Multi - device learning

Feb 10, 2018

We specialize in Application training material which typically includes elearning, classroom content, simulations, and job aids. Traditionally, our target audience view this material on their desktops. Now, in the age of multi devices, we want to develop this material (at least elearning, Simulation, and job aids) which will be compatible with all devices including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Now, here are my questions, request for your valuable inputs :

1. Can we develop a course in Articulate Storyline and publish it only once, and the published course can be viewed on any device (desktops, tablets, and smartphones)? We do not want to publish for desktops separately, and for other devices separately. 

2. If I play an interactive system simulation (try it mode) on smaller screen of tablet or smart phones, will the text entry and click actions be performed smoothly with finger taps as they can be performed with mouse clicks and keyboard in desktops? 

3. Are there any design considerations to be followed while making a same course compatible with all devices? Considerations such as interactions (click - reveal, drag - drop, hot spot, etc.), and amount of onscreen elements per screen. The same experience of learning on desktop should be achieved on the touch interface of tablets and smartphones as well. 

Request for your inputs. Thanking you. 

2 Replies
Ashley Terwilliger-Pollard

Hi Angad,

All great questions! With Storyline 3 and Articulate 360, there has been a big shift and focus on HTML5 output and how that'll work on mobile devices. We're really excited about this new HTML5 output, and what it means for ease of course development and deployment! 

1. The all-new responsive player automatically displays when you view Storyline 3 or Storyline 360's HTML5 courses on tablets and smartphones. It fluidly responds to the screen size and orientation of any mobile device for the best viewing experience, hiding sidebar menus, eliminating browser chrome, and delivering mobile-friendly playback controls. No extra work required. Just publish your course and let the player do all the work for you.

When you view the same courses on desktop and laptop computers, the standard player will be used. (We're finalizing some features to allow for the current responsive player to also be used on desktop.) 

2.  Screen recordings, simulations and the test/try actions are supported on all devices. Users will be able to click, type, etc on a mobile device as they do on a desktop. You'll want to keep the overall size/screen in mind though while you're designing to make sure it will be easy for users to see or touch items on the screen.  

We’ve also optimized the new responsive player for touch control. It supports touchscreen gestures—such as swiping, dragging, and pinch-to-zoom—in HTML5 output on tablets and smartphones. So that way if a user does need to zoom in, they can do so. 

I'm not an instructional designer, so I'd leave the answer to #3 to those folks in the community who are! I'd also suggest reaching out in the Building Better Courses side of ELH and see if there is anyone who can weigh in! That side tends to focus more on design and how to. 

Best of luck with your projects and let us know if you need anything else. 

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