shortcut to next screen in simulation

Hi, David. 

• (...)  the trigger I created for the Try Again layer does not clear the initial text entry when that text entry is incorrect (...)

Which trigger did you add for the Try Again layer? I usually recommend adding Set TextEntry to value (blank)  when the user clicks Try Again if that's not the one you're using.

Just make sure that trigger happens before the one that hides the layer, so it works in the correct order.

• Is it possible to embed a simulation in a Rise course but have the first screen you see on the simulation a picture or text or something other than this big black picture image (...)

Do you have audio or video on the first slide of your Storyline project? This article will explain why you see this behavior on modern browsers. 

One option to avoid the Play button is to insert a blank slide as your first slide and add a trigger to jump to the next slide when the timeline starts.

Keep in mind that this will also be browser-dependent, and while it might show the slide without the Play button, it might still require the user to click on the screen to hear the audio. 

I also wanted to add a quick note: it looks like your signature with contact information came through when you replied via email. You can remove it by clicking ‘Edit’ below your response. Here’s a quick Peek 360 video if you need help.