Gamification Case Study: Release Your Angry Bird June 28, 2014
Posted by stephanieF in Best Practices, Blended Learning, e-Learning Tools, Gaming and Simulation, Intructional Design, Trends.add a comment
Our June 19th session was hosted by Zsolt Olah, a Senior Program Manager at Comcast University’s Product Knowledge team. About five years ago, when Comcast University started using more and more “challenges” and “immersive learning activities” in blended and e-learning solutions, gamification was not as loud and widespread as it is today.
In our session, Zsolt reviewed some of the background and recent realities of gamification. He then provided examples of gamified learning activities explaining that game-based thinking was just as important to the overall design and instructional value of a course. The attached PowerPoint also contains a few slides letting you know that Zsolt gave us a case-in-point gamified session as well (i.e. pigs showing team scores).
ATD_PHL_June2014_zsolt_gamification 2
Here are a few key points that Zsolt mentioned that accompany the slide presentation.
Some entertaining examples of gamification: Amazing Race (gamified running), Top Chef (gamified cooking). However, not everything should be gamified or people will become tired of it. With our training courses, gamification is scalable. You can apply a few or many elements – as long as the learning experience is improved to some degree.
There are two types of gamification: knowledge checks (check your memory) or content converted in a more memorable and immersive manner intended to teach you new things. It is proven that learning content through some kind of experience is more memorable. Games that provide challenges or goals and opportunities to learn something (even solely for entertainment) can invoke people to become so driven that collectively many, many hours are consumed playing (16 years spent every one hour).
Various levels of authoring software are available depending on your level of technical savvy:
> Off-the-shelf: Raptivity and eLearning Brothers have templates (rapid development, but structured, not much flexibility)
> Intermediate: Wavicle and Axonify have more flexibility, but require more development time.
> Higher-end: Construct 2 game engine has user physics built in (user actions trigger an onscreen effect). Much more development time; programmer background is useful, but not required.
Many graphics are free, but you must be sure to cite the sources somewhere! Graphic treatments (layout, imagery) can also be used to disguise typical eLearning interactions to seem more game-based, i.e. non-conventional placement of drag-and-drop objects on an image background.
Our Challenge: Convert content-based instructional design to game-based instructional design. Creating the framework first is the key. Write the story behind the game using reality elements and then turn them into a game.
Battle of the eLearning Tools – Part One May 20, 2014
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A few weeks ago at our April session at MCCC, twelve audience members were split among three teams to discuss four real-life training scenarios. Each team separately discussed the tool(s) they would prefer to use based upon their collective experiences. As a large group we discuss our preferences, and our experiences along with tips for using off-the-shelf authorware such as Articulate Studio, Articulate Storyline, and Captivate.
Please see the attached PDF for details of our discussion. A fourth vote was cast in rounds two and three as honorable mentions (*).
ASTD PHL eLg SIG Battle of eLrg Tools ScoreCard final
Part Two of this session is really a showcase. Due to time constraints we were not able to share examples that evening. Therefore, by audience request we will use the upcoming session on July 17 to share samples and better practices. If you’re a freelance instructional designer/developer or new to eLearning this is a great way to network and pick up a few tips!
Stay tuned to the ASTD Greater Phila – Event webpage for an upcoming announcement: http://www.astdphl.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1776221
Secrets of (Good) Simulation Design – Synopsis March 21, 2014
Posted by stephanieF in Best Practices, Gaming and Simulation, Intructional Design.add a comment
Rich Mesch from Performance Development Group (PDG) joined us this month to discuss important aspects of good simulation design. By definition, a simulation is, “…a realistic controlled-risk environment where users can practice behaviors and experience the impacts of decisions.” There are several types of simulations: branching storyline (ex. choose your adventure), system dynamics (ex. decision-making over an extended time period), and equipment or software (ex. operation, or navigation and data entry).
Simulations can bridge the gap between, “learning something and then being able to do something with it.” By adding context, setting expectations for the reason a person should complete the simulation, and then providing a safe environment to practice we’ll give our audiences a better chance to learn and succeed in performing back on the job.
Good simulations are immersive, performance-based, based in reality, and have real-life goals and metrics. Storytelling is a key factor to writing simulations, but the reality factor must be performance-driven or else the audience can be distracted. And, while getting the details just right helps to replicate the environment yet instilling shades of gray where all the options for key decisions seem reasonable – can also invoke realistic and critical thinking. After all, real-life isn’t so black-and-white.
Lastly, as with all training deliverables, craft your simulation with the specific audience in mind. The power is in the design rather than the output.
