• Audience: Teachers 

• Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, and Visual Design

• Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, Vyond, MindMeister, and Google Slides

OVERVIEW

I created this scenario-based eLearning experience by using a fictional client from the Department of Education. The client reached out to me for help to improve student academic performance in the public school system, especially in schools that are labeled high-needs. During the kickoff meeting with the client and SME, we identified the performance problem, which is the lack of improvement in student academic performance, and determined a business goal. Student academic performance was being measured by diagnostic tests throughout the year, which they wanted to increase by 10%. Additionally, we identified the necessary actions teachers need to take and why they were not performing these actions.  

I proposed to design an eLearning solution that would help teachers transform their classroom into a student-led environment, thus increasing student academic performance. I decided to use the scenario-based approach by Cathy Moore to create a series of story-driven exercises. They include situations that teachers are confronted with when building a student-centered classroom. This approach allows the learner of the eLearning experience to practice building a student-led classroom in a safe environment. This approach is structured so that teachers can practice activities that they will most likely encounter in the classroom and apply the behaviors they learned to their job in order to build a student-led classroom.

PROCESS

I consulted with the client and the SME to identify the performance problem, and I set expectations about the scenario-based approach that we would use for the learning solution. When the client first contacted me, they initially wanted to create a course that provided information to the learner about what a student-led classroom comprises of, and the benefits of using this teaching model in the classroom. They stated that they already had a Power Point with a lot of information about creating a student-led classroom and wanted to upload the presentation into the LMS. I thanked the client for the Power Point presentation, but followed up by asking what goals he and his team are trying to achieve, as well as spoke about the benefits of using an action map prior to building a learning solution that would best fit their goal. From there, we agreed to build an action map to define the learning objectives. During the process, I created visual mockups in Adobe XD, built the prototypes, and developed the end product in Articulate Storyline. 

ACTION MAP

During the Kickoff meeting, we identified teacher behaviors to structure their student-led classroom so that students are self-motivated to learn, thus leading to increased student academic performance. Then, we broke down each behavior and listed examples and strategies. This let us set up a scenario for every action that needs to be trained. To bring the eLearning experience to life, we decided to use Vyond to make animated videos based on the learner's consequences for each answer choice. 

TEXT-BASED STORYBOARD

With the help of the action map, I came up with ten scenarios, each of which includes a short description of the situation and two options. We identified a real-world consequence for each option, so learners are able to experience the consequence in a safe-environment prior to practicing this teaching style in their real-life classrooms. I also designed a fictional character named Valerie to be the mentor, providing guidance upon the learner's request. Learners can click on the question mark symbol to get help with answering the questions throughout the eLearning experience.

VISUAL MOCKUPS

I sourced vector illustrations and used Adobe Illustrator to create custom vector graphics, like buttons and speech bubbles. Then, I used Adobe XD to design a general layout before utilizing Articulate Storyline.

The main goal is to engage learners in the scenario. I used a minimalist design in order to help learners focus on essential information and reduce cognitive load.

After launching the initial version of the mockup, I collected feedback from other designers and improved items, like color contrast and alignment, accordingly. 

VISUAL STORYBOARD

To create a prototype, I decided to make a visual storyboard and write down each screen’s text and programming instructions. In this way, I was able to save a lot of time and avoided missing details.

INTERACTIVE PROTOTYPE

After making programming notes on the visual storyboard, I created a prototype in Articulate Storyline. I designed the pattern for each question in Storyline, which came out to be around 6 slides, depending on whether the learner clicks on the question mark symbol to receive guidance from the mentor, Valerie, as well as whether the learner gets the question correct or incorrect. I shared the initial prototype with the team and received feedback. They advised that I could add some more elements to make it more interactive, such as hover effects to the buttons.

Some feedback noted that the color contrast of the purple button could be more robust, so I made changes to enhance its brightness and contrast. I also added visuals that related to each question. After completing all the changes, I tested the entire learning experience by clicking every button while previewing to ensure its pathway on my laptop, tablet, and mobile device. While doing this, I came across a few glitches involving the triggers in Storyline, which I corrected immediately. 

FINAL PRODUCT

Since the prototype was completed and approved by the team, I continued to develop the rest of the eLearning experience. To make the project appear sleek to the learners, I adjusted the player options in Storyline, such as selecting the light background format, and deleting the arrows and menu bar. Then, I published and uploaded the project to the LMS. To track data, I used xAPI. This allows me to track, evaluate, and improve the project based on the learner's experience. 

RESULTS & TAKEAWAYS

The final product has been delivered to the learners, who provided feedback verbally. On average, they spent fifteen minutes completing the demo eLearning experience.

One teacher-lead complimented on the workflow, and explained that the general visual design is comfortable and keeps her focused, while another teacher-lead noted that in some of the scenarios, it’s easy for her to identify the correct answer from the options. Overall, they think this scenario-based learning experience brings them through the process of building a student-led classroom that will improve student academic performance from the start of the project to the end.

I hope to use my instructional design skills and eLearning development skill set to work on future projects that can help people learn in meaningful ways.