Forum Discussion
More ideas for simulations?
Simulations are a staple in our current training program. How can it not be when the topics are all based on the scripting in the CMS (Customer Management System)? But it is getting a bit tedious and I would like to offer something a little more challenging than just using the Try Me mode of screen recordings. I love the work put out by David Anderson! :-) I thought perhaps his simulation example about Harvest might inspire a bright idea, but I can't get to it. :-(
So two questions: What are brilliant instructional designers doing to teach software focused topics? I use Storyline 360 if that matters. Where did David's project go?
Glad you like the example! I'm not able to share the source file, but here are some steps to get you started with creating your own simulations.
- Add a scrolling panel on the screen which covers the whole slide.
- Take a fullpage screenshot of the webpage you simulating. I use this fireshot google chrome extension to take the screenshot.
- I then split this screenshot up into sections that are smaller than my storyline slide using this site. Images that are larger than the slide size will get compressed when publishing the course - longer screenshots will become blurry if you miss this step.
- Then upload the screenshot sections into storyline and drag them into the scrolling panel. Align the sections back together so they recreate the original screenshot.
- You can then add hotspots over your image for where you want learners to click. We also add hotspots for the wrong parts of the screen which when clicked subtract from a numerical "lives" variable.
- To add text entry fields I use the text input field in storyline. You can then add a variable reference within a text box if you need to show the variable again after it has been entered. I use this whatfont chrome extension to help match the font to the webpage.
I'm hoping to make a few short videos in the next few months to better explain the process. I will share them here once they are published.
Hi Doris,
I work for an LMS company and we use storyline to create software simulations like this one:
https://totara.community/pluginfile.php/75239/mod_scorm/content/27/index_lms.html
These SCORM packages appear at the end of our courses and are used as a 'test me' simulation to assess a users knowledge of how to complete a task in the LMS.
We don't use the default screen recording options in storyline so our simulations are different in a few ways:
1. We build our simulations within scrolling panels so that we can properly simulate the behaviour of a web page.
2. We have added a lives mechanic to the simulation. When a user clicks in the wrong position on the screen the user receives a hint and also loses a life. When a user loses all three lives they will need to restart the section again.
3. We have created a dockable task panel which can be minimised to allow a user to access the screen behind the panel. This allows us to use the full screen for the simulation.
4. We use a hidden quiz and results slide in storyline to allow us to report on the total number of incorrect clicks each user makes in the simulation. We then use this data to report on the average number of incorrect clicks in each of our simulations - so we can see what activities users are struggling with.
Hi JordanAsh,
I must say, the sample simulation you provided is the best example I have ever seen. I truly appreciate the effort you put into designing it.
If possible, could you share a sample story file for it? Alternatively, could you please provide guidance on the following:
1. How did you create simulations within scrolling panels?
2. How did you implement the dockable task panel?
3. Lastly, how did you manage to display the exact data (username, first name, surname) that I typed at the end of the task?
It would be appreciated if you help me. Will be waiting.
Thanks & Regards
CD Team
Hi Doris, that was a fun hack in Storyline 2! However, like all hacks, they only work until the software gets updated, and unfortunately, that idea broke with the newer releases.
That is too funny David. Technology! Keeps us in demand! So are you in the mood to create a new one? I have watched your webinar on Simulations so I am familiar with the tool. You do a great job facilitating learning!
