Image of a calculator

Frequently, I chat with course designers who use number variables in their courses for things like showing learners the number of objects they’ve found, limiting quiz retries, creating a 401(k) calculator, and simple calculations like adding variables. Many of them ask: “Mike, how do I take my number variable game to the next level?” Well, take a look at this interaction:

Image of a Division Problem

Looks like a simple calculation, right? But to make it work, you’ll need to tap into some higher-order skills with Articulate Storyline. In the following video, I’ll show you the really awesome technique that makes the interaction possible. It’s called setting (or passing) variables. It’s a solid baseline technique that you can build upon when you want to create something like a running calculation or a freelance rate calculator.

Nervous? Don’t be. Even if you’re new to Storyline you’ll master this in no time.

This first video is designed for a beginner to intermediate Storyline user, and tells a little more about the concepts behind the technique.

If you’re already an advanced Storyline user and don’t need any conceptual info, here’s a short version of the vid that gets right down to it.

Do you have some super-awesome examples for creating interactions using advanced variable techniques? Tell us about them here in the comments below! And follow us on Twitter and E-Learning Heroes for updates on all things e-learning.

 

54 Comments
Mike Enders
Nancy Woinoski
Mike Enders
Robert DeSimone

That's a nice simple explanation for creating a calculation. I created a much more complex tool that is used by my client's sales reps to determine ordering quantities for a haemostasis product. Essentially while sitting with the customer, the rep inputs the hospital's use of competitive haemostasis products. The tool also takes into account the sub-specialties the product is used in (as there are some applications my client's product is not yet approved for). Following input of the different information (numbers of procedures, cost of competitive product, etc), a resulting report is generated that shows order quantities for the new product, adjusted quantities for the competitive product and cost savings for converting. The tool uses hundreds of calculations including a large number of ... Expand

Dina Tsuda