Interactive e-learning scenarios provide an exciting alternative to traditional, monotonous lectures. Our brain processes and retains information faster when we actively participate in the learning process rather than just passively absorbing information. With interactive e-learning, L&D professionals can create an engaging learning experience that is filled with fun, lively conversations and helps to retain knowledge much faster.
The advancements in AI have made it much easier to create interactive scenarios. Tools like ChatGPT and Bard can take these scenarios to the next level. With their assistance, L&D professionals can now create amazing scenarios in half the time with countless possibilities.
What is Scenario-based learning?
Scenario-based learning is a type of learning that presents learners with a situation or scenario and asks them to respond based on how they would handle that scenario. This approach is based on the situated learning theory developed by Lathe and Vendor in 1991.
In this learning approach, learners are encouraged to make calculated decisions on their own instead of being given manual instructions. Once a decision is made, they go through both the negative and positive consequences, which gives them a thorough knowledge of the subject.
Benefits of Scenario-based eLearning
Let us go through the advantages of including scenario-based learning in eLearning courses and training.
1. Equips learners with practical skills for real-life scenarios.
Most of the scenarios used in eLearning are based on real-life examples the departments have faced. Exposing them to these scenarios helps them make quick and better-prepared decisions in real life.
2. Motivates the learners and leads to a better completion rate
A well-customized scenario can pique the learner's curiosity and make them want to know more about what happens next. When learners find a learning activity fun and feel like they have accomplished something new, they are more likely to participate and complete it.
3. Learn in a secure and controlled training environment.
As most learners learn best through practical application, scenario-based learning is an effective technique for learning by doing, especially when making mistakes. So learners can learn in a safe environment where mistakes have no consequence but are micro-learning lessons.
Recommended Read: Why Corporate e-Learning Solutions need Scenario-Based Learning
Challenges Faced when Creating Interactive eLearning Scenarios Manually
Time-consuming: Creating interactive e-learning scenarios manually demands extensive brainstorming and content creation, consuming valuable time.
Creative burnout: Generating fresh and compelling ideas consistently without AI-generated suggestions can lead to monotony and a lack of variety.
Scaling challenges: Scaling up scenario creation for large-scale courses or diverse topics can become overwhelming without efficient manual processes, hindering course development and updates.
Generating scenarios that leaders can relate to: Creating relevant scenarios that resonate with the leader's experiences and challenges can be a big hurdle. Producing scenarios that align closely with their professional context demands extensive research and subject matter expertise.
Role of AI in creating interactive learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a vital component in Learning and Development (L&D) activities. The reason behind this is that AI can assist in various activities like data analysis, providing 24/7 assistance to learners, and creating interactive learning experiences. Some AI tools can provide ideas on scenarios that can be used along with high-quality scripts, while others can help L&D professionals build interactive videos based on characters to help learners understand better.
Let's explore different AI tools and how they can assist in creating interactive eLearning scenarios
ChatGPT and Google Gemini
ChatGPT and Google Gemini are advanced language modes. They can generate text responses that closely resemble those written by humans. In the context of e-learning, L&D professionals can easily create realistic conversations that simulate real-world scenarios. By interacting with virtual characters and making decisions that impact the outcome of each scenario, learners can gain practical experience and build their confidence.
Here are 5 prompt styles that we’ve found to be helpful in creating scenario-based learning modules:
Prompt for Sales training scenario: Improving negotiation skill Create an eLearning scenario for sales training where a new sales representative, Sarah, is learning negotiation skills. Sarah is tasked with negotiating a contract with a potential client, Mr. Thompson, known for being tough in negotiations. It should be written like a script for a short film with dialogues. The scenario should include dialogues between Sarah and Mr. Thompson, as well as guidance and feedback from Sarah's sales manager. Ensure that the dialogues are realistic and highlight key negotiation strategies and techniques. It should be written like a script for a short movie with dialogues.
