Overview of Experience

In Models for Learning Design, I created a virtual learning module to address the benefits and considerations of Storyline and Rise – two popular eLearning authoring tools. At CrossTrainer I learned that the similarities and differences between Articulate’s two products create confusion for its eLearning clients and other L&D stakeholders. Once I determined that this problem could be alleviated with instruction, I utilized the systematic ADDIE design process and Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction for planning the lesson.

 

Importance

The project is titled The Benefits and Considerations of Storyline and Rise for eLearning. I created the module in Rise because it was more first-time-user friendly and I was an authoring tool novice. I had never intended to be an ID, only to have a greater understanding of the challenges training professionals confront for my business development role. I figured out the limitations of Rise pretty quickly while I was building. By the end of the project, I found that I had formed an educated opinion on the software.

 

Skills gained

I grew exponentially in knowledge and skill during this project. As both the ID and developer, I led this project from the seed of an idea to its fruition. By using the ADDIE method for lesson design, I learned the process is both non-linear and iterative. When designing the content, I utilized key adult learning theories including scaffolding learning from behaviorist to cognitivist to constructivist when aligning objectives, strategies and assessments. I also considered cognitive load theory and Mayer’s multimedia principles when developing the visual content.

 

Impact

In addition to focusing on ID methodologies, learning theory and the nuances between Storyline and Rise, I earned first-hand experience using an eLearning authoring tool. Although I’ve become increasingly adept with technology during my graduate studies, this experience taught me to be fearless to try but to also know when specific technology is outside of my scope. One of my first post-grad initiatives will be to revise the module for use as a marketing tool for CrossTrainer and build out additional modules such as the benefits and considerations of AR, VR and MR for learning.