I created an eLearning course for a non-profit client who wanted to capture and store Learner Data of those who completed the course successfully, BUT they did not have an LMS or the budget to pay for one. Here's the EASY SOLUTION:

I developed a cost-effective tracking system using Google Forms and Google Sheets to log course completions with real-time timestamps. Then, I implemented hidden JavaScript code in Articulate Storyline to update the spreadsheet automatically upon successful course completion, providing the organization with instant, accurate completion data without the need for a Learning Management System, saving the company more than $500 on LMS setup and maintenance. WORKED LIKE A CHARM!

If you, or your clients, are in a similar situation, CLICK HERE to access the .PDF with the exact steps and the actual javascript code you can use to embed in Articulate Storyline 360

• If you want to use Microsoft Forms and Excel to achieve these results. CLICK HERE to access the Microsoft .PDF with the steps and javascript code.

Most eLearning courses focus on gaining immediate knowledge, but research shows that learners forget up to 70% of new information within 24 hours. Instead of cramming content, design your eLearning to embrace forgetting. Introduce key concepts, then strategically space out repetitions and apply variations of the content over time. Use micro-assessments to trigger recall just before learners are likely to forget. This approach, known as SPACED REPETITION, aligns with how our brains naturally retain information, turning short-term memories into long-term knowledge.

In a recent course I developed, I applied this technique by consistently reinforcing the critical first step of 'staying calm' across multiple scenarios, while varying the other steps based on the situation. This strategic repetition wasn't just a design choice—it was a deliberate method to ensure that learners instinctively prioritize calmness in real-world challenges, enhancing both retention and practical application. 

When most people think of gamification in eLearning, they picture points, badges, and leaderboards. But the true power of gamification lies in meaningful choices and real consequences? Instead of just adding a game-like layer to an eLearning course, we should think about how we can use gamification to create immersive, decision-driven experiences. Branching scenarios are a prime example. They allow learners to make choices that affect the actual outcome of the scenario—providing a more engaging and personalized learning journey.

It’s not just about making learning fun—it’s about creating a realistic simulation where every choice matters. This approach helps learners experience the impact of their decisions in a safe environment, which translates to better understanding and retention.

In a recent project, I designed a branching scenario where learners navigated complex decision paths in a simulated environment. Each decision led to different consequences, mirroring real-life outcomes. This not only made the learning process more engaging but also deepened learners' understanding of the material. By focusing on the real-world application of decisions, gamification became a powerful tool for meaningful learning rather than just a decorative element.

INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP IN INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN — When the Apollo 13 mission faced a life-threatening crisis, NASA engineers were given an unconventional challenge: to repurpose everyday items—like a sock and duct tape—to design and develop a life-saving air filtration system.

One leader’s perspective changed everything...

“I don’t care what it was designed to do. I CARE ABOUT WHAT IT CAN DO.”

This same mindset is crucial in Instructional Design!

💡 As instructional designers, we’re often working within constraints—limited budgets, time, or tools. But real innovation comes when we stop focusing on what our resources were meant for and start thinking about how they can be used to solve the unique challenges we face.

Repurposing an old eLearning template to create a new, interactive experience, or using an unexpected tool to boost engagement or increase retention? That’s the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that turns limitations into opportunities for creativity and impact.

Next time you’re stuck . . . ask yourself . . . “WHAT CAN THIS DO FOR MY LEARNERS?” 🚀

Vulnerability is one of the strongest leadership tools you can have. We often think of leaders as needing to be decisive, strong, and confident at all times, but in reality, the leaders who connect most deeply with their teams aren’t afraid to show vulnerability. When leaders are open about challenges, uncertainties, or even mistakes, they foster trust, empathy, and authenticity within their teams.

💡 Vulnerability doesn’t weaken leadership—it strengthens it. When leaders admit they don’t have all the answers, they invite collaboration, encourage problem-solving, and empower others to step up. This openness creates a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, taking risks, and learning from failures.

In my “Hope for Kids” eLearning course, I included a scenario where a camp counselor responds to a camper struggling with suicidal ideations. Rather than trying to handle it alone or acting as if they have all the answers, the counselor shows vulnerability by acknowledging the camper’s pain and suggesting that they seek support together from the camp director, Mia, who is better equipped to help. This approach not only shows empathy but also reinforces the idea that leaders don’t always need to have all the solutions—they just need to know when to ask for help. It’s a powerful reminder that vulnerability can build trust and deepen connections.

As leaders, our strength comes from being real, not perfect.

The Power of "Narrative Dissonance" to Drive Learning Engagement:

We all know stories make content more engaging, but if you deliberately create a small conflict in the story between what learners expect and what actually happens, this can skyrocket engagement. This strategy, called NARRATIVE DISSONANCE, hooks learners by playing with their assumptions and making them rethink what they know.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

You begin your learning scenario with an expected, logical progression. For example, a character encounters a challenge, and learners assume the character will solve it in the expected way. But instead, you introduce an unexpected turn—a surprising decision or an unconventional approach. Suddenly, learners are curious and invested in discovering why the character made that choice.

WHY IS IT EFFECTIVE?

When learners encounter dissonance between their expectations and the story’s outcome, their brains engage at a deeper level. They’re actively re-evaluating the situation, filling in gaps, and thinking critically about the lesson being taught.

In a recent course I developed, I applied Narrative Dissonance to disrupt typical decision-making scenarios. Rather than reprimanding or punishing two campers for cursing at each other, the counselor makes an unexpected choice—opting for empathy and conversation over immediate discipline. This shift surprises learners, prompting them to think more critically about conflict resolution. They aren’t just passively consuming content; they’re actively questioning the counselor’s approach and reflecting on how these principles apply in real-world situations.

KEY TAKEAWAY!

Sometimes the most impactful learning happens when we break the pattern. Challenge assumptions, create small moments of dissonance, and watch as learners dive deeper into the material.

Amplifying eLearning with Audio — Ever wonder why some eLearning courses feel flat while others fully immerse you in the experience? The secret often lies in the sound design. Adding the right background music and sound effects can elevate your course from good to unforgettable.

Sound is more than just a background filler—it’s a powerful tool that enhances engagement, reinforces learning, and evokes emotions. Imagine a superhero flying in with a gust of wind, or the satisfying 'click' when a button is revealed. These audio cues do more than add flair—they guide learners, emphasize key moments, and create a multi-sensory experience that makes the content stick.

In recent courses, I enhanced the learning journey by integrating background music that matched the courses' tone and added sound effects for badges, transitions, animations, and text/button reveals. The result? Learners were more engaged, and the course felt more dynamic and interactive. It wasn’t merely about adding sound—it was about using it to create a richer, more immersive learning environment.

Remember, it’s not just about what learners see; what they hear is equally important, if not more. By combining both visuals and sound, you create a multi-sensory experience that keeps learners engaged and helps them retain information more effectively.

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