Welcome to the New E-Learning Heroes
We’re super excited to introduce you to the all-new E-Learning Heroes community platform. Whether you’ve been a community member for years or you’re just looking to join us, there are plenty of new and improved features to love. For example, now you can earn badges for your contributions, connect with other members about specific topics in dedicated groups, and find answers to your questions more easily. Check out the video below for a walkthrough of our favorite new features, and let us know what you’re most excited about in the comments! Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest e-learning inspiration and insights directly in your inbox. You can also find us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). And if you have questions, please share them in the comments.How I Built This: I Developed an Award-Winning Ethics Course
Why I Built This: When I first learned about branching scenarios, something clicked for me that I hadn’t seen other eLearning developers execute: visually compelling, philosophically rich thought experiments. I studied Moral Philosophy in my undergrad and became obsessed with ethical dilemmas. Naturally, I decided to build an ethics course about technology. Think The Trolley Problem, only I wanted to pose questions about the growing reliance on AI and its implications by employing Instructional Design strategies. An opportunity came up through my Master’s program to attend DevLearn and compete in DemoFest, so it was time to start building my concept. I designed and developed a course in Storyline called The Agency Algorithm that confronts learners with issues regarding three main topics: algorithmic warfare (The Armory), AI assisted resource allocation (The Triage Garden), and surveillance (The Mask Archive). The Experience & Design Intent: A quick walkthrough of the multi-room experience. The Agency Algorithm is a multi-room interactive learning experience that blends instructional design, game-like mechanics, and philosophical inquiry. It immerses learners in ethically complex scenarios by leveraging branching logic, and integrating experiential aesthetics with conceptual depth. My primary goal with this project was to encourage critical reflection on the role of technology on human agency and autonomous choice. The concept itself was pretty clear to me, but I wanted to push the limits of Storyline visually, so I acquired a number of 3D assets from Adobe Stock, some of which I further modified in Adobe Dimension. I wanted the visuals to anchor the learner in a unique environment that did not feel reminiscent of traditional eLearning, and rather create space to explore and feel like a participant in something unfolding. There aren’t often black and white answers to ethical questions, and branching scenarios are an excellent way to illustrate this while offering learners a safe place to experiment and think through various outcomes based on their decision making. Visual Worldbuilding/Making It Not Feel Like eLearning: Initially, I intended to hand draw assets myself to really hone in on the human vs AI dynamic, but quickly realized the time I’d have to accomplish this was dwindling. While I drafted a few loose concepts in my journal, I ultimately decided to stick with digital assets. While I landed on 3D assets largely due to time constraints, the outcome is reminiscent of an old experimental video game or some sort of immersive idea gallery. As an artist, I often approach my work from a minimalist lens so this project was a fun way to really add some artistry that corporate training often doesn’t have room for. Variables, Multi-state objects, Cue points, and other mechanics: I relied heavily on multi-state objects to create hover states, “tip” cards, text labels, and more, for example in the circuits with definition reveals. I enjoyed building the “loading” effect in the Mask Archive, although it was a bit clunky and took a lot of trial and error! I learned a lot along the way and used a cue point on an orb with a glow effect beneath the mask and used triggers to cause the effect to work. The course overall has a few hundred triggers (slide, object, and variable triggers) and somewhere around 40 variables (mostly T/F variables). What I learned: I think it is important that we don’t hand-hold learners through every learning experience. I want users to think through complex challenges and autonomously choose and feel like a true agent in the process of acquiring knowledge. A lot of eLearning makes it too easy for the learner and we lose engagement when we undermine the intelligence of our audience. I learned SO much about how to leverage Storyline in new ways. I am still a relatively new user to the tool, so this project allowed me to freely explore and be guided by curiosity. Link to my portfolio: https://www.abigailvettese.com/Community Insights: What You Can Learn from David Tait’s Career Pivot