For additional thoughts from Rich on simulations, check out PDG’s blog: http://blog.performdev.com/topic/simulation
This session was a great way to start our year of meetings. Stay tuned for other postings on what’s coming next. Our upcoming April session is described in a previous post, “Battle of the eLearning Tools.” You can also see a listing of all SIG events on the ASTD Greater Philadelphia chapter web page at: http://www.astdphl.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1776221
Coming in April 24, 2014 – Battle of the eLearning Tools! March 20, 2014
Posted by stephanieF in Announcements, e-Learning Tools.add a comment
Have you ever been in a situation where you found yourself debating which eLearning development software was the right tool for the job? Which tool will give you everything you need with the least amount of tweaks and workarounds?
This session will be an open forum where we’ll walk through several scenarios as time permits related to designing and developing eLearning for system applications (simulations) and business processes, and developing graded quizzes, and addressing LMS compatibility. We’ll discuss/debate the pros and cons of popular tools such as Articulate Studio (Presenter, Quizmaker, Engage), Storyline, Captivate, and Lectora. Is there perhaps another OTS tool that you use every day? For sample scenarios, please see the PDF below about this upcoming eLearning SIG session.
April 2014 SIG_Battle of the eLearning Tools_v2
Note: As an open forum everyone is welcome to participate – even if you don’t have a lot of experience and just want to learn more about the tools. For those with experience, come prepared to defend your favorite tool!
We’ll keep score and see which tool comes out ahead in each scenario. If you’d like to share a short sample in defense of your tool just let me know in advance (your demo must be less than 2 mins.). Our email: astdphl.el.sig@gmail.com
After the session we’ll post the scores and key notes from our session on this blog and ASTD Greater Phila. LinkedIn site.
Research Participation for Reusability of Learning Objects March 2, 2014
Posted by stephanieF in Announcements, Best Practices, Blogging, e-Learning Tools, Intructional Design.Tags: Instructional Designers, research study, Reusable Learning Objects
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This posing is by request from a local colleague, Latonia Ayscue, who is conducting research for her doctorate in Instructional Design. If you are interested please read and click on the short Eligibility survey included below. Thanks! – Stephanie
Attention: Instructional Designers with five or more years of experience and have reused learning objects to participate in a research study, “An Investigation of Instructional Designers’ Criteria that Predominately Influences Reusability of Learning Objects.”
Instructional Design has made significant contributions to presenting instructional material in virtual learning environments and has facilitated the way information is communicated, changed, and applied in many learning situations.
Seeking experienced ID’ers who are willing to share their experiences and provide insights into varying rationale used to identify the criteria that contributed and influenced reuse of learning objects. This research study focuses on experienced instructional designer’s practical experiences to answer the why (rationale) by exploring practices (what are users’ definitions of learning objects, value, expectations), from experienced instructional designers’ perspectives.
The research will investigate:
- The predominate rationales practitioner’s use of learning objects.
- The attributes of the learning objects practitioners believe should predominately influence reuse.
- How practices are construed, formed and shaped from various points of view through vicarious experiences.
- The attributes that led to decisions to reuse learning objects (capturing the creativity, reasoning and intuitive thought processes when challenged to solve ill-structured problems)
To be selected to participate in this research, please go to the following link and complete a short Eligibility Questionnaire:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TYXF8SW
Your participation in the research will offer value from a practical approach to how reusable learning objects could influence intended learning and could clarify understanding how experienced instructional designers established and modified their criteria, based on the attributes, in the decision to reuse learning objects.
Thank you,
Latonia Ayscue, M.Ed., ABD
A Case for a New Approach to Corporate Training October 8, 2013
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Recently, Glenn Eckard, COO from Rapid Learning Institute joined our evening session for an engaging discussion on, “A case for a new approach to corporate training” that highlighted a flipped model for classroom training in a corporate setting. Given current statistics on challenges facing today’s corporate learning programs (spend ratio and effects from loss of productivity) and the changing workforce, Glenn made a case for the need to have effective training methods that result in engaged employees and subsequently increased productivity with cost savings. He also highlighted that with the approaching decline in Baby Boomer workers the need for an innovative approach for effectively developing intermediate to expert skills in the current and emerging workforce, i.e. Millenial generation, is vital. Quick fact: by 2016, Millenials will be the majority of current workers.
One of the keys to addressing the needs of the Millenial workforce is to build stronger employee-manager relationships to help keep the employees engaged. Company loyalty is no longer a given with the emerging workforce. While trainers provide the impetus for skill development, managers have the opportunity to foster retention by addressing the “forgetting curve” and providing segments or smaller portions of focused on-the-job learning through effective follow-up. Glen shares the Four R’s of Effective Follow-Up in the presentation attached below.
