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Canva AI Text-to-Image

Gossip-Proof Your Workplace

Articulate eLearning Challenge #416  is Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) to Build Online Training. To create the interactive Articulate Rise example below, I decided to try out Canva’s new AI text-to-image feature for the first time.

Creating the Images

To create an image using Canva’s AI text-to-image tool, you need to type a description of the image you want. Then, you select a style from the approximately 20 styles the tool offers. When you click “Create,” Canva will produce 4 example images.

To help me decide on what style to use in my demo, I typed in the following prompt, then clicked create to see what the AI tool would produce:

Close-up of a female office employee talking, facing forward, with a pleasant expression on her face.

As you can see, changing the style completely changes the resulting image, even when using exactly the same prompt! Ultimately, I chose to go with the Watercolor style for this short demo.

Authoring Tools:

  • Articulate 360 Rise Microlearning
  • Canva Text-to-Image tool

ChatGPT as SME, Part 3

Creating images with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In the lesson below, the video script and the questions were written by me; the question feedback was written by ChatGPT. I used the Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications Microsoft Designer & Adobe Firefly to create the video images. This blog post is another response to Articulate eLearning Challenge #416: Using AI to Build Online Training.

Click the image below to view the Rise microlesson: Homicide Investigation, Part I.

Working with Microsoft Designer & Adobe Firefly

What sets both Designer and Firefly apart from other design tools is that they are types of AI applications that allow you to create images and artwork simply by entering a text description of what you want.

Designer is part of Microsoft Office 365, while Firefly is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of tools. As of this writing, Designer has been available for several months, while Firefly has only been available for a few weeks.

Both tools are easy to use, and are quite addicting! I used each tool to produce images for my video. Below you can see how each tool produced different versions of two of the characters in the video.

Three Hands?

One glitch I noticed is that both tools frequently produced images of humans with added arms, hands, and/or legs. This might be a plus for anyone writing science fiction, but it was slightly irritating for me.

Another issue was that it was difficult to produce an image with an authentic old-fashioned typywriter.

I used PowerPoint to edit the images and create the video. In PowerPoint, I would remove the background around the characters and replace it with another image, or change the colors, soften the focus, etc. Since it’s part of the MS Office suite of tools, most people already have access to the tool. In my experience, organizations funded by local government, such as police departments, frequently operate on a shoestring budget.

Authoring Tools:

  • ChatGPT
  • Microsoft Designer
  • Adobe Firefly
  • PowerPoint
  • Articulate Rise – Microlesson format

In Part 2, I asked ChatGPT to create a course outline with learning objectives for this course.

ChatGPT as SME, Part 2

Creating the Course Outline and Training Objectives with ChatGPT

Articulate eLearning Challenge #416: Using AI to Build Online Training. I used Artificial Intelligence (AI), in the form of ChatGPT, to create the course outline with training objectives shown below for my pathway from police to detective course. This blog post is Part 2 in a short series about AI tools.

ChatGPT can create an answer or response to whatever prompt you give it. But can ChatGPT act as my Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the course?


My Assessment

ChatGPT wrote me a course outline with training objectives in less than a minute. It’s a helpful starting point. Sometimes it’s good to see what doesn’t work, in order to develop something that will work.

I found most of the learning objectives unacceptably vague and non-measurable. I didn’t like the way the course was organized; it doesn’t feel like a logical progression of ideas. Without a human SME, the course has drifted from a course offering police a pathway to becoming a detective, to a course being specifically about creating Murder Books. The course seems headed off-track already.

Tools:

  • ChatGPT
  • Storyline 360

In Part 3, I’ll use a text-to-image AI application.

ChatGPT, Part 3

In Part 1, I used ChatGPT to create a video script.

ChatGPT, Part 1

ChatGPT as SME, Part 1

Policewoman hugs a little girl.

Creating a Video Script with ChatGPT

Cool Tool: I used Artificial Intelligence (AI), in the form of ChatGPT, to create the video script for the short promo video above. This blog post is a response to Articulate eLearning Challenge #416: Using AI to Build Online Training. It’s Part 1 in a short series about AI tools.

