To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question With Dan Richards, Interactive Advantage Corp. To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune, Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles, -- William Shakespeare

Strategic Learning and Information Solutions To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question Dan Richards Session Overview Review of Instructional Path Models Example of “Branching” Treatments Planning and Storyboarding SBL Review of Scenario Based Learning

Strategic Learning and Information Solutions To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question Dan Richards What is Scenario Based Learning?  Simulation of real-world tasks or software tasks  Contextualized learning  Authentic and relevant  Directed problem solving and rehearsal  Adaptively or realistically structured  Not just memorization and regurgitation  Requires thought, judgement, application  Driven by emotion and relation

Strategic Learning and Information Solutions To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question Dan Richards Benefits of Scenario Based Learning  Demands engagement in learning concepts  Provides an opportunity to explore and fail safely/constructively  Can require research and discovery  Promotes self-direction and self-reliance  Can be timed, time-limited, scored, tracked  Can involve multiple perspectives and collaboration  Requires knowledge/skill application and connection  Supports performance improvement and measurement

Strategic Learning and Information Solutions To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question Dan Richards What is an Instructional Path Model?  A pre-defined scenario interaction and remediation structure  A way to conceptualize the flow  A modular construct that can be combined with others  Basis for e-learning templates and production

Scenario-based Learning and Instructional Path Models Dan Richards Example Instructional Path Model #1  One ‘correct’ or ‘success’ path  User can try different ‘incorrect’ or ‘failure’ paths  Each path has feedback  One path to debrief

Scenario-based Learning and Instructional Path Models Dan Richards Example Instructional Path Model #2  All paths neutral  All paths lead to debrief

Scenario-based Learning and Instructional Path Models Dan Richards Example Instructional Path Model #3  All paths neutral  All paths lead to decision point  Requires a Next button on decision point screen

Scenario-based Learning and Instructional Path Models Dan Richards Example Instructional Path Model #4  All paths have unique point values  All paths lead to next path model  No debrief until conclusion

Scenario-based Learning and Instructional Path Models Dan Richards Example Instructional Path Model #4

Scenario-based Learning and Instructional Path Models Dan Richards Combining Instructional Path Models  Natural flow as decisions are made  Same path model used in combination

Scenario-based Learning and Instructional Path Models Dan Richards The IPM “Combinatorial Explosion”  Each path leads to a new, separate path

Scenario-based Learning and Instructional Path Models Dan Richards The IPM “Combinatorial Explosion”  More difficult to design, develop, navigate

Strategic Learning and Information Solutions To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question Dan Richards Examples  Behavioural/Simulated Real-world  Software Simulation  Mid Map

Strategic Learning and Information Solutions To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question Dan Richards Limiting Branching  Keep it simple  Rely on the story  Keep it modular  Present paths to different scenarios rather than build paths inside scenarios

Strategic Learning and Information Solutions To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question Dan Richards Reasons to Branch  Role of the learner –Should happen before the scenario  Variations on a scenario –Should happen before the scenario  Averse events in a happy path –Popular in conflict resolution  Allow exploration of “incorrect” choices

Strategic Learning and Information Solutions To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question Dan Richards Planning and Storyboarding for Scenario Based Learning  Instructional path models drive template development –Examples help team design and develop  Mind mapping tools allow for visual planning –Improves understanding of the flow  Templates for instructional design –Storyboard template has placeholders for all required info  Templates for developers –Includes prebuilt navigation and functionality

Strategic Learning and Information Solutions To branch, or not to branch, that is the e-learning question Dan Richards Presenter Contact Info Dan Richards VP of Professional Services Interactive Advantage Corporation (IAC) O C Strategic Learning and Information Solutions