Top free Learning Experience Design (LXD) courses to look out for in 2024

As we step into 2024, the world of Learning Experience Design (LXD) is buzzing with new trends, innovative ideas, and a community of professionals eager to connect and grow. For those passionate about enhancing learning experiences, this year brings a wealth of opportunities to delve into advanced LXD courses.

Discover Free LXD Courses

Let’s explore some of the most promising LXD courses available, presenting their key features in a unified format.

Learning Experience Design: From Ideas to Impact

by NovoEd

This SHRM-certified course offers a deep dive into the process of transforming ideas into impactful learning experiences.

• Duration: 5 weeks
• Modality: Online, with assignments and peer-to-peer learning on a sophisticated social learning platform.
• What you’ll learn:
  • Crafting visions for real-world business needs.
  • Techniques for understanding stakeholder needs.
  • Assessing organizational readiness for design-driven learning.
  • Rapid prototyping and feedback methods

LXI: Learning Experience Impact

by NovoEd

A free, asynchronous course focused on making a compelling business case for Learning and Development (L&D) within organizations.

• Duration: 2 weeks
• Modality: Online, interactive with industry thought leaders.
• What you’ll learn:
  • Strategies to demonstrate the business value of learning programs.
  • Creation of impactful executive reports with ROI metrics.
  • Application of change management techniques for organizational improvement​

 

Quick and Easy Learning Experiences

by Eduflow Academy

This micro course offers insights into designing engaging and efficient learning experiences.

• Duration: Micro course
• Modality: Online with webinar access and additional resources.
• What you’ll learn:
  • Designing effective and efficient learning experiences.
  • Utilizing tools for quick course design.
  • Engaging with Eduflow Academy’s exclusive Slack community

 

An Introduction to Learning Experience Design (LXD) Specialization

by University of Michigan

This specialization focuses on the cutting-edge field of Learning Experience Design (LXD), providing comprehensive insights into creating engaging and effective learning experiences.

• Modality: Online
• Duration: 1 month at 10 hours per week
• What you’ll learn:
  • The fundamentals and “big ideas” of learning experience design, including the roles of inclusive design and technology.
  • How to apply theories of learning and motivation, alongside design frameworks and learning taxonomies, to develop effective learning outcomes and course structures.
  • Techniques for utilizing multimedia design strategies, designing assessments, and implementing evaluation methods to ensure educational goals are met.
  • Insights into the profession of LXD, exploring key design activities, tools, and contemporary pedagogical, technological, and research information necessary for staying current in the field.
  • Strategies for creating immersive, authentic design scenarios through extended reality, enhancing the hands-on experience in course design.

 

Improving the Learner Experience with UX Strategies

by Eduflow Academy

A course that integrates UX strategies to enhance the learner experience.

• Duration: Micro course
• Modality: Online with webinar and additional learning resources.
• What you’ll learn:
  • Application of UX concepts in instructional design.
  • Strategies for information architecture, interaction, and visual design.
  • Tactics for implementing UX principles in training design

 

CoDesignS: Learning Design in Practice

by Udemy

Join Maria Toro-Troconis in this highly-rated tutorial, “CoDesignS: Learning Design in Practice,” on Udemy. This course is a good resource for those looking to master the art of designing online/blended learning courses using the Course Design Sprint Framework (CoDesignS).

• Modality: Online, On-Demand Video
• Duration: 31 minutes
• What You’ll Learn:
  • Step-by-step process of designing online/blended learning programs.
  • Practical application of the CoDesignS framework for effective learning design.
  • Strategies to deliver learning outcomes/competencies in an online/blended format.
  • Techniques for distributing collaborative and self-directed activities.
  • Utilizing learning technologies to support your design.
  • Application of CoDesignS for HEA Fellowship and alignment with the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF).
  • Access to CoDesignS cards under the Creative Commons license for immediate use.