ChatGPT is a chatbot that creates AI-generated content. It can create an answer or response to whatever prompt you give it. I decided to see if I could get ChatGPT to generate a coherent short script for a promotional video for police who want to upgrade their skills to become detectives.

I chose the topic because I know virtually nothing about police or detective work, and I wanted to see if ChatGPT could act as my Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the subject.

The assignment I gave myself was to create a prompt that would cause ChatGPT to write me a short script to promote a course offering police a pathway to becoming a detective. Just about the only thing I know about detective work is that they create a Murder Book to store evidence on homicide cases, so I used that in my prompt.

The prompt: Act as a marketer. You will write me a video script to promote an upcoming webinar. Make it educational with a professional tone. My requested target audience: Police who want to become detectives. Webinar topic: Murder Book Essentials.

Policewoman hugs a little girl.

In the video, answer the following questions:

  • Why keep a Murder Book?
  • What information goes into a Murder Book?

In less than a minute, ChatGPT produced the following script for the Murder Book Essentials promo:

Opening shot of a police badge with the words “Murder Book” written over it.

Narrator: “Being a police officer is a challenging and rewarding career, but have you ever considered taking the next step and becoming a detective? One crucial aspect of being a detective is keeping a thorough and organized Murder Book.”

Cut to animation of a detective writing in a notebook.

Narrator: “A Murder Book is a collection of all the evidence and information related to a murder case. It’s the foundation of any investigation and is used to keep track of leads, suspects, and the progress of the case.”

Cut to animation of a detective flipping through pages of a notebook, highlighting different sections such as “suspects,” “witnesses,” and “forensic evidence.”

Narrator: “A well-maintained Murder Book can mean the difference between solving a case, and it going cold. It’s a vital tool for detectives to use, in order to keep a clear overview of the investigation, and to ensure that no detail is missed.”

Cut to animation of a detective holding up a completed Murder Book with the words “Case Closed” written on the cover.

Narrator: “Join our upcoming webinar, ‘Murder Book Essentials,’ and learn from experienced detectives how to organize and maintain a Murder Book that will help you to become a successful detective. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best and take your detective career to the next level.”

Closing shot of the police badge with the webinar information and registration link overlaid.

Narrator: “Register now and take the first step towards your detective career.”

Evidence of a crime

My Assessment

I think ChatGPT did a very good job of producing a short video script, based on my prompt. I was surprised to see that it gave me tips for visuals to go along with the script!

Unfortunately, focusing on the murder book in my prompt has narrowed the course. Without a human SME, I didn’t catch this error. The course was supposed to be about police who want to upgrade their general skills to become detectives, not just about murder books, specifically.

Ultimately I didn’t follow the specific visual suggestions offered by ChatGPT, because it was faster to use whatever came to mind as I was creating the video in Canva, rather than hunt for specific images and graphics. I used a Murf.ai text-to-speech voice as a quick alternative to human narration, which would be my preference for a finished product.

Although of course I wouldn’t actually rely on ChatGPT as a SME, I was impressed at how quickly it came up with a usable script. I can see using the tool as a way to produce first drafts of documents and scripts, and to spark creativity.

Authoring Tools:

  • ChatGPT
  • Canva
  • Camtasia
  • Murf.ai text-to-speech voices

In Part 2, I ask ChatGPT to create a course outline with learning objectives for this course.

Sexual Harassment Training

Each year Articulate issues a challenge based on using Pantone’s Color of the Year in an eLearning example. Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year is Viva Magenta.

Pantone says Viva Magenta:

“… vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.”

I decided to see how well Viva Magenta works as a “wake-up” color in a Sexual Harassment Training mini-course, rather than using the more typical blues and greys that usually accompany HR training. This course was developed in Articulate Rise. It includes an opening video I created in Powtoon, and edited with Camtasia. Click the image below to view the demo.

Articulate Challenge: TikTok Style Videos

Articulate’s eLearning Challenge #400 is Using TikTok-Style Videos in Online Corporate Training.

