The 17 Best eLearning Books to Read in 2024

If you’re anything like we are, you love learning in all types of formats. And while online courses may top the charts for engagement and effectiveness, sometimes you just can’t beat a good book.

Luckily, instructional design enthusiasts have a vast array of page-turners to choose from if they want to further their knowledge. From short PDF guides to ID treatises, there’s something for everyone.

Keep reading as we peruse 17 of the best eLearning books you’ll want to delve into in 2024. They’re perfect for training managers, instructional designers, and anyone interested in eLearning.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have:

• An overview of the 17 best eLearning books
• A detailed review of each title (from our experts) and where to buy it
• Your 2024 reading wish list 

The 7 Best eLearning Books to Propel Your L&D Career

If you’re an avid reader with a passion for instructional design, it’s probably time to update your 2024 reading list. To inspire you, our ID experts put their heads together to create a shortlist of our favorite eLearning books. 

We’ve got picks for all levels of proficiency, and our selection covers everything from creating sticky learning experiences to the fundamentals of adult learning theory.

Best eLearning Books Comparison Table

1. L&D Detective Kit for Solving Impact Mysteries, by Kevin M. Yates

L&D Detective Kit for Solving Impact Mysteries is an engaging, free resource for training professionals

Characteristics

Here’s how to grab your copy of the L&D Detective Kit:

• Publication date: 2020
• Format: This book can be downloaded for free 
• Available languages: English

Summary

Kevin M. Yates is an L&D expert and speaker. He gives regular talks worldwide about investigating the impact of training on employee and business performance.

He’s become famous for his popular L&D Detective™ approach, which uses investigative tactics to solve common mysteries about measuring training impact.

He offers this free resource to help training specialists plan for impact and gauge when learning directly affects performance in the business.

Readers follow the L&D detective as he digs into common questions about measuring training impact. These include:

• Which standards to use
• How to conduct impact opportunity interviews
• Ways to carry out surveys and how to decipher the results

Yates also takes readers through six case studies, illustrating each step of the impact measurement process. 

By the end of the fifty pages, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to become an L&D detective in your organization.

Table of Contents

Throughout this fifty-page e-book, you’ll join the L&D detective as he unravels the mystery of measuring impact in the context of corporate training.

Case studies, surveys, and helpful definitions help you understand how learning activates performance and business goals.

Table of contents of L&D Detective Kit for Solving Impact Mysteries

Book ratings and reviews 

Here’s what one happy reader had to say about the e-book.

Download the free PDF

2. Course Design Formula: How to Teach Anything to Anyone Online, by Rebecca Frost Cuevas 

Course Design Formula: How to Teach Anything to Anyone Online teaches the reader how to become a global educator

Characteristics

Here’s how to get your hands on this great read:

• Publication date: November 21, 2019
• Format: Paperback or Kindle version
• ISBN-10: 1732782318
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: ‎Learn and Get Smarter, Inc. 

Summary

Rebecca Frost Cuevas is a world-famous online learning consultant, author, and founder of Learn and Get Smarter, Inc.

With two master’s degrees in education, she’s made a name for herself as a leader in course design and instructional technology.

In this award-winning book, Rebecca condenses her vast experience, giving readers actionable advice on how to build effective online courses faster.

You’ll master the nuts and bolts of the Course Design Formula to elevate your online course development practices. You’ll also learn how to integrate cognitive psychology, instructional design, learning theory, and information processing theory best practices.

It’s a must-read for creative thinkers of all levels, offering easy-to-apply processes that will improve the quality of your online courses.

Table of Contents

In just 450 pages, Rebecca takes you through every step of the online course development process. She even manages to synthesize high-level instructional design principles and learning theories into manageable chunks.

Table of Contents of Course Design Formula: How to Teach Anything to Anyone Online

Book ratings and reviews 

This title scores 4.4 from 309 reviews on Amazon. This is one reader’s opinion of the book.

