Using technology to access new information, keep up with social life and carry out business transactions comes naturally to the new generation of employees. In this article, I’ll share seven tips to help you connect with digital natives.

How to engage with digital natives

The term ‘digital native’ was coined in 2001 by Mark Prensky, a lecturer, consultant and writer. According to Prensky, these young learners have grown up in a digital society, which means they do not have to contend with technological learning curves. These individuals are already familiar with using smartphones and tablets, and informal learning comes naturally to them. In fact, a world without mobile devices seems practically unimaginable. However, new technological tools and gadgets bring with them new rules for engaging online learners.

1. Always link online training to a specific goal

Digital natives are goal-oriented. They need a reason for every online learning activity; otherwise, they won’t engage actively with the subject. In short, they need to know why they are doing something, how it can benefit them in the real world, and how they can apply it outside the online learning environment. It’s all about context. That’s why you need to link online training to specific objectives and emphasise real-world applications before, during and after the training. Highlight the skills and information they can gain by completing an interactive online scenario. Make them aware of how serious games will improve their productivity in the workplace. Be clear about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the online training program.

2. Clarify your online communication guidelines

Some digital natives have a 24/7 mindset when it comes to online communication. Technology knows no boundaries, which means they may expect an immediate response from their online tutors or peers at any hour. It is therefore important to clarify online communication guidelines in advance, such as the preferred methods of contact, the typical response time to messages, and who is responsible for handling their enquiries. For example, they can be confident that they will receive the necessary email support between 10.00 and 14.00, because you have set this out in your online communication guidelines.

3. Integrate social media as much as possible

Digital natives spend a significant amount of time on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. They are already fine-tuning their profiles and ‘following’ the people and organisations that matter to them. What’s more, they are completely at home writing replies and posting comments. In other words, they feel right at home on social media. It is therefore only natural that social media plays an important role in their online learning. Set up online social media groups where digital natives can interact with one another and share their ideas. Set up a page for your online training and post links to articles, online training videos and other valuable online training resources.

4. Use online training applications

These days, there’s an app for practically everything. Why not take advantage of modern technology by integrating training apps into your online training program? Many apps are free or low-cost, so they can easily be incorporated into your organisation’s e-learning budget. They also enable digital natives to develop their skills, access online training materials and enjoy a good dose of informal learning whilst on the move. Digital natives can even use their mobile devices at work to access online training support ‘whenever needed’.

5. Discover their chosen technical tools

Every digital native has their favourite tech devices. They may use a wide range of different devices and gadgets on a regular basis, but there are always a few favoured ones that they prefer. Carry out in-depth audience research to find out which tools and platforms they use, so you can select the e-learning authoring tool, learning management system and online training materials that are perfectly suited to them. For example, using a Flash-based e-learning authoring tool may be suitable for laptop or PC users, but it excludes those corporate learners who access the online course via a smartphone. Ideally, you should choose an e-learning authoring tool with a responsive design that adjusts the page layout depending on the device or browser. This way, corporate learners can use their tablets, iPhones and laptops to access the necessary online training anytime, anywhere. Before deciding on an e-learning authoring tool, make the most of the free trial period to ensure that it meets all your online training requirements.

6. Make it interactive

Interactive, engaging and hands-on online training activities are ideal for digital natives. They need to be able to form a deep connection with the online training content in order to reap the real benefits. Branching scenarios, serious games, online training simulations, drag-and-drop activities, interactive videos and live online training events are all excellent ways to boost learner engagement. Make the most of smartphones and tablets by incorporating tactile online training content, such as online training simulations that require swiping or tapping the screen. The trick is to remove any distractions that might stand in the way of immersion.

7. Give them control over their online learning experience

One of the most common characteristics of digital natives is that they like to go their own way. They need to set goals and learning objectives that suit their individual needs. At the start of the online training program, ask your corporate learners to draw up a personalised online training plan based on their preferences, goals and areas where they are falling behind. Ask them to complete a self-assessment to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Provide an e-learning course map detailing all online training activities, then let them choose what to complete and when.

It seems that digital natives behave differently, which sheds a whole new light on the future of e-learning course design. We must be ready and willing to offer them tech-forward online training that meets their needs and takes their new cognitive behaviours into account. Use these 7 tips to put yourself in the shoes of digital natives and create online training content that makes the most of modern technology.

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