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The Fastest & Easiest Way to Create E-Learning Scenarios

MikeTaylor's avatar
MikeTaylor
Super Hero
11 years ago

These days, most e-learning developers want to find ways to move beyond linear click-and-read courses. One of the best ways to break out of the “tell ’em then test ’em” mode is to incorporate scenarios into your courses. When you present your learners with scenarios and challenge them to make decisions, you are asking them to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world context, which helps them gauge their learning.

If you’re new to building scenarios, Tom Kuhlmann’s Three-C Model of Scenario Building shows you the three simple elements you need for creating a scenario: Challenges, Choices, and Consequences. Basically, you start every scenario by challenging your learners’ understanding with a realistic situation. Then you provide choices that allow them to make a decision that ends with a consequence, providing them with appropriate feedback.

There are a lot of options for building scenario interactions, but none of them are faster or easier than using an Engage interaction. For example, let me show you how well suited an Engage Tabs interaction is to building scenarios.

First, since you can present an introductory screen at the beginning of any Engage interaction, it’s the perfect place to trot out your scenario details. The next step is to label the tabs with the choices available to learners.

Then, all that’s left is to provide the consequence for each choice in the associated content area. Remember, you can include characters and other multimedia here as well.

In a matter of minutes, you’ll have a visually appealing scenario that looks something like this.

View published scenario

The Tabs interaction isn’t the only one that works well for scenarios. You should also check out the Folders, Quick Choice, and other interactions to see what works best for your content.

Next time you want to include a scenario in your online training, be sure to check out how easy it is with the Three-C Model and Articulate Engage.  

I’d love to hear how you’re using scenarios in your projects. Or, if you aren’t, why not?

If you want to try this yourself but don’t have Studio ’13, no problem. Just sign up for a fully functional, free 30-day trial. And don’t forget to post your questions and comments in the forums! We’re here to help. For more e-learning tips, examples, and downloads, follow us on Twitter.

Published 11 years ago
Version 1.0
  • JayNorth-'s avatar
    JayNorth-
    Community Member
    Most the points shared can really make a difference in the world of e commerce. That is why Challenges, Choices, and Consequences are vital part to begin with.
  • Helpful post, Mike. I was looking for different way to use Engage, and this is certainly a good one. Thank you.
  • TerrySheeran's avatar
    TerrySheeran
    Community Member
    I can't believe you. The computer that you are showing at the top of this shortcut is a Mac, just like mine; however, I can't create with Articulate on my Mac. I do a presentation in Power Point, copy it to a drive, put it in my purse, drag it to my PC at work. I am nagging you. I love Articulate but can't use it at home.
    • NicolaAppel's avatar
      NicolaAppel
      Community Member
      Hi Terry,

      have you tried installing it on your Mac through Parallels? Here are a few articles/threads that will help you out if you're getting started using Storyline with the Parallels desktop:

      Knowledge base article: "Using Articulate Software with on a Mac with Parallels Desktop" (http://www.articulate.com/support/kb_article.php?product=st1&id=sp8jsbrv29eu)

      Forum thread: "Storyline on latest Mac with Parallels" (https://community.articulate.com/discussions/storyline-on-latest-macbook-pro)
  • LorrieSmyly1's avatar
    LorrieSmyly1
    Community Member
    I agree with Terry. It would be fantastic to develop a Mac version. I personally use VMware but it's a hassle to have to install the MS operating system on my beautiful Mac, not to mention the challenge of having to save files in the VM environment because if you save on Mac and use, they tend to crash.