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3. The eLearning & Instructional Design Roadmap: An UN-BORING guide for newbies, career-changers, and anyone who wants to build better eLearning, by Aubrey Cook

The eLearning & Instructional Design Roadmap is ideal for people who want to start a career in the field

Characteristics

Here are the key characteristics:

• Publication date: August 20, 2023
• Format: Paperback or Kindle version
• ISBN: 9798988762201
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: ‎Oddly Sharp LLC 

Summary

Aubrey Cook’s extensive experience in visual design, UX, and web development left him with some very interesting insights into why some concepts stick instantly and others don’t.

His research looks at why some concepts stick in our minds with next to no effort while others take a lot of practice. He also explores why some concepts simply won’t stay in learners’ minds.

Throughout this essential read, Aubrey takes readers through design systems and communication methods, offering a simple way to help learners absorb information.

In this book, he manages to simplify instructional design.

You’ll find practical shortcuts and a roadmap to help you design learning experiences that encourage knowledge retention.

The mix of examples, research-based learning principles, and real-life examples make this an easy and enjoyable read. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone considering a career change to instructional design.

In under 300 pages, you’ll cover industry standards like ADDIE, needs assessments, action maps, and goal setting. That way, you can create “un-boring” eLearning courses that engage and empower learners.

Table of Contents

Aubrey walks you through the fundamentals of instructional design, from defining goals to evaluating learning experiences. Along the way, you’ll get actionable strategies for designing sticky learning.

Here’s what you’ll cover:

Table of contents of The eLearning & Instructional Design Roadmap, by Aubrey Cook

Book ratings and reviews 

Cook’s essential guide scores 4.9 stars from 60 reviews on Amazon. Here’s what one reader had to say.

Buy it now

4. The eLearning Designer’s Handbook: A Practical Guide to the eLearning Development Process for New eLearning Designers, by Tim Slade

Tim Slade’s eLearning Designer’s Handbook is a must-read for instructional designers

Characteristics

Here are the key characteristics:

• Publication date: September 2, 2020
• Format: Paperback or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 979-8615125300
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: ‎Independently published

Summary

Tim Slade is an author, international speaker, and award-winning eLearning designer. He’s been in the industry for over a decade and is recognized for his innovative approach to instructional design.

His handbook is essential reading for novices and seasoned pros alike. In this second edition, Tim breaks the design and development process down into simple, achievable steps. 

That includes:

• Conducting kickoff meetings with stakeholders
• Needs analysis
• Creating an eLearning training plan
• Storyboarding your course
• Building a prototype
• Delivering the training
• Evaluating its success

You’ll get practical advice from an industry pro, allowing you to plan, execute, and evaluate eLearning projects confidently.

It’s packed with real-world examples, gorgeous visuals, and battle-tested strategies to make you better at your job.

Table of Contents

In just 233 pages, Tim consolidates the key knowledge every eLearning developer needs to know. That includes an overview of how people learn, project planning, course development, and evaluation methods.

Here are just some of the topics you’ll cover:

Book ratings and reviews 

Slade’s handbook for eLearning designers scores 4.7 from 226 reviews on Amazon. Here’s one reader’s take.

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5. e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning, by Ruth C. Clark and Richard E. Mayer

e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning is a goldmine of information

Characteristics

Here are the key characteristics of this must-read eLearning book:

• Publication date: October 28, 2002
• Format: Paperback, hardcover, or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 978-0787960513
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Pfeiffer

Summary

Ruth Colvin Clark holds a doctorate in instructional psychology from USC. She runs seminars on training and has written many books on the topic. Her goal is to “translate instructional research into useful guidelines for practitioners in workforce learning.”

Richard E. Mayer is Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He has received a number of awards for his contribution to educational psychology and has written more than 390 publications during his illustrious career.

Needless to say, both are world-renowned eLearning experts.

In e-Learning and the Science of Instruction, the authors break complex instructional design concepts down into clear guidelines.

They cover how to select, design, and develop eLearning courses for a range of settings, including corporate, academic, and government.

This book will provide you with a solid foundation of the core instructional design principles that every good eLearning designer needs to know.

It’s also refreshingly light on jargon, and instead uses simple language, research-based data, and practical case studies to guide readers.

It’s a must-read for course developers, instructional designers, and eLearning specialists of all experience levels.