 

These courses offer more than just skill enhancement; they are gateways to connecting with a global community of learning professionals. For those looking to stay at the forefront of LXD, these courses are not just educational opportunities but also platforms for professional growth and networking, using cohort-based learning to foster a sense of community and collaborative knowledge building.

Through interactive elements like discussions, peer feedback, and live webinars, these courses create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. This approach not only enhances knowledge retention but also enables learners to share diverse perspectives, enriching the learning experience for everyone involved.

Finding free LXD Courses

When searching for free Learning Experience Design (LXD) courses, adopting a multifaceted approach can yield the best results. Here are some strategies with examples to guide you:

• Browse Educational Platforms: Explore free LXD courses on popular MOOC platforms such as Coursera, edX, Linkedin Learning, Udemy and FutureLearn. You can search different topics on these plaftorms and then filter by price: “Free”.
• Take advatange of free previews: Learning platforms often have options to “audit” courses, allowing access to extensive course materials at no cost. For instance, Coursera’s audit option provides learners with the opportunity to engage with the course content without the expense of certification.
• Attend Tech Tool Events: Keep an eye on LXD-related digital product and software platforms. These tech tools often organize free events, such as conferences, webinars and workshops, which are not only complimentary but also rich in practical insights and trends in LXD. These events can be an excellent resource for both learning and networking within the LXD community.
• Utilize Open Educational Resources (OER): Explore OER websites like OER Commons and MIT OpenCourseWare for specialized, free LXD content. These resources often include a wide range of materials from lectures to full course curriculums.
• Join professional networks and forums: Engage in LXD discussions on professional networks like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities. These platforms can be excellent sources for recommendations on free LXD courses and upcoming events.
• Subscribe to industry newsletters: Stay updated by subscribing to newsletters from LXD thought leaders or educational technology blogs. These can be a goldmine for announcements about free courses and resources.
• Follow educational institutions: Keep an eye on university websites and their social media channels. Universities often offer free online courses or public lectures in LXD, especially during special educational events.
• Leverage social media for latest updates: Follow LXD experts and organizations on platforms like X/Twitter and YouTube. They frequently share information about free courses, webinars, and other learning resources.
• Participate in online communities: Join online forums and communities related to e-learning and LXD. Engaging in these communities can lead to discovering free courses and valuable resources shared by other members.
• Attend local meetups and workshops: Participate in local LXD meetups or workshops, which can sometimes offer free learning experiences. These events are also excellent for networking and learning about new free course opportunities.
• Volunteer for Beta Testing: Keep an eye out for opportunities to beta test new LXD courses. Course creators often offer free access to beta testers in exchange for feedback and testing their material.

 

Other topics to explore

While delving into free courses is a great start, broadening your scope to related areas can further enrich your understanding. Consider these avenues:

• Emerging Technologies: Keep an eye out for courses on virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. These cutting-edge technologies are reshaping how we approach education and training.
• Instructional Design Principles: Explore resources focusing on learning theories and curriculum development. A strong foundation in these principles complements your LXD knowledge.
• User Experience for Learning: UX principles are crucial in creating effective learning environments. Look for courses that merge UX with educational settings.
• Project Management: Skills in managing projects, particularly those that employ agile methodologies, are invaluable in ensuring the success of your LXD initiatives.
• Learning Impact Evaluation: Seek out materials that teach how to measure the effectiveness of educational programs, including learning analytics and ROI assessment.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Aim to learn about creating courses that are accessible and inclusive, catering to a diverse range of learners.
• Content Creation and Storytelling: Enhancing your content creation skills, especially in narrative techniques and multimedia, can significantly improve the learning experience.
• Trends: Stay updated with the latest LXD trends to grasp global best practices and diverse cultural perspectives in education and training.

The LXD landscape in 2024 is vibrant and rich with opportunities for learning and professional development. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to LXD, these courses offer a path to enhance your skills, connect with peers, and stay ahead in the exciting world of Learning Experience Design.