Prompt for creating a branching scenario: Leadership training Develop a branching scenario for leadership development where a team leader, Emily, is coaching a team member, John, on improving performance. The scenario should branch based on John's responses and actions, offering different outcomes and feedback based on his choices. Include dialogue options that allow John to demonstrate effective communication, problem-solving, and goal-setting skills.
Prompt for creating a branching scenario in project management training: Handling delays Develop a branching scenario for project management training where a project manager, Sheela, faces challenges related to project delays and resource constraints. The scenario should branch based on Lisa's decisions and risk management strategies, offering different project outcomes and feedback based on her actions. Include dialogue options that demonstrate prioritization, resource allocation, and contingency planning. Write dialogues like a short film script and should include 2 characters other than Sheela for the scenario.
Prompt for creating a branching scenario for HR managers: Mitigating workplace conflict Create a branching scenario for conflict resolution training where an HR professional, Raj, must resolve conflicts between employees. The scenario should branch based on Alex's conflict resolution approaches and communication skills, providing different resolutions and feedback based on Alex's interventions. Include dialogue options that showcase active listening, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving. In total there should be three characters including Raj. The aim is to test how Raj would mitigate the conflict and all parties can come to a compromise due to the manager’s resolution skills.
Adobe Captivate
Adobe Captivate is a powerful authoring tool that enables L&D professionals to create interactive e-learning courses with captivating scenarios, multiple choices and characters.
With Adobe Captivate, educators can design story-based interactive scenarios featuring different characters and branching paths. Learners can navigate different scenarios, make decisions, and explore various outcomes based on their choices.
Furthermore, Adobe Captivate offers gamification features such as badges, points, and leaderboards, which motivate learners and increase participation.
In Captivate, follow these steps to develop a scenario -
Slide Creation: Create individual slides for each scene or decision point in the scenario.
Character Integration: Add characters to represent different roles in the scenario. Customize their appearance and expressions to suit the context.
Dialogues and Interactions: Use Captivate's interactive elements like buttons, click boxes, and text entry fields to simulate dialogues and decision-making interactions.
Branching and Decision Points: Implement branching logic to create multiple paths based on learner decisions. Use conditional actions to determine the consequences of each choice.
Feedback and Assessment: Provide feedback messages, explanations, or consequences for each learner's decision, For every answer whether it is a correct decision or wrong.
Articulate 360
Articulate 360 is an authoring tool that helps create interactive e-learning scenarios by offering a range of AI-driven features. Its authoring tools allow creators to build interactive content without requiring extensive coding skills, significantly speeding up the development process.
Articulate 360's AI can automate tasks like scenario branching and decision-tree logic, making creating complex, interactive scenarios that adapt to learner choices easier.
Its analytics features provide valuable insights into learner interactions, enabling creators to optimize content for better engagement and learning outcomes.
Here's a simple three-step process to create relevant scenarios using Storyline 360:
1. Introduce Characters:
Use photographic or illustrated characters that represent your audience.
Introduce characters with names and job titles to make them authentic and relevant.
2. Insert Background Image:
Choose background images that set the context for the scenario.
Consider where learners will apply the information and select appropriate settings.
3. Use Convert to Freeform to Build Your Scenario:
Frame scenario-based questions that simulate workplace situations.
Use the Convert to Freeform option to create interactive "pick one" quiz slides.
Customize feedback to illustrate the consequences of learners' decisions.
Conclusion
Scenario-based learning is a sure-cut way to promote the applicability of knowledge. Taking this practical approach to learning along with AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Adobe Captivate, and Articulate 360, L&D professionals can craft immersive scenarios that simulate real-world situations.
AI-powered tools offer many benefits, from shortening the development period to generating realistic dialogues and designing branching paths. By embracing AI, L&D professionals can overcome the challenges of manual scenario creation, such as time constraints and creative burnout, while scaling up their courses to large-scale audiences.