Are your online learners looking for an excuse to permanently log off? Are your attendance rates at an all-time low? In this blog, we’ll share seven warning signs that your online learners may be ready to say goodbye.

1. LMS Metrics Show a Decline in Learner Engagement

LMS reports are usually one of the first indicators of e-learning dropouts. Low engagement and participation rates are a major warning sign that online learners are ready to un-enroll from your e-learning course. This is one of the most compelling reasons why you should closely monitor your LMS metrics. Analyze the data on a weekly basis to spot areas for improvement and adjust your e-learning strategy when necessary.

2. Online Learners Stop Participating in Group Collaboration Activities

You’re encouraging online learners to interact with peers and solve problems as a group. However, certain individuals are missing out on these valuable team-building opportunities. This may be a sign that they aren’t connecting with the e-learning content or their peers, or that they aren’t getting the information they need from the e-learning activities; thus, they don’t feel a group collaboration activity is really worth the time or effort.

3. E-learning Assessment Scores Sharply Decline

E-learning assessments give you a clear idea of how online learners are faring. Low assessment scores indicate that they do not comprehend the subject matter or don’t have the motivation or drive to prepare for the exam. Thus, e-learning assessment results that sharply decline may be a sign of e-learning dropouts. A broad range of learning materials may help to cater to different learning preferences. In addition, simplify complex topics to avoid frustration.

4. Social Media Groups Go Quiet

You’ve set up a social media group or online discussion board for your learners, but the boards seem to be going quiet. Online learners tend to disengage from social media groups before they disenroll because it’s seen as an extracurricular activity. Emphasizing the power of peer-based knowledge sharing can boost e-learning participation.

5. Live E-learning Event Turnout Drops

Chances are, you spend a lot of time preparing for live e-learning events; however, when the time comes, only a fraction of your online learners are in attendance. Online learners must be emotionally invested and genuinely interested in the content to attend live e-learning events. Online learners who are thinking about dropping out aren’t likely to attend, primarily because they don’t feel like they’re part of the online learning community or invested in the course.

6. Online Learner Log-Ins Are Low

Your LMS metrics indicate that online learners aren’t logging in as often as they used to. This particular warning sign usually comes last. Online learners have already disconnected from the other online training outlets such as social media groups, online discussions, and live e-learning events. At this point, external distractions can easily take priority over e-learning.

7. They Voice Their Dissatisfaction Directly

Online learners may be so dissatisfied with the e-learning course that they share their concerns on social media pages or online surveys. This is the most valuable form of e-learning feedback, as it allows you to determine the strengths and weaknesses of your e-learning strategy. Thus, you can make improvements to retain online learners and keep them from clicking away.

Top Tip To Prevent E-learning Dropouts

The key to preventing e-learning dropouts is to acknowledge these telltale signs and identify the root of the problem before it’s too late. Create e-learning content that resonates with online learners and helps them fill personal gaps, instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, and evaluate your Big Data on a regular basis. Taking a proactive approach to monitor and mitigate these seven signs will help keep your potential dropouts tuned in.