For day 2 of my personal Articulate 360 challenge, I took on the e-Learning Heroes Challenge #299, to convert static content into interactive learning. I had used Storyline before but not Storyline 360. My finished challenge is posted for review for a while.
The ELHChallenge #299 Details
For this challenge, I needed to take a static slide and use Storyline’s convert to freeform option. It offers six different ways to convert, so I had to create a 7-slide deck. One slide would hold the original and the other six slides would demonstrate the six different ways.
The six freeform options are:
- Drag & drop
- Pick one
- Pick many
- Text entry
- Hotspot
- Shortcut key
My Process
I looked at several finished entries for inspiration. I learned that trick from watching Nyla Spooner take on one of these challenges. It’s a great way to get ideas and see what’s possible. Since I’m still trying to learn all that Storyline 360 can do, I definitely browse the finished entries.
Once I got the gist of it, I had to decide what static content to use. I went through everything I had and finally settled on the SAMR levels of technology integration into teaching. Exciting. I know. I needed something simple that would let me practice the freeform options and something with four terms and definitions is pretty simple.
I record my screen as I work because I want to be able to go back and see what I did if I need to, AND I love watching time-lapse videos so I make them. Once, I watched a time-lapse of a PowerPoint flat art scene. I was so inspired that I slowed the video down all the way and followed it to make my own. Maybe I can provide that for someone else. You can access the time-lapse video here.
The original challenge provided links to how to do each freeform option. I worked my way down the list doing one at a time, clicking on each link. Whenever I got stuck, there was another link to help me out of it. And if I needed to go back and look at what others had done, I did.
One of the comments I read while browsing through the other entries was that color sometimes gave away the answer. I wanted to make sure that didn’t happen, so I created same-color rectangles for five of the six entries.
Drag & drop 
Shortcut key 
Pick Many 
Keyboard entry 
Hotspot
What I Learned
This was a great learning experience. I hadn’t used the convert to freeform option before. It looks like it would be useful to help you convert static content into interactive learning if you’re pressed for time.
I learned that I need to work on my design skills. That’s priority 1a. Priority 1 is learning to use the eLearning tools effectively. I can’t leave design at priority 2, though, because good design is such an integral part of eLearning development. I just need to make room for it and learn as I can.
Who Am I?
I’m Laura. I’m an instructional designer working on improving my e-Learning development skills. Check out my main website page to see my portfolio of things.
