Portfolio

Project Title: "Scenario-Based Learning for IT Support Efficiency and Security Compliance"

Project Overview: 

• Context: Aimed at training IT support staff on handling requests in a way that balances efficiency, security, and adherence to department standards. 

• Goal: To use scenario-based learning to teach technology support staff how to make effective decisions in real-world situations, emphasizing secure practices, prioritization, and efficient problem-solving.

My Role in the Design Process:

• Needs Assessment: Identified the need for training on handling IT support requests securely and efficiently, especially for staff covering multiple locations.

• Learning Framework: Designed a scenario-based learning experience using realistic decision-making scenarios that reflect the daily challenges faced by support staff.

• Design & Development: Created an interactive module in Rise 360, focusing on a branching scenario where learners guide "Brandon" through typical support requests. Learners encounter choices and receive tailored feedback based on their decisions, promoting learning through trial and error.

• Reflection on Tools: Used Rise 360’s intuitive interface to structure an engaging, scenario-based lesson. This tool allowed for smooth branching and multimedia integration to enhance realism and immersion.

Technologies and Tools Used:

• Rise 360: For creating the interactive, branching scenario that allows for real-time feedback based on user choices.

• Script Development: Wrote detailed scenarios and feedback scripts to reinforce correct procedures and highlight less efficient choices.

Limitations:

• Deadline: Created within a course timeline, which limited the time available for additional branching scenarios.

• Tool Familiarity: This project provided an opportunity to build confidence in Rise 360 for designing branching scenarios.

Outcome & Reflection:

• Impact: Enabled IT support staff to practice handling requests in a safe, simulated environment, reinforcing efficient and secure decision-making.

• Personal Reflection: This project demonstrated the value of scenario-based learning for complex tasks. The branching scenario format reinforced the importance of process efficiency and security compliance. Working with Rise 360 helped me see the benefits of using immersive, interactive methods to train staff on rarely encountered, yet high-stakes situations.

Additional Notes: This project highlights my ability to apply scenario-based learning to workplace training. It showcases how realistic, interactive scenarios can enhance knowledge retention and support effective decision-making by allowing learners to "learn through doing" in a controlled environment. 

Project Title: "Microlearning: Small Portions, Big Results"

Project Overview: 

• Context: This project was designed to introduce learners to microlearning principles and their effectiveness in retaining knowledge and enhancing performance.

• Goal: To create a concise, engaging learning experience that illustrates the benefits and core characteristics of microlearning.

My Role in the Design Process:

• Needs Assessment: Recognized the need for a learning solution that delivers information in bite-sized, focused segments, enabling learners to access and retain knowledge more effectively.

• Learning Framework: Focused on creating an experience aligned with microlearning principles—short, focused, flexible, and interactive.

• Design & Development:

  • Created an interactive, multimedia-rich module in Articulate Storyline 360, utilizing animations, quizzes, and video.

  • Incorporated real-world examples and analogies, to make abstract concepts relatable and memorable.

  • Emphasized interactive elements to foster engagement and ensure that learners are active participants in the learning process.

• Reflection on Tools: This was my first experience with Storyline 360, and I found it intuitive and user-friendly, especially for creating engaging, interactive modules. This project boosted my confidence and proficiency with the tool, which I’ll continue to develop in future projects.

Technologies and Tools Used:

• Storyline 360: Used for designing interactive microlearning content and knowledge assessments.

• Script Development: Structured a narrative to make microlearning concepts relatable through real-life examples and interactive storytelling.

Limitations:

• Experience with Tool: As a first-time user of Storyline 360, I leveraged this project as an opportunity to learn and refine my skills in the software.

Outcome & Reflection:

• Impact: This project was well-received, with my professor using it as an exemplar for future classes. It provided a clear, practical example of microlearning design and the application of Storyline 360. 

• Personal Reflection: This experience solidified my understanding of microlearning and helped me appreciate how its principles can be used to create engaging, learner-centered experiences. The project also marked a significant step in my journey with Storyline 360, and I look forward to exploring its capabilities further.

Additional Notes:
This project highlights my ability to design targeted, impactful learning solutions. It showcases my adaptability in learning new tools and my commitment to creating learning experiences that are both engaging and effective.

Project Title: "Quest For Coins: The Money Mystery"

Project Overview:

• Context: This project introduces children aged 5-10 to the origin of money and the concept of commodity money versus bartering. Designed as an engaging, gamified eLearning lesson, it uses interactive elements to make complex economic concepts accessible and enjoyable for young learners.

• Goal: To create an interactive learning experience that engages children in understanding why people transitioned from bartering to using commodity money, highlighting the concept’s historical and practical importance.

My Role in the Design Process:

• Needs Assessment: Recognized a need for a fun, age-appropriate way to introduce young learners to economic concepts, specifically the transition from bartering to commodity money. The project aimed to address the challenge of making abstract ideas understandable for younger audiences.

• Learning Framework: Focused on motivating learners through age-appropriate strategies, using Michael Allen's "Seven Magic Keys" for enhancing learning motivation. Selected the keys "Put the learner at risk," "Use an appealing context," and "Provide intrinsic feedback" to keep young learners engaged and motivated.

• Design & Development:

  • Created an interactive storyline in Articulate Storyline 360 with a "journey" theme to foster engagement and make learning fun.

  • Incorporated cartoon-like graphics and gamified elements, such as coin rewards, to appeal to young children and sustain their attention.

  • Designed three interactive challenges using drag-and-drop activities to allow learners to demonstrate their understanding in a hands-on way.

  • Used a text-to-speech voice module for animated characters, which was somewhat limited in variety for character voices but effective in creating consistent narration.

  • Integrated visual progress feedback by awarding coins upon successful completion of each challenge, reinforcing the learner's journey through the module.

• Reflection on Tools: This project furthered my skills in Storyline 360, specifically in developing interactive, visually appealing eLearning content for young audiences. While there was a learning curve with animations and limitations with the text-to-speech voice module, I gained valuable insights into creating engaging content with Storyline’s intuitive tools.

Technologies and Tools Used:

• Storyline 360: Used for designing the interactive eLearning lesson, incorporating multimedia elements and gamified activities.

• Text-to-Speech Voice Module: Implemented for character narration, which provided consistent voiceovers despite limited variety in voice options.

• Script Development: Structured a narrative that combines educational content with interactive storytelling, making the concepts relatable and memorable for young learners.

Limitations:

• Animation Constraints: Initially aimed to add character movement to enhance interactivity, but due to the time-intensive nature of animation, simplified this aspect to meet project deadlines.

• Voice Variety: The text-to-speech module used for character narration had limited voice options, which restricted variety but still allowed for clear and consistent delivery.

• Mockup Testing: Since this was a mockup, it hasn't been tested with actual young learners, so feedback is based on design principles rather than learner responses.

Outcome & Reflection:

• Impact: This project demonstrated the potential of motivational strategies and gamified elements in making complex subjects accessible for young learners. Through visual feedback, segmented challenges, and relatable context, the lesson aimed to create a positive, engaging learning experience.

• Personal Reflection: This experience strengthened my understanding of applying motivational theories to eLearning, especially for younger audiences. It reinforced the effectiveness of gamification, age-appropriate feedback, and clear visual progress indicators in enhancing learner engagement. The project deepened my appreciation for Storyline 360’s capabilities, which I look forward to further exploring.

Additional Notes:

This project highlights my ability to adapt content to younger audiences and design engaging, instructional experiences that simplify complex ideas. It underscores my dedication to creating educational materials that are both effective and enjoyable, supporting my goal to enhance learner engagement through innovative instructional design.