Wow! What a journey this has been creating this module. I have learned so much about the design process but the most significant thing I learned was the importance of iterating your work. Somewhere during the middle of this project I saw an internet article that talked about the evolution of the Simpsons. The author pointed out that the first sketches of the popular cartoon were EXTREMELY rough, but have evolved over the years (google it). The author made the parallel that our projects or ideas are no different; the first draft at anything we do can always be improved if we remain diligent. I read that article the same week that I was assigned to do a Dcon with Ben Turner. Between these two things, I was inspired to scrap my original prototypes and start over with my project design. I realized that I was only using storyline to a fraction of its ability and that my content wasn’t very engaging. I wanted to create a module that was engaging and involved a little humor (because honestly my topic is a little comical). So I went back to the drawing board to start over. 

I knew that if I wanted to create something cool that I would have to learn more than just the basics about storyline. I began to look at different storyline projects online and take note of the interactions that I was most intrigued by. Once I noted an interaction, I found 1-2 different tutorials of people talking about how to use it. I wanted my project to display my ability to do a variety of things in Storyline in case I ever use it in a portfolio. I basically made it a point to use each of the interactive functions in one way or another. Next, I knew that I had to step up my visual design game. Which was hard for me because I sometimes get paralyzed when I’m working from a blank canvas. At this point, I was glad that I chose to do a topic that I’m so passionate about. This allowed me to think of the images and colors that are associated with this topic. I started with the color scheme of the popular gay sex app “Grindr” and worked from there. I also did research into which colors represent sex and sexuality and added those colors as well. I learned how to use photoshop in order to crop and manipulate images like I wanted so that I could create fun objects within the module. Finally, I started building the course and used feedback to improve. As you all and Dr. McCalla begin to move around in the course, I got acquainted with areas that weren’t user-friendly or easy to navigate. Although I was right up on the buzzer at the end, I’m damn proud of how the module turned out.

For the final portion of the project I wanted to create an authentic assessment using a scenario. I wanted the learner to end the module by going through what someone who is new to gay sex would go through on their first encounter. It wasn’t a course reading, but I started reading up on the design method called action mapping and was drawn in. The premise of action mapping is that the learner is drawn immediately into the tasks that they will need to accomplish with the knowledge and skills they acquire in the learning (Moore, 2017). While I did want to showcase all of the ways I learned to make content interactive in storyline, I didn’t want this to just be an information dump. I wanted to create an experience through telling a young gay man’s story from my very first mindmap. So at the end, I allowed the learner to create a profile, prepare for the encounter, and engage their knowledge about sexual health and safety. It was a great way to take the learner through what they would actually do with the information. 

Overall, the studio design in this course was extremely helpful even though I fought it in the beginning. I really didn’t enjoy the google drive set up of the course in the beginning, but I grew to love it. I looked at every single person’s project every step of the way and gained inspiration. I loved the way that Danielle and Jacob used sliders and it inspired me to learn how to do that in my course. Like everyone, I loved the navigation that Ben Turner created so I learned how to incorporate that. I love how Jennifer’s visual design helped to support her topic. I took what everyone taught me and made something that I love and am proud of. This was a wonderful experience. 

Reference

Moore, C. (2017). Map It: The Hands-on Guide to Strategic Training Design. Montesa Press.