Parent Communication eLearning
This concept project is a scenario based eLearning project that tests novice educators on their abilities to successfully communicate with parents in the context of classroom behavior issues.
Audience: Student and novice teachers entering the classroom for the first time
Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Design, and Analysis
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline, Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
Overview
Public school districts lack teacher training tools for parent communication. This leads to lower teacher retention and parents seeking other educational opportunities, such as private schools, for their children.
I identified the need for this training after speaking with fellow teachers across the nation who stated they were not well trained in this skill prior to entering the classroom which led to feelings of doubt in themselves and increased the likelihood that they would leave their roles. I confirmed the need and decided to develop scenario-based eLearning to help bridge the knowledge and skill gap.
School districts already require online training modules for new teachers, so this fits nicely into their process and is the most cost effective way to ensure all incoming teachers have access to this training.
Process
I designed this Scenario Based eLearning course by applying a combination of my own experience and discussions with SMEs in the education field. I used action mapping, scenario-based learning, gamification, Articulate Storyline 360, and Adobe Illustrator to design and develop this eLearning experience.
Action Map
After speaking with fellow educators, the need for this training became very clear. Using the combination of my own experience, discussion with those SMEs, and input from another SME (retired principal), I was able to identify the actions that teachers needed to perform in order to handle these conversations successfully. I compiled this information in an action map, and then I worked with the SMEs to identify the 5 most vital actions for us to address.
Text-based Storyboard
Using my action map as the groundwork, I then created a text-based storyboard for this project, referencing my conversations with SMEs to create a very realistic scenario.
The idea for this scenario had two major requirements: it needed to be relatable and realistic. The simulation puts you into the shoes of a new teacher who must navigate their first complicated parent interaction. Emotions are high and the learner must navigate the situation professionally.
The text-based storyboard includes a breakdown of the scenario by question, including answer choices, prompt text, character texts, and consequences. If the learner gets stuck, they are able to seek help from the mentor character, April, before making a choice. Positive and negative consequences help the learner to understand the “why?” behind their error and steer them onto the right path, as well.
Visual Mock-ups
Before creating a visual storyboard and prototype, I designed and iterated on the slide layouts in Adobe XD. This included choosing the art style, curating vectors, and editing those vectors in Adobe Illustrator to ensure they fit the feel of the project.
Starting with the wireframes and ending with the final versions, I was able to easily test color palettes, layouts, and get approval for changes before moving on to developing in Storyline. Adobe XD was a fantastic tool for designing the visuals and making quick edits along the way. This helped streamline my creative process and allowed me to develop several iterations quickly, leading up to the final approval.
Visual Storyboard
Once the visual mockups were completed and approved by the client, I created a visual storyboard that not only included the design of the slides, but also the appropriate triggers, actions, and other programming notes that would be needed to make the scenario come to life.
By compiling the programming features, visuals, and text into one document, it helped to streamline the development process and serve as a reference during the following phases.
Interactive Prototype
The next step was to develop an interactive prototype with Articulate Storyline 360. This prototype only consisted of the first two questions, based on the templates that were created and approved in Adobe XD. I incorporated many Storyline features such as states, triggers, and layers. As the content was already approved and ready to go, the main feedback needed was on visuals and programming. As the assets were already prepared in Adobe XD, I was able to spend the majority of my energy on creating intuitive interactions and learner-friendly designs.
After programming and designing the first two questions, it was time to stop and get feedback from the client. Using the features in Review 360, I was easily able to acknowledge and apply the feedback that helped to make it more intuitive for the learner: such as spacing, refining the prompt texts, and button design.
I also sought feedback from SMEs on the visuals, especially the character screens, to ensure that they were both visually appealing and realistic for the learner. After many iterations and screening the project for every possible error, it was finally ready for the next step.
Full Development
After receiving approval for the prototype, I proceeded to finish developing the full product. Having already programmed the first two questions with the appropriate states, triggers, and layers, it took no time at all to turn around the final project. Having the prototype approved and completed beforehand helped to streamline this process and make it extremely efficient.
One part of this project that I am very proud of is the custom created buttons on the question slides. While Storyline does come with a button creation feature, I wanted to make sure the buttons were perfectly in tune with the style and needs of the project So, I built them from scratch. I underestimated what a challenge that would be, but I am extremely thrilled at how they turned out and how much I learned about states and triggers in the process.
Results and Takeaways
Upon completion of this project, I shared it with my client, SMEs, and the greater instructional design community. The project was very well received, with many commenting on the bright art style, intuitive design, and realistic scenario.
After sharing it with those directly involved with the project and the greater community, I wanted to test it on those with no connection to either. I shared it with a few members of the target audience to receive their feedback, as well. Overwhelmingly, the feedback was that the interactivity made for an engaging eLearning and the scenario was right on target. This shows me that using a Scenario based eLearning was a great choice.
During the process, I was able to deep dive into the features of fantastic tools like Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, and Articulate Storyline. I’ve learned so much about triggers, states, variables, and layers in Storyline, which will increase my efficiency in future projects.
I love how much I was able to learn about Illustrator- a tool that I was unfamiliar with previously but had made a lot of the visual design possible. Bringing my curriculum design skills to the table helped turn this into a professional, effective tool for the client. This training should be helpful for years to come and assist new teachers in assimilating to their new role.