Overview

This in-depth multi-module eLearning course helps professionals to improve their skills and build confidence when giving presentations online.  

• Responsibilities: Needs Analysis, Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Rollout, Community Manager, Virtual Classroom Trainer.

• Target Audience: Young professionals working in a global digital company who often give presentations internally and to clients. 

• Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Google Suite, Padlet, Genially, 7Taps  

• Year: 2023

Process

Using a more-iterative ADDIE-based approach, I first worked closely with a focus group of intended users to identify specific skills to be improved. To better understand my audience, I created Learner Personas, and I consulted with key stakeholders and SMEs to map key focus areas and to pinpoint actions employees were not doing successfully. Using a bottom up approach and Bloom’s Taxonomy, I devised 6 SMART learning objectives for the course, ranging from lower to higher order thinking skills and a target level of expertise.

I collaborated with L&D specialists to map a curriculum for the program, grouping the desired content in logically themed modules. I established a learning flow over 3 modules, each combining multimedia eLearning input and a virtual classroom session, plus pre-tasks and follow-up activities. I then focused on the first module (Presentation Principles) and designed a wireframe to demonstrate how the multimedia resource would function. I got stakeholder feedback and sign-off at each stage. 

Storyboard & Mockups

I wrote a detailed storyboard that included the full OST (including all questions, consequences and feedback for each choice), VO, images & programming notes. To help guide the learner throughout their journey, there are Top Tips given from the company’s own Presentation Champions (authentic advice from SMEs). 

Though the multimedia resource has comprehensive content, I avoided cognitive overload by taking the learner on a journey on which they need to interact with the content, make choices and complete various activities that check their understanding as they go.

I got feedback on mockups of the design, resulting in an agreed look and feel for the resource before going into the final development stage.  

eLearning Development

I developed a sample of the resource in Articulate Storyline 360, focusing on Module 1, sections 1 & 2. The tool allowed me to create a customized feel aligned with the company's brand, with unique content and learning flow that is specific to the needs of the audience. 

I made sure I included inspiring, relatable, and inclusive imagery and icons, giving the learner a feeling of consistency, and adding credibility to the resource.  

Final Product (Sample) 

After collating and applying feedback from the prototype, I proceeded to develop the sample of the final product, consisting of around 12 screens with various layers and pop-ups. 

Key Takeaways 

The sample product was delivered and approved by L&D and senior leaders, and the green light was given to develop the remaining multimedia resources and instructor-led materials. The complete training offer will then be rolled out to the wider business. 

This project was an excellent exercise of managing cognitive load and chunking content. I enjoyed using the clean, minimal approach to slide design. Engaging the user with its highly active learning approach will ensure learning transfer and result in better on-the-job performance with employees delivering more effective presentations.

Feedback from initial pilots was very positive, with learners commenting that the training was not only enjoyable and memorable, but also very useful and easy to implement. 

Read some learner testimonials: