Week 2 - Group 1 Discussion

Hello! Here is a link to my course: https://share.articulate.com/UECnhL_pbMZFQRQdlYidj

The 3 most significant changes I made to the project were:

1. AI generated images- I updated the images throughout the course since the default images did not have enough diversity in gender for our organization, so I was able to use the prompts to meet that criteria.
2. Tone/Length of text- I like the ability to make the text more informal, conversational and shorter. I think at times AI by default can get lengthy so it’s nice to be able to quickly shorten that for learners.
3. AI Audio/Avatar Video- I learned about the AI avatar (in beta) in another articulate webinar but I used it for the first time in this course edit. I also used the AI audio as well. I don’t think the voice matches the face perfectly but I’m sure with time this feature will improve.

The AI feature that is most valuable to my workflow is the generation of a full course quiz or knowledge checks. This is something I personally struggle with since it’s hard to know what is too easy/difficult for learnings. I found that this saves a ton of time and gives a great starting point that you can easily edit. I like the ability to vary feedback by answer for more personalization. I was surprised with how quickly you can update the options within the quiz using the prompts.

For me personally, the biggest challenge to getting AI to produce the result centered around images for me. I will have to work on my ability to write a good prompt. I found myself adding, deleting and re-working my image prompts multiple times to get what I envisioned. Of course, this is much easier than seeking out a stock image so it’s hard to complain about this feature in general.

Hello! I've been applying just about every single thing I've learned so far in my work over the past two weeks. I put most of my effort on the project into the "Team Happiness and Individual Motivators" section and then the end of course quiz, but I did play with a few of the other pieces as well. Here's my link: 

https://share.articulate.com/uzMzOfXvmMY8y0cTVtXFe

1. Share 3 changes you made to the Rise AI Course Draft to improve learner engagement. 
   1. I used the class technique to create a hook for the lesson, then moved that to a new text on image block to open the lesson in place of the banner placeholder. The image itself was AI generated to show a well-functioning team so that there's not only a hook at the top to engage the learner, but the message of a happy and productive team suggested along with that. 
   2. I used the AI instant convert feature on several blocks to add some variation and ensure the content had sufficient room to breathe (some of the initial flashcards were very crowded). I also added some manual line breaks and AI-generated + edited use of bold to highlight key words. I used quite a bit of the tone-changing and simplification prompts, all in an attempt to make the content easier to read and digest.
   3. When I added AI images to the first accordion, I did create a custom style and then used prompts to ensure I had at least one wheelchair user and one person in hijab, as the original images were all too similar. The goal of these changes was to help a more diverse audience (managing diverse groups) see themselves in the content.
2. Which AI feature or capability was most valuable in your workflow, and why? Did anything about it surprise you?
   • The top most valuable feature at work was generating the draft from content, but in this project itself it's hard to name one specific feature that was most valuable, as it was really the ability to combine features that made the big difference for me. The instant convert probably saved me the most time. 
3. What challenges did you face when trying to get AI to produce the results you wanted?
   1. At first, I spent too much time playing with prompts to try to get the perfect outcome. Eventually I switched to getting a really good outcome from AI and then doing manual edits for polish, and that seemed most efficient.
   2. A few things didn't work the way they were shown in the videos. In some cases, the prompt that wasn't supposed to work well at first turned out a great result, showing how quickly the tools are improving! I never could get the font color to change with a prompt but that seems easy to do manually for small batches.
   3. I found myself wishing I could apply some text revision prompts to blocks across lessons. I did take the advice of starting a list of valuable prompts that I can cut and paste.
   4. I think the weakest feature was the knowledge check / quiz generation. There was a real mix of results. Some were so easy you wouldn't need to read the content to guess correctly (partly a feature of the content being pretty basic, possibly). Some were more challenging and seemed to be integrating content, which is a higher order thinking skill - but I didn't take the time to go through and confirm that the answers suggested were 100% correct and incorrect answers 100% incorrect based on interpretation of the material. I've taken the assessment certification from ATD so I'm touchy about quizzes in particular, so I think for me I'd use the AI tools to generate an outline by still do quite a bit of manual work to get the right challenge level and details. I did really like the prompt from the course about customizing the feedback - that's one I saved and used liberally in the end of course quiz.

This was a really valuable course, and I wish I'd had time to keep up with all of the introductions and posts but the volume was overwhelming. I've connected with a couple of people on LinkedIn, so if I missed a personal message please feel free to reach out to me there!

Hi all - Here is the course I modified: 

https://share.articulate.com/V5_yAyW5nIrblySd4ekeK

It was fun and educational to freely experiment with AI tools in this way!  The three changes I made included: a) changing text (shortening/shifting to storytelling), b) changing block types (from list to sorting, from text to labeled graphic, where I used AI to improve the marker text), and c) adding narration and avatars via custom blocks. The voice quality is excellent, and the variety is impressive.  I look forward to using the British Crone voice somewhere!

The AI features I used most were: a) image generation, b) text improvement, and c) AI audio narration.  All gave me excellent results. I was especially impressed with AI's ability to turn text into a first-person story conducive to narration.  I spent time refining the image custom prompt to achieve the vibe I was going for, but ended up going with "simple, abstract sketch with colored pencils reminiscent of a DaVinci sketch. The color palette is cool natural tones" and I liked the result.  I had the most fun asking the AI Assistant to create images in a Jasper Johns or Jackson Pollock style, though. 😄

The challenge I experienced was the appropriate level of detail in the prompt, then refactoring it to get what needed.  I would love to be able to download an AI- generated image, then save/upload/reference it to get a slightly different version of the same image for use later in the course - a way to show a persona experiencing different emotions throughout the course.  I forgot to put this on my wish list!

I didn't spend too much time refining the content and text to eliminate repetitiveness but I can see where the AI Assistant can help me with this.

Separately, I used the AI Assistant to create a new Rise course from two documents, and it did an excellent job.  I'm excited to continue playing with the various features.  I'm excited to continue experimenting!

Hello!

Here is the course I modified. 

https://share.articulate.com/a9hkp4mWiB_ZzKR0hN8q0

1. 3 changes:
   1. Used AI to give me an AI image prompt.
   2. Used the "give 3 versions" prompt and selected the version best for my audience.
   3. Used AI to make the course end quiz.
2. Most valuable: I like being able to dump a large amount of text then asking for a certain number of paragraphs. I also didn't know I could include hex code colors in the prompt.
3. Challenges: I still struggle with creating AI images, though I am getting better. We have strict safety standards and AI images usually do not add enough PPE. I'm learning to be very specific in the prompt so my images will be usable. I would like to be able to say "keep that image but add safety glasses" but it usually creates a new image instead of updating the existing one.

Hi everyone,

This is a draft of the course I’m currently working on: 

https://share.articulate.com/CwH6528aOh4HO47VdM9CH

I used the metaphor of an orchestra and conductor to introduce the idea of a manager leading a team in harmony. Visually, I chose a black-and-white palette to reinforce the music and sheet-note theme, and I used hand-drawn cartoon-style illustrations throughout the course. Together, these choices gave the course a consistent visual and thematic identity.

I also renamed the course and lessons to make them more memorable and better aligned with the overall design concept:

• Orchestrating Team Success
• The Four Pillars of Team Harmony
• Finding the Team’s Rhythm
• Keeping Team Well-Being in Tune

Three changes I made to improve learner engagement

• I changed some knowledge checks from multiple-choice questions to other interaction types, such as fill-in-the-blank activities, to increase engagement.
• I added dividers and “Continue” buttons to break content into smaller sections, helping reduce cognitive load and create a stronger sense of progression.
• I adjusted the block types used for different content. For example, I replaced some tab interactions with bulleted lists to improve readability and flow.

Most valuable AI feature

One AI feature I really appreciated was the automatic bolding of key words and phrases. I strongly believe that highlighting important terms improves readability and learner focus, so it’s great to see this process becoming more automated. Hopefully, this encourages more instructional designers to use this technique intentionally.

Challenges with AI

One challenge I still face is AI image generation. It has improved significantly since 2023, but occasionally the generated visuals still include issues like extra fingers, distorted faces, or unusual details. 🙂

Hi All, here is the course I built, what I enjoyed was bringing out my creative side and making this fun.

https://share.articulate.com/4fs5I2_RVevalLhNSm0LX

1. Three Things I changed and why

• Creating an Immersive Introduction
  
  I intentionally designed the beginning of the training to feel immersive rather than simply informational. By using creative writing and storytelling elements, I wanted to immediately capture attention and draw people into the study. My goal was to create a strong hook that helped learners feel connected and engaged from the very beginning.
  
  
• Incorporating Creative Writing and Visual Design
  
  As someone who loves literature and storytelling, I incorporated creative writing, vibrant colors, and a 1950s retro-inspired aesthetic to make the training feel unique, memorable, and visually engaging. I wanted the overall tone and design to feel thoughtful and inviting while still clearly communicating the learning objectives.
  
  
• Increasing Engagement and Learning Retention
  
  My goal was to create a training experience that people would genuinely enjoy and remember. Because many trainings today can feel repetitive or disconnected, I wanted learners to feel immersed, inspired, and engaged throughout the process. By making the experience more interactive and creative, I hoped to improve both engagement and retention of the material.
  
  
  2. Most Valuable AI features and why
  
  
• AI-Powered Storytelling and Content Creation
  
  One of the most valuable AI features for this training would be immersive storytelling and creative content generation. Because my goal is to emotionally engage learners from the beginning, AI could help create compelling introductions, narrative-driven content, and creative writing styles that make the study feel more meaningful, memorable, and engaging while still clearly communicating the learning objectives.
  
  
• Challenges with AI-Generated Imagery

One challenge I experienced while using AI tools was generating images that                accurately matched the specific theme, colors, and overall aesthetic I envisioned for the training. I found that if the prompts were not extremely detailed and intentional, the AI often produced visuals that did not fully align with my creative direction. It became a process of refining and reworking prompts multiple times to get closer to the imagery and design style I was looking for. This experience taught me how important specificity and well-crafted prompts are when using AI-generated design tools.

Hi everyone! 

The following is the link the course I created within Rise: 

https://share.articulate.com/svUwMU99sWBR8dqcnCJse

1. Share 3 changes you made to the Rise AI Course Draft to improve learner engagement. Why did you make those changes?
• Refined the tone and clarity of AI-generated content
• After generating the initial draft with Create with AI, I edited the content to make it more natural, conversational, and aligned with my voice. While the AI provided a strong starting point, some sections felt overly formal or generic, so I used Edit with AI to simplify language, adjust tone, and make the content feel more natural and less AI-generated.
  Why: This made the course more approachable and easier to follow. Content that feels too robotic can create distance, so refining the tone helped create a more engaging, learner-centered experience.
• Increased interactivity by converting static content into dynamic blocks
• I replaced more static blocks with interactive ones using the Instant Convert feature. For example, I transformed longer text sections into flashcards, accordions, and other interactive formats.
  Why: This encouraged active participation instead of passive reading, helping improve engagement, pacing, and knowledge retention.
• Enhanced the experience with visuals and narration
• I used the AI Assistant to generate detailed image prompts for realistic, professional visuals aligned with the course context, and added AI-generated narration by using on-screen text as a script to create a more engaging, multimodal experience.
  Why: Incorporating visuals and audio made the course more immersive and less text-heavy, supporting different learning preferences and improving overall engagement.
  
