LDT 504 - My Storyline Experiences and the Future of eLearning

Over the past few weeks, developing an eLearning module has been both an exciting and challenging process. I’ve encountered successes, frustrations, and numerous learning opportunities that have shaped my understanding of the design and development process. In this reflection, I’ll share what went well, the obstacles I faced, and how I envision eLearning evolving over the next decade as technology continues to transform the landscape.

One highlight of this project was creating a clear, structured pathway for learners using Articulate Storyline. This tool’s ‘Story View’ helped me visually map out the flow of the course, which made navigation and content structuring intuitive. Translating my newly learned Twine wireframe into a fully functional, interactive module was rewarding. With Storyline, each piece fell into place relatively smoothly, especially as I began setting up basic navigation.

 

Another success was audio production. Having produced audio in my workplace previously, I was prepared to handle narration recording. However, I did encounter some time-consuming tasks. Achieving professional-quality audio required careful attention to detail and multiple takes to ensure clarity. Although I experimented with the punch-and-roll recording technique, I ultimately found it more efficient to re-record and edit afterward.

 

This familiarity with audio production allowed me to focus on syncing audio elements with the module’s visual components, which is crucial for creating an engaging learning experience. By maintaining control over both the visual and auditory elements, I could better align the course with the intended instructional design principles, delivering a more engaging learner experience.

 

Despite these successes, I faced several challenges. One significant hurdle was getting up to speed with Articulate Storyline, which, while user-friendly in many respects, required substantial time and effort to master features like triggers, variables, and proper sequencing. These elements add a layer of interactivity that enhances the learning experience, aligning with ideas that eLearning benefits include increased learner success and comprehension (Gupta, 2017), and as Agrawal points out, the importance of producing quality eLearning content (2015). However, transitioning from Adobe Captivate to Storyline required adjustments to my workflow due to differences in the tools’ features and interfaces, underlining the challenge of adapting to new eLearning platforms.

 

Implementing advanced features involving triggers and variables in Storyline was time-consuming. I had to take extra care to ensure the interactions worked as intended. This experience emphasized the need for adaptability, as each authoring tool comes with its own learning curve and challenges.

 

The initial planning and wireframing stages of the design process were also challenging. I began with a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve, but turning that vision into a wireframe that balanced functionality with visual appeal required substantial iterations. Despite my efforts, I wasn’t fully satisfied with my final product. Wireframing is crucial because it lays the foundation for the entire module, and any missteps at this stage can lead to more significant issues later in development. I constantly had to consider the learner’s experience, ensuring each element served a purpose.

 

Reflecting on the current state of eLearning, it’s clear that emerging technologies will continue to shape its evolution. Over the next decade, I anticipate several exciting developments that will fundamentally reshape how we design and experience digital learning.

 

One of the most significant trends in eLearning is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI will play a central role in making learning experiences more personalized. For example, AI may analyze learner data in real time, enabling the system to adjust content to meet individual needs and preferences. I recently witnessed AI’s potential firsthand at the Adobe Learning Summit 2024, where AI-generated avatars and natural-sounding text-to-speech features were demonstrated. These innovations suggest a future where eLearning becomes more responsive, adaptive, lifelike, and cost-effective to produce, catering to the diverse needs of learners. Furthermore, I anticipate that AI will increasingly be used for backend data analysis, particularly with xAPI and API extensions, helping instructional designers gather deeper insights into learner behavior, which can inform more targeted interventions.

 

Augmented Reality (AR) has the potential to transform eLearning by offering immersive experiences that simulate real-world conditions. Scenarios may become available where learners can practice skills in a virtual environment that closely mirrors the real world for practical applications. This level of immersion could enhance retention and provide learners with opportunities to apply their knowledge in a controlled setting, making AR a valuable tool for skill development.

 

To leverage AR’s potential, instructional designers will need to become agile with their technical competencies. As AR technology becomes more accessible in the industry, I expect it to become an integral part of eLearning, especially in fields where learning through lifelike experiences is essential. This shift could lead to more specialized roles within the instructional design field, as designers take on tasks traditionally associated with game development and virtual environment creation.

 

Microlearning is another trend that has gained traction in recent years, and it’s likely to become even more prevalent as learners seek bite-sized, on-demand content. This approach aligns with my workplace training setting and needs, as our audiences prefer short, focused modules that they can complete in minutes. Microlearning allows instructional designers to deliver key information quickly while ensuring comprehension and retention.

 

As microlearning continues to evolve, instructional designers will need to refine their skills in content curation and chunking, creating modules that are both concise and impactful. This approach challenges designers to distill complex topics into short segments, which requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the subject matter. I believe that microlearning will complement other technologies, such as AI and AR, as part of a broader approach to eLearning.

 

With these advancements, instructional designers will need to adapt their processes and skill sets. As eLearning continues to grow more complex, I foresee designers taking on roles with higher technical demands, responsible for creating projects that integrate AI-driven personalization, AR simulations, and microlearning modules. This shift will require not only technical skills but also a keen understanding of data analytics, as designers work with AI systems to analyze learner data and adjust content accordingly.

 

Ultimately, learners will benefit from more interactive, tailored, and immersive content. They’ll have access to more learning environments that are not only more engaging but also more responsive to their individual needs (Gupta, 2017). As the field of eLearning evolves, I’m excited to continue building my skills and exploring new ways to enhance the learning experience.

 

References:

 

Agrawal, M. (2015). Implementing eLearning: What you need to know about challenges and opportunities. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/implementing-elearning-know-challenges-opportunities

 

Gupta, S. (2017). 9 benefits of eLearning for students. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/9-benefits-of-elearning-for-students