My demo is the fictional ACME Corporation’s FAQs site. It’s a menu template featuring three short Tiktok-style videos, giving answers to some of their FAQs about working from home, signing up for healthcare, and who to call when you need help. It’s best viewed on a desktop or laptop.

Authoring Tools:

  • CreateStudioPro
  • Canva
  • Camtasia
  • Articulate Storyline

AI Generated Images – MS Designer

Articulate eLearning Challenge #416  is Using AI (Artificial Intelligence) to Build Online Training. Microsoft Designer is a new tool that allows you to create custom AI-generated images for your designs. Right now it’s free with an Office 365 subscription. I just tried it, and it’s really fun to work with!

The short, silly video I created, Bobo’s Revenge, is the result of typing in four sentences, and choosing from the images Designer offered.

The four sentences:

1. Chimp plays a flute, comic book style.

2. Chimp orchestra, comic book style.

3. Angry chimp playing the bongos,
comic book style.

4. Chimp in despair, comic book style.

Why these 4 sentences? I have no idea, just playing around!

Bobo's Revenge

Authoring Tools:

  • Microsoft Designer
  • PowerPoint
  • Camtasia

Double-Blind Clinical Trials

Why are randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials known as the “gold standard” of clinical trials? Watch the demo to find out!

This demo is in response to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #310: Using Glassmorphism in E-Learning Course Design. Glassmorphism is sometimes called the frosted or virtual glass look in UI design. The idea is to have a background-blur on an object, giving the impression of a frosted glass.

Select the image below to view the demo.

Tutorial: Create a Quick Frosted Glass Effect with PowerPoint

Authoring Tools

Storyline 360, the Articulate Content Library, PowerPoint, and Camtasia.

Managing Pain

This demo is in response to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #322: Creating Visual Stories with Interactive Photo Collages

Select the image below to view the demo.

The Needs of Chronic Pain Patients

Patients struggling with chronic pain need relief. At the same time, medical personnel are charged with the task of preventing the illegal or harmful use of opioids. These challenges can be difficult to reconcile.

In this photo collage demo, Jonathan tells his story about the chronic pain that he lives with. For more information about Pain Management Best Practices, see https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pmtf-final-report-2019-05-23.pdf.

Cool Tool

To create the comic book effect with the images I used, I employed the use of a tool new to me: Colorcinch. This online photo editor & cartoonizer is very easy to use. Below is a quick example that shows how the tool can quickly create cartoon versions of a photo. (The image below is not shown in the demo.)

Freebie

Download the story file.

Authoring Tools

Storyline 396, the Articulate Content Library, and Colorcinch.

Employee Benefits

I create animated explainer videos promoting various programs that employers want to highlight for their employees. ConglomCo Cares is an interactive demo that informs employees in the fictional ConglomCo workplace about two new benefits: ConglomCo Fit and ConglomCo Kitchen.

I created the animated videos in this demo with a new tool I’ve been playing around with: CreateStudio. It creates 3D animated videos, and other styles as well. This demo was submitted to Articulate’s Choose Your Own E-Learning Challenge (2022) #378.

Free Print Certificate Template

Preview: View the interactive demo of the Print Certificate template in action!

*Updated 8/16/22 – a new Storyline 360 version has been added to the download links below. The short video in this version was created with CreateStudioPro.

A couple of years ago a client requested a printable certificate option for a Storyline assessment module I was designing. Since Storyline does not have that option, I had to scramble to create the feature. Of course, I did a google search first, and found many different tutorials on the subject.

It turns out there are various ways to create a printable certificate, using JavaScript with Storyline! This example is just one way to go about it.

Two free downloads: The zipped folders each contain the .story file, the printCertificate.html file, and the Storyline output folder.

Customize:  To customize the look of the Certificate, edit the printCertificate.html file with any html editor, such as Dreamweaver or Notepad.

Remember: Be sure to insert the printCertificate.html into the Storyline output folder after you publish your Storyline module.  Otherwise, the print certificate function will not work! (See the example Storyline output folder in the zip file you downloaded).