  
2. Which AI feature or capability was most valuable in your workflow, and why? Did anything about it surprise you?
• The most valuable feature in my workflow was Create with AI, which allowed me to generate a structured course outline based on inputs like topic, audience, tone, objectives, and source materials.
• Why it mattered:
• It gave me a strong starting point and helped me quickly organize and structure my source materials. Instead of sorting through everything manually, the AI was able to chunk and categorize the content into clear lessons and topics. This also helped me see the bigger picture of the course right away, which made the process feel less overwhelming and easier to build from. As a result, I could focus more on refining the content and improving the learner experience.
• What surprised me:
• I was impressed by how cohesive and logically organized the output was. It didn’t just generate content - it broke information into meaningful sections that aligned well with instructional flow, making it feel like a true first draft rather than disconnected content.
  
  
3. What challenges did you face when trying to get AI to produce the results you wanted?
• One of the biggest challenges was getting the tone and voice just right. While the AI-generated content was helpful, some sections felt generic or overly “AI-written.” I had to iteratively refine the content - through prompting and using Edit with AI - to better align it with my voice and the experience I wanted to create.
• Another challenge was being specific enough in prompts, especially for images and assessments. Generating the right visuals and well-aligned quiz questions often required more detailed input and refinement to match both the learning objectives and the overall feel of the course.
• Overall, this process reinforced how valuable AI can be as a partner in the course design process. It’s a powerful tool for generating ideas, organizing content, and accelerating development, while still allowing space for thoughtful instructional design decisions. I found that combining AI-generated drafts with my own perspective and intentional design choices helped create a more polished, engaging, and learner-centered experience. I’m excited to continue applying the tips, techniques, and best practices I gained while working with the AI Assistant in my future projects!

Hello - 

https://share.articulate.com/jKGg3yQjGhcrHX-uwBd93 

I used AI to do a bunch of things,

• Rewrite paragraphs for simplicity and impact
• Formatting text to highlight key words and phrases
• Generate AI prompts from the text and then to generate images to include
• Instant convert block styles to change add some different element to the course

Previously, for me, the most used feature was the instant convert. With the tips & tricks I have found some great ideas on other areas from text formatting to rewriting content for more impact. As I use it more I see it becoming a natural part of my workflow and being more iterative with the process/prompts. I was pleasantly surprised at quality of the the image creation.

I think the biggest challenge is finding new ways to incorporate the AI tools into what I am working on. For example, I would not have thought to use it to change text formatting, but that is a huge time saver! I also need to remember to keep a promopt library as I find prompts that are successful. 

Here is my Rise course. Please share you thoughts.  Edits made to Lesson 1 and added Quiz.  https://share.articulate.com/is7rzIOylqfTpxKzc7ggO

Share 3 changes you made to the Rise AI Course Draft to improve learner engagement.

1. I create multiple new AI-generated images that align more with the lesson. Since the heart of this course is building relationships between a manager and employee, I wanted images to reflect that. I used the AI generated images for all Lesson 1 images.  I also added images to the flip cards making the activity more visual to the learner. 

2. Change Tone and added Audio I softened the verbiage throughout Lesson 1 with a friendly tone. I used the same friendly tone when creating audio for the Lesson 1 introduction. This personalizes the content again making it more relatable to the learner.

• Add an AI-generated knowledge check question related to the key concepts. Using quick tips, I changed the feedback to by choice.  I like the fact that the learner receives feedback on questions that guide them to the correct answer.

3. Which AI feature or capability was most valuable in your workflow, and why?

• Wow! The time this saves not having to go back through the content and create my own feedback.  I am not the SME on the content I receive; it’s always a guess to whether the feedback is adequate.  This gives a better starting point for the SME review.

What challenges did you face when trying to get AI to produce the results you wanted?

• When creating AI generated images, I must edit multiple times to remove any wording from the screen.  I learned to include that in the description at the beginning.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

I have a question about Week 2 activities - for your RISE course did you edit the whole course or just 1 lesson.  I did everything in one lesson.