Table of Contents

Throughout the 336 pages, Clark and Mayer combine research with practical application to provide comprehensive guidelines on selecting, designing, and developing online courses.

You’ll cover the following:

Book ratings and reviews 

This beautiful first edition scores 3.9 from 20 reviews on Amazon. Here’s one reader’s take.

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6. e-Learning Essentials: Strategies for Effective Digital Education, by Mujahid Bakht

e-Learning Essentials: Strategies for Effective Digital Education, by Mujahid Bakht is an interesting read for education specialists and professionals

Characteristics

Here are the key characteristics:

• Publication date: December 10, 2023
• Format: Paperback, hardcover, or Kindle version
• ISBN: 978-1961299795
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Atlas Amazon, LLC. 

Summary

The author of this book, Mujahid Bakht, is a business developer and the founder and President of Atlas Amazon, LLC.

The author of e-Learning Essentials: Strategies for Effective Digital Education is an experienced business developer. Source

This eLearning book offers a comprehensive look at online education, from the evolution of eLearning to promoting engagement through gamification. 

The author aims to break down the main challenges we face when designing effective eLearning. This includes using technology, applying different modalities, and defining deliverables.

Mr. Bakht covers common instructional design models like ADDIE and hones in on the basics of managing eLearning environments.

There are also chapters on using LMS and CMS solutions for both corporate and K-12 learning environments. 

Table of Contents

In this 171-page book, you’ll see an overview of eLearning. That includes choosing the right platform, creating training materials, and facilitating online discussions.

Book ratings and reviews 

There are currently no reviews for this book on Amazon.

Buy it now

7. Michael Allen’s Guide to e-Learning: Building Interactive, Fun, and Effective Learning Programs for Any Company 

The second edition of Michael Allen’s Guide to e-Learning, Building Interactive, Fun, and Effective Learning Programs for Any Company is packed with practical exercises

Characteristics

You can find the key details for this edition below:

• Publication date: September 23, 2016
• Format: Paperback or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 978-1119046325
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Wiley 

Summary

Fondly referred to as the father of eLearning, Michael Allen is a world-renowned leader in the design of interactive multimedia learning systems.

As the CEO of Allen Interactions, he provides consulting, training, and interactive learning solutions for a range of use cases.

Allen has a PhD in Educational Psychology from Ohio State University and has written nine books, including this best-seller.

The second edition is an engaging and insightful read, drilling down to what makes great eLearning. You’ll learn how to build interactive training experiences that motivate learners and some common pitfalls to avoid.

The author also discusses emerging technology and tools and their impact on eLearning development.

It’s a must-read for professionals of all experience levels who want an expert’s take on gamification, mobile learning, the learner interface, and individualization. 

The seven magic keys to motivational eLearning are a personal favorite.

Table of Contents

Every one of the 432 pages in this edition moves you closer to becoming a better instructional designer. You’ll learn tricks worth their weight in gold to motivate and engage learners using technology and tools.

Here’s a screenshot of what you’ll cover.

Book ratings and reviews 

This stunning second edition scores 4.5 stars from 109 reviews on Amazon. Here is one reader’s opinion.

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8. Lessons in Learning, e-Learning, and Training: Perspectives and Guidance for the Enlightened Trainer, by Roger C. Schank

The first edition of Lessons in Learning, E-Learning, and Training, by Roger C. Schank is ideal for trainers and L&D professionals

Characteristics

Here are the details:

• Publication date: February 1, 2005 
• Format: Paperback 
• ISBN-13: 978-0787976668
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Pfeiffer 

Summary

Dr. Roger C. Schank is a household name in the field of eLearning and has written more than 30 books.

He is the Chairman and CEO of Socratic Arts and the Executive Director and founder of Engines for Education.

Prior to this, he was the Chief Education Officer of Carnegie Mellon’s West Coast campus.

This first edition is a fascinating read for anyone in the business of training. It’s filled with essays that explore common instructional design issues and how to solve them. As such, it’s one of the top corporate eLearning books for your reading list.

