Online Training for Mortals: 6 Tricks to Make Complex Concepts Easy to Understand

Complex training doesn’t have to be confusing

Perhaps you need to teach a sales team how to explain a high-tech medical device, translate legalese into simple HR content, or develop a new software training and adoption program. No matter the topic, the challenge is the same: How do you create training that makes difficult topics easy to understand?

From advanced technical skills to dense compliance requirements, some training topics are naturally complex. But complexity doesn’t have to mean confusion. With the right digital approach, you can transform brain-busting manuals or presentation slides into clear and engaging online learning experiences. 

Let’s break it down with six e-learning creation tips to help your learners absorb and apply difficult training topics.

Online training strategies to simplify complex topics

“The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.” —Albert Einstein

1. Use learning paths to break up complex topics into a series of smaller courses

Trying to tackle a massive training topic all at once is like eating an entire cake in one sitting—overwhelming and not enjoyable. Instead, slice it into smaller, more manageable pieces using learning paths.

Learning paths guide learners through a structured collection of courses, helping them progress step-by-step. For example, instead of assigning learners a single, multi-hour software training course, you could create a learning path like this:

• Course 1: Basic features and navigation
• Course 2: Advanced functions and productivity hacks

💡 Pro tip: Think of each course as a stepping stone. Focus on one concept or skill at a time that builds on the last. 

2. Explain theoretical concepts with real-world examples and stories

Research shows that people remember information better when they can connect it to real-world experience. So, don’t just define concepts—bring them to life with relatable examples. This could include industry-relevant case studies, real or hypothetical scenarios, and story-based analogies. 

For example:

Instead of this	Try adding this
Defining “user experience” (UX) design.	Show how a company’s design department changed before and after implementing UX principles.
Listing the advantages and disadvantages of high-deductible vs. traditional health insurance plans.	Introduce two hypothetical employees choosing different plans, and compare their real-life medical events and out-of-pocket costs.
Outlining the steps of a Six Sigma process.	Provide a case study of how a real company applied Six Sigma to streamline operations and increase profits.

These examples transform abstract ideas into cohesive stories that make learning more engaging and memorable. 

3. Use AI tools to translate legal jargon or course languages

Dense legal, regulatory, or technical terminology can create barriers to understanding. The good news? AI-powered language tools make it quick and easy to translate complex text into plain language that employees actually understand.

Bonus: If your workforce is multilingual, AI-powered localization can translate training into employees’ preferred language—boosting comprehension and retention.

4. Demonstrate abstract concepts with visual aids 

Some ideas are difficult to conceptualize through text alone. Visual aids—such as diagrams, 3D models, animations, and videos—help learners grasp complex ideas faster.

For example:

• A 3D model of a machine part can show how it fits into a larger system.
• An animation can illustrate complex workflows in a way that’s easy to follow.
• Interactive elements like clickable product demos can deepen understanding.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a well-placed visual could be worth an entire training module.

5. Repeat information in multiple digital formats

Learning something new takes time—especially when it’s complicated. In fact, without reinforcement, people forget up to 70 percent of what they learn within a day (thanks to the forgetting curve). And for dense topics? That number is likely even higher.

Our brains need repetition to lock in new information. That’s why it’s helpful to repeat key concepts in different digital formats. The more we revisit key ideas, the stronger our memory becomes. 

Try these examples:

• Microlearning modules: Reinforce full-sized courses with bite-sized refresher content.
• Digital checklists and cheat sheets: Summarize actionable takeaways.
• Interactive quizzes: Encourage active recall through short assessments.
• Videos and animated GIFs: Present the same information in different media to reinforce learning.

💡 Pro tip: Use spaced repetition—delivering information at increasing intervals over time—to help learners retain knowledge more effectively.

6. Reinforce learning with knowledge checks and hands-on practice activities

Active learning methods can also improve learning and retention. Instead of passively reading or watching, learners engage with the material, helping it stick. So, don’t just tell employees what they need to know—give them opportunities to participate with: 

• Knowledge checks or quizzes
• Realistic simulations or role-playing scenarios
• Immersive, exploratory virtual scenes
• Interactive tasks—such as drag-and-drop or click-and-reveal content

💡 Pro tip: Track quiz results to pinpoint topics of confusion, and update your training content accordingly.

E-learning tools make it easier to explain complex concepts

The goal of training isn’t just to present information—it’s to ensure learners truly understand and apply it. Use these e-learning strategies to help employees overcome the learning curve and put essential knowledge and skills into practice more quickly. 

Want more strategies for teaching technical skills? Check out our blog, 3 Tips for Building Online Technical Training