Using Mad Libs to Create E-Learning Word Games #216

Mad Libs in E-Learning #216: Challenge | Recap

Mad Libs® is a popular word game where random words are used to fill in the blanks of existing sentences to create funny and nonsensical stories. The games are often used in the classroom to teach vocabulary, parts of speech, and reading comprehension.

For course designers, Mad Libs® style games are an excellent way to practice working with variables. Using Storyline’s text entry fields and variable references, you can create engaging word games that learners can play over and over with different outcomes. And that’s what this week’s challenge is all about!

Love Letter Mad Libs

Here’s a delightful Mad Libs® example shared by Alyssa Gomez in a previous challenge. The first slide uses text entry fields to capture a series of words from learners. Those words are then displayed using variable references to create a funny love letter on the second slide. Brilliant!

View project | Download source

Generating Random Mad Lib Stories

Storyline's random number variable can be used to present different stories each time the game is played. The number variable is randomized each time the slide loads. The continue button will take the user to one of three slides based on the current value of the variable.

View project

Challenge of the Week

This week, your challenge is to share a Mad Libs® style interaction.

If you’re new to Storyline, focus on the technical basics of working with data-entry fields and displaying their values with variable references. If you get stuck, ask in the forums and we’ll be happy to help.

For those more experienced with variables, what other ways can you think of to design Mad Libs® style games?

Resources

Here are a few resources to help you find the right word and design idea for your challenge entry.

• Mad Libs® website and Teacher’s Guide
• Storyline 360: Working with Data-Entry Fields
• Pinterest resources

Last Week’s Challenge:

To help you find the perfect words and designs for this week’s challenge, take a look at the technology-inspired course starters your fellow challengers shared over the past week:

Course Starter Templates for Technology #215: Challenge | Recap

Wishing you a _________ week, E-Learning Heroes!

New to the E-Learning Challenges?

The weekly e-learning challenges are ongoing opportunities to learn, share, and build your e-learning portfolios. You can jump into any or all of the previous challenges anytime you want. I’ll update the recap posts to include your demos.