Dr. Schank expertly guides us through three main issues:

• What can (and cannot) be taught
• How we think and learn
• What technology can offer the training experience

Accompanying the essays are practical tips, checklists, and job aids to guide readers and enhance their performance in the training arena.

With eye-catching chapters like “Sex and Chicken,” “I can’t remember whether I ate the whole thing,” and “Corporate Dragons,” you’ll be thoroughly entertained throughout.

By the end of these essays, readers will have the tools and techniques to become better trainers, communicators, and storytellers.

Table of Contents

In only 292 pages, Schank takes his readers through the challenges of training and the ways to solve them. You’ll cover diverse topics like nonconscious learning, stereotypes, and doing-based learning.

Here’s an overview of the contents:

Book ratings and reviews 

This stunning second edition scores 4.5 from 9 reviews on Amazon. Here is one reader’s opinion:

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9. Learning Technologies in the Workplace: How to Successfully Implement Learning Technologies in Organizations, by Donald H. Taylor

Learning Technologies in the Workplace: How to Successfully Implement Learning Technologies in Organizations is a great read for corporate L&D staff

Characteristics

Here are the details of this first edition:

• Publication date: May 3, 2017 
• Format: Paperback or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 978-0749476403
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Kogan Page 

Summary

Donald H. Taylor has been working in technology and training since the early eighties. During that time, he carved out a name for himself as a top voice in workplace learning and technologies.

His approach focuses on understanding business needs and engaging employees to create effective workplace learning.

He has received a number of accolades during his illustrious career.

Taylor’s first edition is one of the best eLearning books for L&D professionals in corporate settings.

He walks readers through the process of not just implementing training technology, but successfully deploying it to optimize and scale workplace learning.

The book analyzes 16 years of implementing learning technology and evaluating what works. Taylor uses examples from global brands like the Hershey Company to identify four common factors for success.

As a reader, you’ll get practical pointers on properly integrating learning technologies and working with stakeholders.

Table of Contents

Over the course of 264 pages, you’ll get deep insights into the learning technology landscape, implementation strategies, and the future of the field.

Taylor uses his industry experience to provide frameworks, case studies, and principles so readers can be more effective in their job roles.

Here’s an overview of the contents:

Book ratings and reviews

This stunning second edition scores 4.2 stars from 15 reviews on Amazon. Here’s one reader’s take.

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10. Driving Performance through Learning: Develop Employees through Effective Workplace Learning, by Andy Lancaster

Driving Performance Through Learning is perfect for L&D pros who want to optimize their workflows

Characteristics

Here are the details of this book:

• Publication date: November 3, 2019 
• Format: Paperback, hardcover, or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 978-0749497439
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Kogan Page 

Summary

Andy Lancaster is currently the Chief Learning Officer at Reimagine People Development consultancy.

Throughout his career, he has established himself as an insightful and innovative thinker whose work has helped reshape the organizational learning landscape.

This award-winning book is a must-read for anyone interested in the connection between business performance and workplace learning.

The reader gains valuable strategies to optimize L&D activities with the goal of improving overall business performance. 

Andy offers actionable advice on how to align organizational goals with learning objectives, manage L&D workflows, and identify business needs.

By the end of this page-turner, you’ll have a toolkit of techniques to help you drive performance in your organization. That includes using data and metrics to track learning, facilitating social collaboration, embedding coaching, and leveraging eLearning technology.

It’s perfect for L&D leaders, change-makers, and business operations managers.

Table of Contents

Andy breaks this L&D treatise into four sections, starting with understanding emerging landscapes. Next, you’ll learn the foundations of workplace learning and how to transform your current L&D approaches.

You’ll wrap up by redefining the L&D function and looking to the future.

Here’s a snapshot of the contents of the book:

Book ratings and reviews 

This stunning second edition scores 4.6 from 81 reviews on Amazon. Here’s one reader’s take.

Buy it now

11. The Do It Messy Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide for Instructional Designers and Online Learning Developers, by Robin Sargent, Ph.D.