One of the best things about creative careers is how flexible they are—you can take them in so many directions. For DavidTait, that flexibility led from graphic design to learning design, and eventually to co-founding 4pt, a learning design studio. 4pt has been creating meaningful learning experiences for more than 16 years. In this Member Spotlight, you'll discover how adaptability, curiosity, and community shaped David's journey, and how to apply these lessons to your own career path. From Design to Learning “Before starting my career in e-learning, I was a student focused on design,” David says. “I spent four years studying design. Two in graphic design and two in newspaper, magazine, and infographic design. That background gave me a strong foundation in visual communication, which has been incredibly useful in my learning and development (L&D) work.” While still in college, he took on a freelance project as a graphical user interface designer for the Northern College Network. “It was my first real step into the world of digital learning design,” he recalls. “It helped me see how I could apply my design skills in a completely different context.” Soon after, a former lecturer offered him a role at an e-learning startup creating online CPD courses for healthcare professionals. “Working in a startup meant wearing many hats,” David says. “That experience really shaped my path and helped me see how my design skills could grow into a career in learning.” 💡Tip: Apply your existing creative skills to a small digital learning project (freelance, volunteer, or self-initiated). Hands-on experience helps bridge design and instructional work faster than theory alone. Turning Change into Opportunity A few years later, the company was acquired, and layoffs followed. “Rather than seeing it as a setback, my studio manager and I took it as an opportunity,” David says. “When we started 4pt, all of those responsibilities suddenly became our job. Being able to adapt to new challenges was essential, and it’s a big reason why we’ve been able to thrive.” 💡Tip: When your path shifts unexpectedly, use it to test new skills or partnerships. Career detours often reveal strengths you wouldn’t discover in a stable role. Finding Flexibility with Storyline “One project in 2013 really shaped our company,” David says. “A client asked us to build a course in Storyline 1. We’d never used it before, but rather than turn the work away, we invested in licenses and learned as we went.” “Before long, Storyline became the tool most of our clients wanted to use,” he explains. “Storyline gave us the ability to solve problems ourselves, experiment more freely, and move much faster. That agility has stayed with us ever since—it’s a core part of how we approach learning design.” 💡Tip: Don’t wait to feel like an expert. Pick a project, open the tool, and build. Use the community forums and shared files when you hit roadblocks. The Power of Community “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve hit a dead end in Storyline and found the solution on the forums,” David says. “That support has saved me countless hours and kept projects moving. The community around Articulate is unlike anything else.” Over time, helping others became just as rewarding. “Being part of E-Learning Heroes isn’t just about getting help,” he adds. “It’s about giving back. I try to pay it forward when I can, and that sense of community has been such a valuable part of my journey.” 💡Tip: When you find an answer in ELH, take a minute to thank the poster—or add your own version of the solution. Small interactions build visibility and confidence. Lessons from the Journey “Figure out where your limitations are, and then build a trusted network of professionals who can help you overcome them,” David says. “Continuous learning is important, but you don’t have to master everything yourself.” He also believes in stepping outside your comfort zone: “Sometimes doing that sooner opens doors you didn’t even realize were there.” “I try to focus on projects where I can see real value and impact—and to work with people I genuinely like and respect. That combination has made the journey far more meaningful.” 💡Tip: Find one collaborator who complements your skills—a developer, writer, or media pro—and trade knowledge. Collaboration accelerates growth and keeps learning fun. Looking Ahead These days, David is focused on advancing localization in his projects and exploring how AI fits into e-learning. “We’re evaluating Storyline’s new localization features ahead of a major project,” David says. “I’m excited to see how these tools evolve and how we can integrate them to deliver even better multilingual learning experiences.” He’s also reading Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick. “It’s not written specifically for L&D, but it’s helped me think more critically about how AI can be used thoughtfully and effectively.” 💡Tip: Keep one “outside-the-industry” book on your reading list. Fresh perspectives often spark the most creative ideas. 💬 Your Turn David’s story is a reminder that creativity, curiosity, and community can take your career in directions you never planned, but might love most. What’s one skill—or moment—that’s shaped your own learning design journey? Share it in the comments below!Made by Members: Code Block Build-a-thon Highlights
