Are You Missing an Impactful Conclusion Page?

I truly believe that one of the most overlooked and neglected pages in online trainings are conclusion pages. I actually feel sorry for them. As the last page of the course, the conclusion page has the opportunity to leave a final impression. But sadly, we are often so glad to reach that final page that we rush through its content. With a lack of creativity, we often place on this potentially impactful page a copy/paste of the course objectives or the standard “template” one-size fits all text.

“Well Done!”

“Great Job!”

“Congratulations!”

Sound familiar? We love to add that congratulatory text to our conclusion pages. We often find ourselves even using images of fireworks or employees smiling with their fists pumped. Or what about those sound effects? Have you ever completed a course, only to be frightened with an audio clip of roaring applause? And of course, don’t forget the certificate. We know how much adult learners love their certificates. Okay, I don’t mean to sound too critical of our conclusion pages. I have designed many of these same types of pages in my time. So, I want to clarify that I don’t think there is really anything wrong with positively reinforcing learners. It is indeed great that they finished and they should most often be commended for their time and effort.

But beyond the fireworks, applause, and fist pumps for finishing, let’s think about what we could add to our conclusion pages that will help “seal the deal” on the learning. What can we say that will reinforce that the training our learners just took will specifically and uniquely benefit them? Like a politician at a debate with one minute left to speak, how can we creatively use this one last valuable opportunity we have with our audience?

7 Things to Consider with Your Next Conclusion Page

Below are seven ideas that you might consider including on your next conclusion page. While some of these may or may not be appropriate for your organization, perhaps one might spark your creativity.

If not 100% clear, state why taking the training was critical to the success of the learner. How can the training motivate them to succeed on the job? But remember; keep it brief and very specific!

Provide two or three specific suggestions on how the training can easily be applied in a real world setting. How can they immediately display an action which demonstrates their learning?

Tell a joke! Conclude with a funny story or joke that brings home the theme of the training. This tip is often used in public speaking but could certainly be applied in asynchronous training.

Communicate specific instructions on next steps. What is expected now that this course is completed? Is it time for on-site training? Maybe classroom training is now required.

Provide a link to a survey to gather data on their training experience.

Encourage your learners to experiment first-hand with the topics covered in the training. Provide them with information such as the availability of experts or the location of specific equipment, machines or test sites. Connecting the learner with the real world will only enhance the learning experience.

And finally, take the applause and the fireworks to the next level. Provide learner’s with a reward. For example, once a particular course or curriculum is completed, have them print their certificate and turn it in for a free t-shirt or ice cream cone in the cafeteria. (Read our blog on 6 Steps on How to Make a Printable Results Page in Articulate Storyline).

Have you developed or landed on a creative or impactful course conclusion page? If so, let us know. We also don’t mind hearing about the less than enthusiastic or just plain bad conclusion pages either. Those types of comments make us feel good about how far we have come in the eLearning world, and if anything, provide us with a good chuckle.