The key to effective follow-up, however, is solid program planning balanced with targeted pre and in-class activities. These “chunks” or learning intervals are purposeful and based on the premise that participants really do want to learn, but they are short on time and attention! Please be sure to download the PDF file to read more on the model advocated by Glenn’s company, Rapid Learning Institute. For additional information, please visit their site at, www.RapidLearningInstitute.com
Glenn’s presentation: New_Approach_Corp_Lrg_G_Eckard_RLI_ASTDPHLeSIG_19SEP13
Rapid E-learning Design Insights from Glenn Eckard September 4, 2013
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Please join us on Thursday, September 19th, from 6-8 PM at the LaSalle University campus in Plymouth Meeting for an exciting presentation by Glenn Eckard of Rapid Learning Institute as he shares his insights on rapid learning design.
Glenn Eckard is the co-founder and COO at the Rapid Learning Institute. Before launching RLI and its parent company – Business 21 Publishing – in 2002, Glenn was the Sales Director at New England Business Service (NEBS) (1999 – 2002), and Progressive Business Publications (1993-1999). Glenn is a start-up expert who, in addition to being co-founder of the Rapid Learning Institute, has personally launched dozens of sales offices, and hired and trained thousands of sales and sales management leaders throughout his career. Glenn received his B.A. from Widener University, and currently lives in Springfield, PA, with his wife and two sons.
You’ll be able to sign up for the event this Friday, September 6tth by clicking here: http://www.astdphl.org/Default.aspx?pageId=1072208
Recap of “Flash to HTML5 Conversion – Getting Ready for iPad Deployment?” July 25, 2013
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Our presenter, Dave Goodman (CoFounder, SoftAssist) gave an informative presentation on converting Flash courses in HTML. He discussed the five stages of a general process – decisions, design, conversion, interactions and development.
Dave discussed each of the stages along with useful suggestions and tips. There are numerous technical considerations from authoring tools, device operating systems, user access and viewing preferences, and browsers to name a few.
To view the details, click on the following for a PDF of his presentation!
For a list of additional resources on this topic, be sure to see the last slide. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dave, dgood@softassist.com
ASTD PHL June eLearning SIG: Synopsis July 5, 2013
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Used for building websites Zsolt Olah explained how he used Joomla for building online learning for Comcats’s Customer Service New Hire program. Joolma is an open-source web content management system, http://www.joomla.org. Many well-known companies use this platform for building their websites.
Zsolt walked through a demo of his web page, which sits behind his company’s firewall. In “Comcastville” (fashioned to look like a 3D CGI neighborhood), participants (sales reps) learn to overcome scenario-based challenges via “back propagation.” They aren’t told all the rules, but with repeat attempts, they learn by figuring different ways to succeed in the game. As a reward, participants earn customers (points) as they successfully perform various levels of exercises.
Some of the key elements to ensure this type of a self-paced activity is a valuable learning experience include visual appeal, hands-on interactions, easy maintenance, and alignment with the learner’s job performance requirements.
From a technical perspective, graphics development is needed upfront along with programming to build the structure of the web page. One main benefit is that the web page is easily maintained once it is built. For example, because content doesn’t reside in the web page, but is assembled when called upon by the participant, updates can be made by changing the question and answers. As an independent web page, any feed to an LMS can be built in (i.e. *.api). Many custom extensions are available on Joomla’s website (over 9,000).
You can download his presentation by clicking here: zsoltolah_joomla
“Flash to HTML5 Conversion – Getting Ready for iPad Deployment?” with Dave Goodman – Thursday, July 18, 6-8 PM, LaSalle Plymouth Meeting Campus July 1, 2013
Posted by karlgrieb in Misc.3 comments
Program Description:
Every company has a large investment in Flash learning but may now face the endeavor of converting those courses for use on the iPad or other mobile devices, along with the PC and across multiple browsers. What should you do and what are the best ways of achieving this. This session will highlight three possible approaches, some of the critical decisions to be made and one of the processes to be implemented. This is not a product or service specific session but a sharing of best practices.
About the Speaker:
Dave is President one of the original founders at SoftAssist, Inc. and possesses over 20 years of experience in the design, development and management of over 500 projects. SoftAssist has won over 11 nationally recognized and juried awards for excellence in learning. Dave is a past presenter at ASTD and at eGuild Orlando, 2013, mLearn, 2010, Training 2012 at Atlanta, ASTD Metro DC, SALT and with the Masie Center.
To register, click here: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e7qxrm0a71968e99
ASTD Philadelphia e-SIG 