The Code Block Build-a-thon wrapped last month with three winners, 60+ submissions, and so much creativity! This month, we’re exploring the highlights from the event: creative submissions, topic trends, and what you can learn from the build-a-thon, even if you didn’t participate 🎨 Creative Submissions These submissions were not only fun and functional, but novel uses of the code block focused on game-type interactions. 👑Paint by Num-Birds by ArthaLearning03 This winning submission is a fresh take on a classic pastime, helping novice bird watchers over a large hurdle in the hobby. Wizard Maze Game by KayleneWance Have you wished that pac-man was a little more magical? This submission will be right up your alley as a mix between familiar gameplay and unique graphics. CMY Mixer by ISa Color theory is one of those skills that can take a lifetime to master, but this mixer lets you practice with hexcode and percentage mixing support. 💭 Play is a great way to improve engagement and recall—what type of game could you include in your next course? 📈 Trending Content There were a few noticeable trends in submissions: those that taught, encouraged thought, or sought to help with professional development. Australian Sign Language by ShwetaArun Visual and kinesthetic learners will appreciate this lesson that not only runs you through the Australian Sign Language Alphabet, but teaches you how to sign your name. Using Time with Intention by AnnaRabasso This thoughtful lesson takes you through practical time awareness in a kind and beautiful exercise. 👑 Meet your Learner Persona - by ClaudiaNadol891 Our first place winner shines as both a code block example and professional development session. 💭 What trends are you seeing in the Instructional Design space? Which do you enjoy the most? 🥡Takeaways These submissions were thoughtfully made as templates and tools for the community so that you can start experimenting with them right away. Custom Tab Interaction by JenChang You can plug-and-play with this interaction, and use it for a wide variety of learner interactions. 👑Accessibility Checker by SheriLee A winning submission through and through, this accessibility checker can levelset your accessibility related decision making in just a few interactions. Custom Interactive Product Match by VirginieBergon If you’re looking for a variation of a matching knowledge check with learner feedback, this code block is for you. 💭Templates and checker-type tools can be incorporated into your work today. What are some other tips or tricks you’ll be able to implement? Experiment with games for learners, get inspired by trending topics, or try one of these templates in your work and let us know how it goes. You can also share any new code block examples for others to see and learn from, too. Thank you to everyone who participated in our first ever build-a-thon! 🗨️Let us know Which submission was your favorite? Were there any that surprised you? 🏅 Want to Be Featured Next? We’re always looking to highlight inspiring examples from the community, and your work could be next! Here's what we look for in a standout submission: A downloadable .story file or link to your Rise course so others can explore, adapt, and learn from your build. A clear explanation of what you built, how it works, and what makes it unique. Behind-the-scenes insight into your process, techniques, tools, or challenges you tackled. Purposeful design, whether it’s solving a problem, teaching a concept, or experimenting with a new approach. Bonus: Share your ideas for how your design is widely applicable beyond the specific example.Share Your E-Learning Expertise in Articuland
Had success with an e-learning project? Got a trick that saves you hours in Storyline? Found a creative way to use Rise 360 for your training needs? Your fellow e-learning developers want to learn from you! We're looking for speakers at our upcoming Articuland events who can share practical, real-world knowledge about: How you solved specific training challenges with Articulate tools Time-saving techniques you've discovered Ways you've made your e-learning more engaging Tips for working more efficiently with Articulate 360 Success stories from your actual projects You don't need to be a professional speaker or have years of presenting experience. If you're using Articulate tools and have discovered helpful approaches worth sharing, that's what matters. What's in it for you? Free admission to your speaking event Opportunity to connect with other e-learning professionals Direct interaction with Articulate's product team Recognition as an industry contributor Chance to help others succeed with their training projects Articuland Tour (Single-Day Events): Thursday, May 8th - Austin, Texas - CLOSED Wednesday, June 11th - Atlanta, Georgia Wednesday, August 13th - Seattle, Washington - CLOSED Wednesday, October 22nd - Toronto, Canada - CLOSED Articuland Summit (Two-Day Event): September 11th & 12th - Boston, Massachusetts Ready to Share Your Knowledge? Your insights could be exactly what another developer needs to hear. Submit your speaking proposal! Have questions about speaking? Feel free to reach out to our team at training@articulate.com.Sign Up for the E-Learning Heroes Newsletter
E-Learning Epiphanies is now E-Learning Heroes Weekly! Do you love all the helpful content here on E-Learning Heroes? If so, you should subscribe to our newsletter, E-Learning Heroes Weekly, to stay up-to-date on all the inspiring examples, insightful articles, and valuable tips shared in the community. You'll even get information about upcoming webinars, industry, and Articulate events, so you never miss out on an opportunity to grow your skills or connect with the Articulate team. Sound like something you’d like to see in your inbox on a weekly basis? Sign up here. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do!