The Do It Messy Approach is a step-by-step guide for instructional designers and online learning developers

Characteristics

Here are the details of this book:

• Publication date: September 27, 2022 
• Format: Paperback or Kindle version
• ASIN: B0BGQHRJR1
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: IDOL courses

Summary

Author Robin Sargent, Ph.D., is a top name in the instructional design community. As well as being the owner and founder of IDOL Academy, she’s also a former professor.

IDOL Academy has been touted by Business Insider as:

“One of the best choices out there if you’re serious about starting a career in corporate instructional design, but don’t want to pay for a master’s degree.”

Throughout her years in the industry, she has coached and mentored thousands of aspiring instructional designers.

This book gives readers an easy method for designing corporate training. Robin shows you how to implement a task-centered approach to solve business problems, such as skills gaps.

She uses her 17+ years of instructional design experience to provide you with your own blueprint. That way, you can create engaging and effective corporate training on any topic.

You can also be sure that the methods she shares have been battle-tested by Robin herself.

By the end of The Do It Messy Approach, you’ll have a simple formula to follow when designing online learning experiences. And all in less than 30 days.

Table of Contents

In just 314 pages, Robin serves up a blueprint for designing instruction. She begins with the foundations of learning design and then examines how to reverse engineer your blueprint. 

Then, you’ll learn tips on enhancing your blueprint and your next steps.

Here’s an overview of the contents:

Book ratings and reviews 

This stunning second edition scores 4.6 from 52 reviews on Amazon. Here’s what one reader had to say.

Buy it now

12. Instructional Design for eLearning: Essential guide for designing successful eLearning courses, by Marina Arshavskiy

Instructional Design for eLearning is one of the best books for those who are beginning their ID careers

Characteristics

Here are the book’s details:

• Publication date: January 1, 2018 
• Format: Paperback, hardcover, or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 978-1978217850
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Summary

Marina Arshavskiy is the owner of Your eLearning World, an author, and an award-winning instructional designer.

During her 10+ years in the industry, she’s earned a reputation in the eLearning community for designing result-oriented training solutions.

This is one of the best eLearning books for those interested in creating effective and results-driven online courses.

In the second edition, Marina includes bonus content, examples, case studies, and practical activities to help readers solidify their knowledge of eLearning design.

You’ll find checklists and templates that you can apply to your course design from day one.

The second edition also touches on relevant topics like agile eLearning design, emerging tools, and augmented learning approaches.

Marina illustrates each chapter with case studies and working examples.

By the end of the book, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to roll out online training courses in your organization.

There’s something for everyone in this book; it’s essential reading for novices or any instructional designer looking for a refresher.

Table of Contents

Marina covers a lot of ground in 412 pages, delving into everything from instructional design models to learning theories. 

You’ll cover every step of the eLearning course design process, including the following:

Book ratings and reviews 

This stunning second edition scores 4.6 from 93 reviews on Amazon. Check out this review from one happy customer.

Buy it now

13. This is Learning Experience Design: What it is, how it works, and why it matters, by Niels Floor 

This is Learning Experience Design: What it is, how it works, and why it matters is a must-read if you want to build meaningful training

Characteristics

Here are the book’s details:

• Publication date: February 7, 2023 
• Format: Paperback or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 978-0137950737
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: New Riders

Summary

Niels Floor is one of the leading names in the field of learning experience design. His illustrious career has led him to be a top author, trainer, and thought leader in the LXD community.

He’s the brains behind the Learning Experience Canvas and the organizer of the annual LXDCON conference.

He’s also the owner of Shapers, a Dutch learning experience design and training agency.

This is Learning Experience Design is a gripping read for anyone who wants to create memorable training.

Niels examines the types of experiences that leave a lasting impression on us and how to create them in your training.

Together, you’ll explore different methodologies, skills, and tools that will make you a better learning experience designer. 

He walks you through the six steps of the iterative LXD process and the tools you’ll need for success.

You’ll find persona templates, empathy maps, and a downloadable learning experience canvas to apply to your design process right away. 

He also uses real-life examples and practical exercises to illustrate each concept.

It’s ideal for anyone looking for creative new ways to enhance their instructional design skills. 

By the end of the book, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the full learning experience, including how learners feel and how the outcome affects them.

This is Learning Experience Design sets you up to create memorable learning experiences.

