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.
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.