Tip: Be sure to pay attention to your browser and/or printer settings before printing or saving the certificate as a PDF. You can control the margins, the header and footer information, and the orientation of the certificate page by adjusting your browser and/or printer settings.

For example, in the Chrome browser (image below), you can uncheck the “Headers & Footers” option to print your certificate without that extraneous information at the top and bottom of the page.

3D Velociraptor

The Velociraptor is my submission to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #347: Using 3D Models in E-Learning.

Authoring Tools

To create the LinkedIn promo for this demo, I used an animation application new to me, called CreateStudio.

I created the Velociraptor demo in PowerPoint, using the application’s 3D Model Tools, morph slide transitions, & applied zoom & fly-in animations to the text boxes.

I did a screen capture of the PowerPoint slide show with Camtasia, then added music, sound effects, and an animated end title sequence with the video-editing software. (I’ve found that saving a PowerPoint slide show as a video does not give me as high a quality video as doing a screen capture, when there are many slide transitions and animations in the presentation.)

Free Download!

PowerPoint comes with plenty of free templates and themes. When you open the application, you can search for templates in various categories, as shown in the image below. I searched in the Education category, and found this school report template, which I modified for this presentation. To check out how the morph transition works, you can download the template here: Velociraptor PowerPoint template.

Bonus Download!

It is possible to create 3D promos for your work, using PowerPoint. The example above was made with PowerPoint and exported to video.

Download the editable PowerPoint version here.

Organize the Animals

Accessing Prior Knowledge

In this eLearning demo, Organize the Animals with Carolus Linnaeus, the learner can customize their own learning experience based on their prior knowledge of the subject. Answer correctly, and you have the choice to skip ahead without having to view the “Learn More” lesson. Or, you can learn more just for fun! Answer incorrectly, and the Learn More lesson becomes mandatory.

This short demo is a submission to E-Learning Heroes Challenge #382: Using Pre-Test Activities to Tailor Content in E-Learning.

Authoring tools

  • Plotagon animation
  • Camtasia video editing
  • Murf text-to-speech voiceover
  • Storyline 360

Master Mixologist

Become a Master Mixologist! Cool off with a refreshing Frozen Daiquiri. Learn a bit about the history of the famous cocktail, and get the classic recipe in How to Make a Frozen Daiquiri, the interactive version of this eLearning demo.

I created the animated video with a new tool I’ve been playing around with: CreateStudio. Although I’ve only had it for a short time, it looks promising! This demo was submitted to Articulate’s eLearning Mixology Challenge #381.

Authoring Tools

  • Articulate Rise 360Rise Apex theme was used for the interactive demo
  • CreateStudio – used to create the animated video
  • Murf Studio – text-to-speech voice in the animated video
  • Canva – icons and images

Become a Space Cadet!

Click the image above to view the Articulate Rise demo.

Become a Space Cadet was submitted to Articulate’s eLearning Drag-and-Drop Challenge #380.

Authoring Tools

  • Articulate Rise 360 – I used the new Rise Horizon theme for this demo
  • Articulate Storyline 360 – the Solar System drag-and-drop interaction was created in Storyline
  • Powtoon – the two videos in this demo were created in Powtoon, and edited in Camtasia

Flu Facts Challenge

Play the Interactive eLearning Game!

Take the Flu Facts Challenge is a short informal learning game, created with PowerPoint and Articulate Storyline 360. Click on the image to view the game demo. This demo was submitted to Articulate’s Choose Your Own eLearning Challenge #378 (2022).

The game is meant to be played by members of the public at individual kiosks at a community health care fair. Both adults and children will have access to the game.

Gamification, or applying game design techniques to instructional design, is one way to engage and motivate people to interact with a learning module.

Images: Many of the character and background images in this module come from eLearning Art, a subscription service that provides graphics and templates for the eLearning community. This demo is featured on their eLearning and Training Examples blog.

To create the comic book effect with the images I used, I employed the use of a tool that turns regular images into cartoons: Colorcinch. This online photo editor & “cartoonizer” is inexpensive and easy to use.

