The Show Must Go On

This scenario based eLearning experience is a concept project designed to educate stage managers on how to communicate effectively to prevent accidents and lost time. Learners navigate through practical scenarios to hone their communication skills and promote a safer, more efficient working environment for all.

• Audience: Stage Managers

• Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design, Storyboard, and Mockups

• Tools Used:  Storyline 360, Figma, Google Docs, Mind Meister

Problem

The client was a large entertainment corporation that owns several theme parks nationally, each with multiple stage shows. This project addresses performance issues exhibited by inexperienced stage managers.

Solution

New stage managers were found to be more likely to have safety write ups and inefficiencies in their shows. After analyzing the most common issues in safety reports and speaking to a member of the management team, I determined that the root cause of the stage managers’ performance issues was a lack of effective communication. For this reason, I proposed a scenario-based eLearning training. This style of eLearning promotes the kind of active learning and context that help learners meaningfully build their understanding.

Process

I developed this Scenario Based eLearning course by talking with an SME in the field of stage management. I used action mapping, storyboarding, scenario-based learning, and Articulate Storyline 360 to design and plan this eLearning experience

Text-Based Storyboard

Launching off of my action map, I created a  text-based storyboard. It was interesting to think of a scenario and dialogue for each desired action that was true to life. I outlined the scenario of being a newer stage manager making on the job decisions. I consulted my SME for common mistakes to use as the incorrect choices along with a brief explanation of the consequences. 

Visual Mockup

I used my storyboard to begin designing some visual mockups. I communicated with my SME and applied their feedback to fine tune different iterations of the mockups and lay out my project. 

Full Development

I used my mockups to then create my final project in Articulate 360 with some final tweaks to optimize the overall look and feel. I tested each page repeatedly to ensure a smooth and engaging user experience.

Results and Takeaways

As this is a concept project there were no formal results or evaluation. In the real world I would assess the strength of my eLearning project using the Kirkpatrick Model. I would evaluate how the audience reacted to the training, what they learned, if they are using what they've learned, and what impact this had on the organization.

In creating this project I have gained experience and enhanced my knowledge of Articulate Storyline 360, Figma, storyboarding, and visual design. The users that experienced this project commented on the clean, professional design as well as the motivation provided by filling up the progress bar.

I am confident in the new skills I have honed in this creative process and happy with the final product as well as it's positive reception.