When creating content for an eLearning module in Rise, it can sometimes be challenging to figure out how to train on concepts like decision-making practice within the limited block choices without it feeling repetitive and sometimes boring. In a previous blog post, we shared how we mitigated that challenge by adding Storyline blocks into Rise. Read on for specifics about how we have used Storyline blocks in a different way to allow learners to practice making decisions within a Rise module.
The Challenge: Providing Decision-Making Practice
We were creating an eLearning module for a large non-profit that focuses on human development. For one particular section of the module, the objective was to help learners distinguish what authority a particular job has when it comes to signing and approving fiscal obligations. These learners might have a basic understanding of inherent and delegated signature authority, but may not know how the guardrails apply to specific scenarios. The objective of the activity we designed was to help them better understand their approval authority within a particular role.
The Approach: Realistic Scenarios
We knew we wanted to mimic the decision-making process for the learner through this activity. Can I approve? Do I have authority? Or do I not have authority? We considered using a matching activity, but since there were only two choices for each scenario (“yes, approve” or “no, don’t approve”), that felt too redundant and simplistic. We then considered a sorting activity, but the scenarios we scripted were too long for the sorting block within Rise, due to character count restrictions. Ultimately, we decided to create a storyline interaction that visually mimicked the decision the learner has in real life.
First, we set the stage by asking learners to take on a specific role within the company.
We then gave them some additional information to eliminate confusion regarding potential “what ifs”.
Then, learners see a file folder with various documents and need to make a decision regarding if they (with their newly donned role in this activity) have authority or don’t have authority when it comes to various scenarios that present fiscal obligations for the company.
The Result: Decision-Making Practice Built in Storyline
In this Storyline block, the learner chooses either the “No Authority” stamper which stamps a red “X” on the document, or the “Authority” stamper which stamps a green check mark on the document. The learner then gets feedback regarding their choice and is directed to additional resources where they can learn more.
This activity could be duplicated for situations where the standard Rise blocks won’t work for a decision-making simulation and it provides additional text space for lengthier scenarios and feedback than Rise innately provides. It was a “win” for us and one more way we were able to solve an eLearning training challenge. What’s an eLearning training challenge you have faced lately? Drop us a comment or an email, we would love to hear about it and problem solve with you!
