the core elements of the spacing effect is utilizing lists that break the information into easily
digestible components. These lists and summaries outlines the main concepts and can be easily used by
learners when needed. Graphical representations of data can also greatly help in remembering key
concepts.
4. Provide Immediate eLearning Feedback And Recommendations

It is important to remember that the human memory has an expiration date and expiration time.
Online learners are more likely to forget the information they get from eLearning activities over a period of
time. Thus, it is important that immediate feedback and recommendations should be given to the learners.

5. Consider The Subject Matter And Online Learners' Needs

As always, the learners should always be the priority when it comes to facilitating learning. The
spacing effect’s implementation should take into account the context of the learners. Are they ready? Are
they well- versed on the topic at hand or do they need scaffolding? More reinforcement is needed by
subjects that are more complex than subjects that only involve basic knowledge.

6. Only Offer Need-To-Know Info

The human brain can only accommodate so much. It also has its own limits. Thus, you need to
choose only the most vital information for your eLearning course. The goal here is to prevent cognitive
overload. You should also focus on individual online learner needs, such as personal performance or
knowledge gaps that impact their daily lives.

7. Create Bite-Sized Repositories

One of the salient features of online learning is the flexibility it offers to the learners. Spaced
learning together with microlearning online encourages learning to take place during the time when learners
see fit and most convenient for them. Learning at their own paces and focus on their own gaps makes
learning more effective.

8. Host Live Events To Refresh Online Learners' Memories

Certain online learners may need more interactivity or individualized support, which is difficult to
accomplish when you have larger online groups. Thankfully, you can use webinars to engage online
learners on a personal level. Webinars serve as great memory refreshers, given that online learners can
ask questions or share concerns that are hindering their progress.
 The spacing effect is supported by numerous theorists, researchers and educators. However,
proving its efficacy throughout the decades has proven to be challenging. This is due to the fact that it deals
with elements that are hard to quantify, such as the human memory, information processing, and, the
greatest mystery of them all, the passing of time. That said, the spacing effect can help you create more
effective eLearning content by reinforcing and refreshing the key concepts.

Personal Takeaways:

I believe that learning can effectively happen when the learner is both ready and focused. Carefully
crafting how the teaching- learning process occurs greatly affects how learners retain knowledge. When
eLearning is concerned, applying the spacing effect not only allows learners to retain more knowledge, but
may also be healthier. When doing online, we use our eyes the most and long exposure to radiation can be
detrimental to it.

I think that this is a more efficient way of managing learning when the learners are adept with
metacognition and have self- discipline when it comes to passing their outputs on time. It is true that no two
learners are alike, so careful planning and designing of lessons should be given priority. Giving appropriate
spacing effect can give learners room to breath and be able to have a relaxed mode of learning. When
learners are more relaxed, they can focus more on tasks at hand.

Reference:

Pappas, C. (2021, May 12).  8 Tips To Apply The Spacing Effect In Your eLearning Course Design . eLearning Industry. Retrieved
October 23, 2022, from https://elearningindustry.com/tips-apply-spacing-effect-elearning-course-design/amp?fbclid=IwAR3hD-
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