Table of Contents

Every one of the 304 pages in this book offers value and insights. Floor takes you through everything from what makes an experience to the nine rules of LXD to experiential learning.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll learn:

Book ratings and reviews 

This impressive second edition scores 4.1 from 11 reviews on Amazon. Here’s what one Amazon reader had to say.

Buy it now

14. Performance-Focused Learner Surveys: Using Distinctive Questioning to Get Actionable Data and Guide Learning Effectiveness, by Will Thalheimer 

Performance-Focused Learner Surveys offers a research-backed approach to gathering learner feedback

Characteristics

Here are the book’s specifics:

• Publication date: February 26, 2022 
• Format: Paperback, hardcover, or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 978-1941577035
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Work-Learning Press

Summary

Will Thalheimer, Ph.D., is a respected speaker, writer, and consultant, focused on research-based best practices for learning design and evaluation.

He’s also a Principal Learning Strategist and Researcher at TiER1 Performance, where he helps organizations implement business, operational, and learning strategies.

Thanks to his wealth of experience, Dr. Thalheimer is a top name in the learning design community.

His book, Performance-Focused Learner Surveys, provides an insightful approach to gathering meaningful feedback. He uses his years of experience to show you how to meet three evaluation goals:

• Measure learning effectiveness
• Produce actionable results
• Send messages that nudge action

The second edition offers additional chapters on mission-critical topics like stealth messaging, improving survey response rates, and tailoring questions.

By the end of this engaging read, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to build virtuous cycles of continuous improvement in your organization.

At the same time, you’ll be able to convince stakeholders of the benefits of optimizing survey methods and Thalheimer’s unique questioning approach.

Table of Contents

Dr. Thalheimer takes readers on a journey over the course of the book’s 294 pages. You’ll begin by examining what’s wrong with the learner survey process before delving into techniques and tools to improve it.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll learn:

Book ratings and reviews 

This striking second edition scores 4.7 from 31 reviews on Amazon. Here is one reader’s opinion of the second edition:

Buy it now

15. E-Learning Uncovered: Lectora by ELB Learning: 2022 Edition, by Chris Paxton McMillin MSEd & Diane Elkins 

E-Learning Uncovered: Lectora by ELB Learning is ideal for anyone trying to master Lectora

Characteristics

Here are the details of this eLearning book:

• Publication date: October 5, 2022 
• Format: Paperback or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 979-8356303401
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Independently published

Summary

Your authors for this guide are Chris Paxton McMillin, M.S.Ed, and Diane Elkins.

Chris is the President of D3 Learning Solutions and has over 30 years of instructional design experience.

She’s an expert in eLearning software, including Lectora, Articulate Storyline 360, Captivate, and Vyond (GoAnimate).

Fellow author, Diane Elkins, has been in the training and development field for 20 years. She’s the co-owner of Artisan E-Learning, which supports companies implementing eLearning initiatives.

She’s an expert in rapid development tools like Articulate Storyline, Articulate Studio, Lectora, and Captivate. 

These two industry veterans co-wrote E-Learning Uncovered: Lectora, combining their collective experience in the field.

This 2022 edition is part of the E-Learning Uncovered series. It gives you access to targeted information about key instructional design tools and topics.

This guide focuses on Lectora, showing you not just how to use it but also the why behind different decisions.

Lectora is a popular eLearning authoring tool and a useful platform to master (this edition features Lectora Desktop version 21 and Lectora Online).

The authors put their heads together to provide you with invaluable design tips, advanced secrets to elevate your designs, cautions, and ideas to get more from the software.

They also offer strategies to make your eLearning content more accessible.

Throughout the guide, you’ll learn the basics, like how to start projects, add pages, and publish courses.

For intermediate users, you’ll uncover advanced interactions, such as triggers, actions, variables, and conditions.

By the end of the book, you’ll have a toolkit of insider tips to help you master Lectora, create better eLearning courses, and reduce development time.

