engaging learners with scenario based eLearning

Jennifer Jahedkar

Texas AgriLife Extension

Extension eLearning

how can scenarios work in eLearning?

Meet Sally..

GTTP

Sally

Sally

• http://eit.tamu.edu/JJ/DE/4HGTTP/sally1.HTM

what do YOU think about scenarios?

Why use scenarios?

• Course material can be presented in a RELEVANT context

• Learners can use the information in a REAL world setting

• Wrong options can be chosen and mistakes made without consequence

will scenarios work for your audience?

How build scenarios?

Focus on desired result and est. clear expectations by determining..

What should learners do or not do after taking the course?

What’s the point of the course? [objectives]

How will learners demonstrate that they’ve met those expectations?

Build scenarios around those expectations!

Keep it simple

Scenarios don’t need to be complicated.

Scenarios need to be realistic.

Make it accurate and realistic

Make sure scenarios are accurate and realistic.

Sometimes all you need is an information-based course that’s more resource than real learning.

But if you’re really trying to change behaviors, building scenarios and problem-solving activities can be a really good way to do so.

what motivates your students?

Tap into learner’s motivation

Good scenarios tap into learners’ motivations.

What’s in it for the learner? Why do they need this information? What do they gain with this information?

Or

What do they lose if they don’t have this information?

are your students explorers?

Have learners do something as they uncover the information

Don’t give the learners any upfront information.

Just throw them into the pool so to speak and let them learn to swim.

This is a great way to test their assumptions and possible misunderstanding.

It’s a great way to make mistakes and learn from them.

Have learners uncover information by challenging their understanding

This type of course includes infrastructure to allow the learner to find the information they need to solve the scenario.

Example:The ACE building burned to the ground. As the fire inspector your job is to investigate the fire and prepare a report.

In this type of scenario, learners are not given the information upfront.. they discover it.

for non-explorers…

Have learners do something after getting the information

A course can present information and then offer scenario-based activities. .

Example: You’re going to learn how to put out fires. First read about common fire hazards. Next, look at ways to put out fires. Then practice with interactive activities.

Have learners do something with the information

Many courses are heavy on information and light on measuring understanding. And many courses stick just to multiple choice and true/false questions.

Scenarios allow learners to actively make decisions which will better equip them to transfer information and get more out of the course.

Either way.. just get started!

examples

• http://www.articulate.com/community/blogdemo/HR_Office_Scenario/player.html

• http://eit.tamu.edu/JJ/DE/4HGTTP/sally1.HTM

Thanks to..

Tom Kuhlmann tkuhlmann@articulate.com

The Rapid E-Learning Blog http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/

.. for providing images and ideas for this presentation