Authoring Tools: PowerPoint, Storyline 360, Colorcinch, eLearning Art

The Project Overview and Background Information for Take the Flu Facts Challenge can be downloaded here.

Project Overview

Transparent Echo Technique

Click the image above to view the Articulate Rise demo.

Articulate’s eLearning Challenge #377 is to create an Image Effect for eLearning Cover Slides. I decided to create an example of the Transparent Echo Technique for the banner image in an Articulate Rise course.

All of the images in this course were created with the mix-and-match vector cartoons available for use in the stock images section of the PowerPoint ribbon.

Articulate Rise Clear Image Tip

When you upload an image to a Rise course, be sure to put “_noprocess_” somewhere in the image file name. (Do not include the quotation marks.) This will prevent Rise from compressing the image, which lowers the quality. Image file name example: tracy_cartoon_noprocess_.png

Vector Graphics in eLearning

Articulate’s eLearning Challenge #376 is Creating eLearning Templates from Vector Graphics. Vector graphics are infinitely scalable images created using mathematically defined elements. This means you can make a vector graphic as large or small as you want without losing any quality. It also means that vector images are great to use in eLearning courses.

PowerPoint has mix-and-match vector illustrations and cartoons available to use in the stock images included with the application. I colorized these cartoons by right-clicking on the image to convert it to individual shapes, then selected a fill color for each shape.

To create the Billy goes to the Hospital presentation above, I used PowerPoint vector cartoons and vector backgrounds from eLearning Art, then I saved the PowerPoint as a video. This low-cost technique could be used to create scenarios for eLearning courses.

For the Practical Math video below, I used vectors from Freepik in PowerPoint. Using PowerPoint’s animation effects helps create a parallax effect. This example is a short preamble to an eLearning math course.

Download the Freebies!

Download the Editable PowerPoints

To learn more about working with vector images, I recommend Tom Kuhlmann’s YouTube video tutorial.

Work from Home Tips

Check out the demo by clicking the image above!

If you’re working from home, do you feel like you’re losing the right work/life balance? Here are 4 tips to help!

4 Tips for Working from Home is an Articulate Storyline interaction I created as a response to Articulate’s eLearning Heroes Challenge #374, Zooming and Magnifying Parts of an Image in eLearning.

Users select each employee to enlarge each image into a full-size video, where the employee explains their work-from-home tip.

Custom Closed Captions Settings

In this demo, I decided to have the closed captions on by default. I accomplished this by using a trigger on the Storyline master slide:

When the timeline starts on this slide
– Set Player.DisplayCaptions to value True

The user can click the cc button to turn off the captions, if they desire. I also decided to increase the size of the cc text, by using a setting on the Storyline player, in the Colors & Effects section. You can increase the size of the captions font by adjusting the percentage in the player. In this case, I chose 160%. Finally, I designed the Vyond video to leave about an inch of blank space at the bottom, to make room for the cc to display without blocking the view of the bottom of the video.

Cool Tool: I used Vyond animation software to create the videos for this demo.

I frequently use animation in the eLearning modules I design. It’s a great way to capture and maintain audience engagement! Authoring tools for this demo:

  • Vyond
  • Camtasia
  • Articulate Storyline 360
  • Murf text-to-speech voices

Picky Eater Cafe

Check out the demo by clicking the image above!

The Picky Eater Cafe is an Articulate Storyline interaction I created as a response to Articulate’s eLearning Heroes Challenge #373, eLearning Course Templates Inspired by Restaurant Menus.

Users select tips from the menu to learn how to cope with the picky eaters they know.

Cool Tool

To create the comic book effect with the images I used, I employed the use of a tool that turns regular images into cartoons: Colorcinch. This online photo editor & “cartoonizer” is easy to use, and free! There are more advanced versions of the application that require a paid subscription, but for this demo I went with the free version. Below is a quick example that shows how the free version of the tool can quickly create cartoon versions of photos.

