LEARNING HOW TO LEARN

I was commissioned to create a module on 'learning how to learn' for the LifeSkill Academy website. The brief was to create a short, interactive module which introduced some key learning concepts in an accessible way. The brief contained a number of specific learning objectives including how the brain learns, why learning is so important and how to maximise learning. Furthermore, on completion of the module learners should be able to utilise these concepts in their own learning as well as explain them to others.

• Audience: Teenagers and Young Adults

• Responsibilities: Instructional Design, Project Mapping, Storyboarding, Graphic Design, eLearning Development, AV Scripting, Video Creation, Voice Over

• Tools Used: Chameleon Creator, Toonly, Camtasia, Canva, Articulate Storyline, Peek, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Twine, Freepik/Storyset, Google Docs

Design Process

Planning and Research

I began by conducting some secondary research from a range of sources. I then created a text-based storyboard that was roughly structured into the flow of the module as outlined in the brief. After I had checked-in with the client to discuss the overall concept of the project, I decided to go with a content-based module but to also include a character that was based on the audience profile and who would feature throughout the module. 

On reviewing the text-based storyboard, I realised that I was not able to easily see the overall flow of the module. So I went back one step and created a project map in Twine. This allowed me to quickly see the structure of the module and add in any branching easily. The project map matched up to the more detailed plan in the text-based storyboard, so at this point I felt I had done enough planning and I was ready to move into the development stage. 

Development

As a part of the project, I had been given access to the authoring tool Chameleon Creator. This tool provides a range of different built-in interactions such as flip cards, carousels and accordions that would be quite time-consuming to create in Storyline. Another attractive feature of this tool is that you are able to set custom colours for the entire project as well as access a range of illustrated graphic resources. 

Colour Palette 

I began by choosing a background image from Canva that I used throughout the module. From this image I used an online colour picker to isolate the individual colours and I then used those colours in various ways throughout the module. One of the great features of CC is that you are able to set custom colours for the entire project. There are also a range of illustrated graphic resources that you can choose from and I was able to edit the colours of these using the palette that I had previously selected. 

Learner Persona

To kick off the module I came up with a character, 'Tina' who is a young graphic designer who was about to go freelance but who needed to develop some new skills in order to succeed. This character was based on what I knew of LifeSkill Academy's audience of young adults either in university or starting their careers. I also knew that Gen Z value independence and are quite entrepreneurial compared to older generations. Introducing the character and her dilemma was an important element as I wanted to use the story as a kind  'hook' to entice the learner to proceed. 

Animated Video

In the end I came up with the idea of using an animated video to introduce the character. I had previously purchased a Toonly license so this seemed like a good opportunity to complete a project with it. I created a script and voiceover and combined these to create a narrated video.

Another ideas I came up with at this stage was to avoid using the standard background scenery images that Toonly provides. I instead used a simple colour gradient background and also enlarged the main animated character to make sure that she was the centre of attention. I also added in text elements to reinforce the main elements of her story and her problem. In the end, I was much happier with the animated video than I expected. Though only a 30-40 second video, it managed to add life and interest to the module.

Explainer Video

After what I felt was a successful experience of creating the animated video, I decided to make another video to explain the most complicated part of the module, which was the process of learning itself.  This time I made the video in Canva, which although is a very simple video editor, it does have great free video elements that you can use. I also ended up making a much shorter third video that was a screen recording of a Storyline interaction. For all three videos, I scripted and recorded my own voiceovers and also added in closed captions with vidyo.ai and titles in Camtasia.  In fact the two main videos, introducing the character and explaining the learning process, ended up being the backbone of the module. 

Learning Hacks

After the two main videos I outined above, I then provided the learner with a series of ‘learning hacks’ to help make their learning process smoother and more efficient. These were grouped under three categories of preparing to learn, managing your learning and testing yourself. This section of the module made full use of the possibilities within CC, including using a range of the built-in interactions such as the landing page, flip cards, accordion, carousel and hot spots. I also relied on the provided graphic resources to create interest and illustrate the concepts. 

Results and Takeaways

As I developed the project I continually checked-in with the client who gave me very positive feedback, especially for the animated video and explainer video. They were also very happy with the overall content, look and flow of the module. I also sought feedback from some of my learning designer peers and one commented that I had inspired them to develop more scenario-based learning. So far I have not been able to access any feedback from the learners from the LifeSkill Academy, though I hope to follow up with them after some time. 

Overall,  I had a very positive experience completing the brief and creating a module that the client was very happy with. I was particularly proud of the videos that I created for this project and I plan to continue developing my skills in this area. I plan to create a scenario-based module that utilises animated video and Storyline to add in branching. I also felt that this project really challenged me to use a range of new tools which really stretched my imagination and problem-solving abilities which has significantly increased my confidence in my eLearning development skills. 

In terms of areas to continue improving, I am aware that I need to have a more systematic approach in the design stage. While researching a subject is very important, it is equally important to avoid over-researching which can slow down the design and development process. The main lesson I have drawn from that experience is to remember to do a sufficient amount of research to allow you to map out your project but not to get lost in the research.