INTERACTION DESIGN

As evidence for the challenge “Apply appropriate interaction design and interactive learning principles,” I am submitting my eLearning module from EDCI 569. Available through Articulate Rise 360, this 20-minute self-guided learning experience utilizes multiple interactive elements throughout the module. Understanding the effective application of interaction is an essential skill within the instructional design field. 

Organizations are using eLearning experiences more regularly as they are convenient and cost-effective. Therefore, it’s crucial for designers to have a solid grasp of interactive design principles in order to deliver engaging, effective learning experiences. Rise 360, an industry-standard tool, was my choice when selecting the best platform to deliver my learning experience called “Metacognitive Strategies for Remote Workers.” This module guides users through thinking strategies that they can incorporate throughout the workday in an effort to self-monitor and self-regulate work habits. To grab the users’ attention, I used the process function to tell a visual story of a remote employee who struggles to separate work and home. Users click through each card to reveal different moments of the employee’s day. While there are many opportunities throughout the module that use click-to-reveal functions, one of the most interactive functions is the scenario builder, where users meet a person struggling with common remote work challenges. Using metacognitive questions, the users help guide the person within the scenario through the process of identifying a personalized solution to their problem. Since the eLearning module is self-paced and independent, the use of the scenario allows users an active, authentic experience that helps model the process that they would use in real life. 

I have always strongly believed that learning is an active process. While some people are able to succeed through more passive means of instruction like reading or listening, most people require interaction to motivate, engage, and help store information in their long-term memory. Recently, when I started my internship, I was given “training” through Rise 360. However, it was essentially a document that I only had to read through. While there were few navigation buttons here and there, I would not call the training interactive because I could easily click through the lessons without having read anything. I thought of this as I built my module in that I wanted to ensure that my interactions were designed intentionally and not just for frills or navigation. It actually enhanced the experience and instruction. 

In addition to Articulate Storyline, I will continue developing this competency since this particular software has even more functions to explore. One thing that I am considering as I begin to brainstorm my next eLearning module is the type of lesson that would best suit this particular method of instruction. When using Rise 360, I had to be smart about the instructional activities I incorporated because there were design constraints due to the limitations of the platform. Although I figured it out, my topic was not the easiest to execute for that reason. I am hoping that my next topic for Storyline will naturally fit with its interactive functions.