Inline knowledge checks

Knowledge checks are tools that are used in online courses to help learners understand how effectively they are learning the course material. They are usually made up of questions that are directly related to the course material. 

Knowledge checks are not assessed, which makes them a low-pressure learning technique. It can be used regularly to assess users’ knowledge before they can progress to the next module. 

The key benefits of using inline knowledge checks are:

• Mastery of content. Knowledge checks help users focus more on certain gaps in their understanding of a topic so that they can spend more time on material they don’t understand.

• Better learner experience. Users will know exactly which areas of the module still require some work after receiving feedback from the knowledge check. This saves learners time by preventing them from studying information they've already mastered.

• Increased user retention. Knowledge checks are a great approach to communicating with users and demonstrating the value of the course based on their grasp and knowledge of a new topic. This motivates them to keep working to finish your course.

Although there are some similarities, quizzes and knowledge checks don’t mean the same thing. Knowledge checks do measure learners' understanding of course material, however, they are less formal than a quiz and are intended for a simple review of the material learned rather than testing.