I used several authoring tools to create this presentation:

  • Articulate Storyline 360
  • PowerPoint
  • Freepik
  • Canva
  • Colorcinch cartoonizer

Let’s go Surfing!

Check out the demo by clicking the image above!

Let’s go Surfing! is an Articulate Rise interaction I created as a response to Articulate’s eLearning Heroes Challenge #372, Create Toggle Effects with Button Sets in Storyline 360.

Storyline’s button set feature makes it easy to create interactive toggle effects for graphics, characters, and more. In this Rise course, I inserted a Storyline block that uses shells as buttons. As the user clicks each button, a different surfing term and definition pops up.

Another way I customized this Rise course was to use a custom, unblurred background for the scenario block, as well as custom surfer characters. The way to do this is by editing the published files in the the course folder. Articulate’s Tom Kuhlmann has a great tutorial on how to accomplish this — Hack: How to Add Custom Characters to Rise Scenario Blocks.

I used several authoring tools to create this presentation:

  • Articulate Storyline 360
  • Articulate Rise
  • PowerPoint
  • Freepik
  • Canva

Back to the Office

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, lifestyles have changed. Many former office workers now work remotely, from their homes. At this point, some organizations are demanding that workers return to the office. Check out the demo by clicking the image above!

Back to the Office is an Articulate Rise interaction based on this situation. I created this demo as a response to Articulate’s eLearning Heroes Challenge #371Using Labeled Graphics to Create Interactive Pictures in E-Learning.

I decided to use a comic book theme, and use labeled graphics to advance the scenario. Users click on the markers to reveal the graphics, which serve as speech bubbles for the characters.

I used several authoring tools to create this presentation:

  • Freepik
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • PowerPoint
  • Articulate Rise

I found the images I wanted to use by exploring pop art images on the Freepik site. I picked images that would be easy for me to manipulate using Adobe Illustrator and/or PowerPoint.

Vector mages downloaded from Freepik are easily edited in Illustrator. For each image I used, I removed the backgrounds by simply turning off the background layer in Illustrator, and exporting the image as a transparent png image.

Working with PowerPoint, I was able to compose new images by combining graphics, inserting new backgrounds, increasing color saturation and changing the expression on a character’s face by adding colored shapes strategically.

Use Disinfectants Safely

Check out the demo by clicking the image above!

Should we be aiming for a germ-free existence? How zealous should we be when using common disinfectants around the house?

Use Disinfectants Safely answers some FAQs about what to do if someone who is positive for COVID-19 has been in your home within the last 24 hours.

I created this interactive infographic as a response to Articulate’s eLearning Heroes Challenge #367,  about using hints to guide and challenge learners. The hints in this presentation are provided by hyperlinks that lead to short animated videos.

I used several authoring tools to create this presentation:

  • Canva
  • Powtoon
  • Camtasia
  • Storyline 360

To create this demo, I started out with a Canva infographic, then changed the color scheme and typography, and swapped out the icons using the Storyline Content Library. This is my favorite way of using Canva. It has so many assets that you can start out with one thing but end up with something completely different.

I used Powtoon to create the animated video hints, and customized the colors to go with the infographic presentation.

Ice Core Timeline

Check out the demo by clicking the image above!

Articulate eLearning Heroes Challenge #369 was about using interactive timelines in eLearning design. I created an Ice Core Timeline video and interaction, about the fact that scientists are collecting and using ice cores to learn about the ways the earth’s climate has changed through the years.

I used several authoring tools to create this presentation:

  • Powtoon
  • Camtasia
  • Storyline 360

Home Computing Quiz

Check out the demo by clicking the image above!

Articulate eLearning Heroes Challenge #365 was about using video in quizzes and scenarios. I decided to create a video quiz about the rise of home computing in the 1970s and beyond.

I used several authoring tools to create this presentation:

  • Canva
  • Powtoon
  • Camtasia
  • Storyline 360

To find vintage 1970s images, I used Canva, an easy-to-use graphic design platform. Canva can be integrated with Powtoon, an application I frequently use to create videos.

