Scenario-Based eLearning:

Digital Comm

Overview

I created this eLearning project for upper-school students during the pandemic. The school identified multiple class levels that needed support with using emails properly during remote learning. After meeting with SMEs and teachers, I designed and developed the project using an iterative ADDIE framework. The scenario-based eLearning experience walked students through emailing in different social situations.

  • Audience: middle and early high school students

  • Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design, Storyboard, Mockups, Data Analysis 

  • Tools Used: Articulate Rise, Zoom, Google Classroom, School Speak  

Problem and Solution 

During the early stages of remote learning in 2020, teachers noticed students were misusing their school emails. They didn't know when to use email for self-advocacy, how to structure emails properly, use appropriate language and tone, or avoid harmful emails. This could hinder their ability to get help, potentially expose them to viruses, and affect future internship and career opportunities.

To address this, I developed an eLearning solution with click-to-reveal and scenario-based interactions, accessible on tablets and iPhones. After implementation, students scored an average of 60% higher on their email assessments.

The Process 

Analysis

Working with SMEs and other teachers, I performed a gap analysis by identifying the desired skill level for student emails. I then created and reviewed a pre-assessment to gauge where students were currently at with their email abilities.

This gave me the information needed to design a streamlined learning experience centered on the learners. I also conducted a learner analysis to provide an understanding of student motivations, concerns, and understanding of what emails are and their value.

Design

Using the data from the needs analysis stage, I broke down the learning objectives into a content outline to be reviewed by the SMEs. After approval on the outline was made, I created a storyboard and visual mockups for approval.  

  • storyboard for email elearning including the audio narrations, on-screen content, and interactivity notes for the projects first two slides

Development & Implementation   

Once the final approvals were made on the design, I fully developed the eLearning experience. At the end of each module, students worked through branching scenarios that had them navigate real-life situations.

  • slide introducing a scenario where the learner has to help some choose what language to use when responding to emails
  • slide of an elearning scenario presenting a narrative where the learner has to pick between two options for responding to a professional email. One is formal while the other is informal.
  • elearning scenario slide screenshot of the branching scenario if a learner chooses the wrong answer.

I provided support to other teachers on how to implement it in their online classrooms and it was used throughout the upper school. I also developed a checklist for students to use as an aid when emailing in the future. This aid would be especially important when applying for internships and volunteer positions. 

professional email checklist including the elements of an email as well as the tone and language needed

Evaluation  

Qualitative data from student surveys showed an improved attitude toward sending emails. Quantitative data showed students improved by 60% between pre- and post-assessments. 

Reflection

This was one of my first instructional design projects. With my 2023 perspective, I would enhance it by incorporating action mapping in the initial analysis phase, a technique I now use in my projects.

I anticipate that classroom communication trends will mirror those in the workforce, with real-time digital communities like Slack and Discord becoming primary channels for questions. As this shift occurs, students and teachers will need support navigating these spaces.

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