Table of Contents

Go from Lectora beginner to pro over the course of the book’s 364 pages. The authors cover all the main features, benefits, and pitfalls of the software seamlessly, so you can build better courses faster.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll cover:

Book ratings and reviews 

This splendid second edition scores 4.4 stars from 5 ratings on Amazon. There are currently no reviews for this title.

Buy it now

16. Learning Experience Design: How to Create Effective Learning that Works, by Donald Clark

Add Learning Experience Design: How to Create Effective Learning that Works to your bookshelf if you’re interested in creating engaging courses

Characteristics

Here are the book’s details:

• Publication date: November 30, 2021 
• Format: Paperback, hardcover, or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 978-1398602625
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Kogan Page

Summary

With over 35 years of experience in online learning and AI projects, Donald Clark is a top voice in the field.

His career has seen him become the founder and CEO of Wildfire Learning and a Visiting Professor at the University of Derby.

Donald is a global speaker who specializes in simulations, virtual reality, and AI.

His book on learning experience design takes a thoughtful look at how to build engaging training. He explores the approaches that make learning stick and offers practical advice for L&D professionals of all experience levels.

You’ll cover everything on the topic of learning experience design (LXD), including the roles of emotion, attention, engagement, and enjoyment in learning retention.

You’ll also learn techniques to ensure the proper transfer of knowledge through practical activities.

For those interested in the practicalities of learning design, there are sections on simulations, AR and VR, social design, and creating multimedia elements.

Clark’s experience shines as he provides essential guidance on instructional design, UX, and learner analytics.

You’ll also dig into current topics, such as LMSs, LXPs, LRSs, and design thinking, with case studies and tips that illustrate complex concepts.

By the end of this gem, you’ll be able to design impactful learning that drives performance.

Table of Contents

Donald Clark continues to move the needle in this eLearning must-have, packing in chapters on LXD, workflow learning, AI, and LXPs.

Here’s a portion of what you’ll cover:

Book ratings and reviews 

This splendid second edition scores 4.3 stars from 41 ratings on Amazon. Here’s what one satisfied customer had to say.

Buy it now

17. The Modern Learning Ecosystem: A New L&D Mindset for the Ever-Changing Workplace, by JD Dillon

The Modern Learning Ecosystem: A New L&D Mindset for the Ever-Changing Workplace is a top read for training professionals

Characteristics

Here are the book’s details:

• Publication date: November 29, 2022 
• Format: Paperback or Kindle version
• ISBN-13: 978-1953946386
• Available languages: English
• Publisher: Association for Talent Development

Summary

Author J.D. Dillon has worked in talent development for over two decades, making a name for himself as a leader in the field.

He has worked with big brands like Kaplan and The Walt Disney Company (he’s also a former Disney cast member), sharing his learning and performance expertise.

JD Dillion is currently an international speaker and author, as well as the founder of LearnGeek and CLO at Axonify. 

 The Modern Learning Ecosystem synthesizes his vast experience, reimagining the role of L&D in the modern workplace.

He takes the reader on a journey through the evolving role of L&D, new challenges, and old misconceptions. 

You’ll also discover practical advice on how to adapt to a rapidly changing workplace and build a “disruption-ready” learning ecosystem that solves organizational problems.

It’s an entertaining read packed with frameworks and strategies to future-proof the L&D function in your business. From getting stakeholder buy-in to measuring training impact, Dillon’s book has the answers.

By the end of the book, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to:

• Improve your organization’s ability to learn, adapt, and stay competitive.
• Build a scalable system to deliver shared organizational knowledge.
• Make smarter technology decisions.
• Implement a forward-thinking approach to workplace learning and development.

Table of Contents

JD Dillon’s engaging, story-telling approach makes for an enjoyable and insightful read. You’ll cover essential L&D topics — from knowledge sharing to data — to make you a thought leader in your own right.

Here’s an overview of what you’ll cover:

Book ratings and reviews 

This value-packed L&D book scores 4.9 stars from 24 ratings on Amazon. Here’s one happy reader’s opinion of it.

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Wrapping up

We hope our list of the best eLearning books has inspired you to update your reading list this year. From measuring training impact to conducting learner surveys, our selection of page-turners will give you the tools to propel your L&D career forward in 2024. Happy reading!