Designing eLearning for Non-Digital Natives: A Comprehensive Guide

Imagine a world where age and experience no longer dictate a person’s ability to learn and adapt to new technologies. By designing eLearning for non-digital natives, we can bridge the gap and create a more inclusive learning environment for all. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through key points to consider when creating effective eLearning solutions that cater to the needs of both digital natives and non-digital natives alike.

1. Understand Your Audience

Non-digital natives, often referred to as baby boomers or older generations, are individuals who didn’t grow up with technology at their fingertips. Therefore, they may require a different approach when it comes to eLearning design. Start by identifying their unique needs and preferences to ensure your eLearning solution effectively engages them. For example, a learning and development professional may suggest, “In our organization, we’ve found that non-digital natives prefer more traditional instructional methods and may need extra support with technology.”

The #1 place for Learning Leaders to learn from each other.

Get the data & knowledge you need to succeed in the era of AI.


We're an invite-only community for L&D leaders to learn from each other through expert-led roundtables, our active forum, and data-driven resources.

Apply to join LHQ

2. Keep it Simple and Intuitive

One of the biggest hurdles non-digital natives face is navigating complex digital interfaces. When designing eLearning for this audience, simplicity and intuitiveness should be your guiding principles. Minimize the number of clicks required to access content, use clear and concise language, and provide straightforward navigation. As one L&D expert notes, “When creating eLearning for non-digital natives, we prioritize ease of use and ensure that our learners can easily find their way around the platform.”

3. Offer Varied Content Formats

Non-digital natives may not be as comfortable with multimedia content as their younger counterparts. To cater to their preferences, offer a mix of content formats such as text, audio, and video. This will help ensure that your learners have options when it comes to absorbing information. A learning and development manager might say, “We’ve found that offering a variety of content formats has increased engagement and satisfaction among our non-digital native employees.”

4. Provide Hands-on Support

Be prepared to offer additional support to non-digital natives as they navigate new eLearning platforms. This can include creating detailed user guides, offering in-person or virtual training sessions, and providing a dedicated support team to address questions and concerns. As one L&D professional remarks, “Our non-digital native employees appreciate having access to a support team that can walk them through any challenges they face while using our eLearning platform.”

5. Foster a Growth Mindset

Encourage a growth mindset among your non-digital native learners by emphasizing the benefits of lifelong learning and the value of adapting to new technologies. Recognize their achievements and progress, and provide opportunities for them to share their experiences with their peers. An L&D professional might say, “We’ve seen great success in promoting a growth mindset among our non-digital native employees by celebrating their accomplishments and encouraging them to share their eLearning journeys.”

Discover Learnexus: Your Partner in eLearning Design

At Learnexus, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their background or experience with technology. Our freelancer marketplace specializes in connecting managers at companies with highly skilled Learning & Development professionals who can help design eLearning solutions that cater to the unique needs of non-digital natives. With our platform, you can save up to 47% in costs and eliminate procurement issues through a single master services agreement. Let Learnexus be your partner in designing engaging and effective eLearning for all employees. Get started today.