After uploading my chosen images from Canva to Powtoon, I created a video by adding text, speech bubbles, slide transitions, animated shapes, and background music. I downloaded that video to edit it using Camtasia.

In Camtasia, I cut the video into several shorter videos, to be used to introduce the quiz questions in Articulate Storyline 360.

I exported the entire music track to be used on the base layer of Storyline, because that application doesn’t allow music to play continuously over several separate slides. Each video and quiz question in this presentation exists on a separate layer of a single Storyline slide.

Vinegar Valentines

Check out the rude, crude ‘Vinegar Valentines’ of the Victorian Era by clicking the image above!

What’s a Vinegar Valentine?! is my submission to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #359Design an E-Learning Template or Interaction for Valentine’s Day.

In the 1840s, brash Americans invented a novel way to let potential suitors know they were barking up the wrong tea.

The solution? Send them the ultimate insult: the Vinegar Valentine, complete with a caricature, and an obnoxious saying!

Authoring Tools:

Powtoon, Camtasia, Storyline 360

Click-and-Reveal Portfolio Tips

Check out the demo by clicking the image above!

eLearning Portfolio Tips is my submission to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #349: Using Click-And-Reveals to Show More Info in eLearning.

Ned Newbie is a former teacher who is seeking a career change. He wants to be a freelance instructional designer who can work remotely.

This has been happening a lot lately, as more people have been changing careers for a variety of reasons, including the COVID 19 pandemic.

He’ll need an eLearning Portfolio, so he’s seeking some feedback on his first try at developing an online presence.

This demo features click-to-reveal interactions, and a Resources tab filled with eLearning Portfolio tips from highly regarded instructional designers and eLearning developers.

Authoring Tools:

Powtoon, Camtasia, Storyline 360

Vyond Demo Reel

I frequently use animation in the eLearning modules I design. It’s a great way to capture and maintain audience engagement!

Vyond was the first animation program I used, back when it was called GoAnimate. I found Vyond very easy to learn, and it allowed me to quickly develop professional animated videos for my clients.

Click on the video below to see the Vyond Demo Reel.

Authoring Tools

  • Vyond animation
  • Camtasia video editing

3D Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope video is my submission to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #347: Using 3D Models in E-Learning.

Authoring Tools

PowerPoint

I started with PowerPoint. Using a 3D model of Hubble (a free PPTX asset), I created a simple green screen video by using the morph transition between the slides, and publishing the PPTX as a video. I used a green rectangle shape as the background, because I knew that I wanted to use several videos as backgrounds for the floating space telescope. The addition of video backgrounds contributes to the 3D effect of the Hubble moving through space.

Camtasia

In Camtasia, I used the Remove a Color tool to remove the green background, and render it transparent. Then I completed the demo by adding:

  • Several background videos (free assets from Pixabay)
  • Text boxes and shapes
  • Background music (free asset from Camtasia)
  • Narration (text-to-speech)

Storyline 360

Storyline is used to deliver the video. A couple of online Resources are included, so users can seek out further information if they desire.

What’s so Exciting about DevLearn?

**Update Oct. 17, 2021**

Although I won’t be able to make it to DevLearn 2021, I’m excited for everyone who is going to the conference this year. I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun and learn a lot!

From October 2019:

What’s so Exciting About DevLearn? is another demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #250: How are You Using Text and Images in E-Learning Design?

Click the image below to view the online demo.

Create Cartoons with PowerPoint

I created the icon of myself in PowerPoint several years ago, by using shapes and grouping them together. I saved the grouped images as a .png to preserve the transparent background, so that I could use the image in other applications.

Freebie Tutorial & Download

I produced an annotated video tutorial about the cartoon creation technique, and provided a free PowerPoint download here: https://tracycarroll.net/annotated-video-tutorial-create-cartoons-with-powerpoint/

Powtoon and Camtasia for Video Editing

I used Powtoon to compose the slides, create slide transitions, and add background music. Finally, I used Camtasia to edit the video and reduce the file size.

Authoring Tools: Powtoon, PowerPoint, Camtasia

Meet Bei Bei

This demo is a response to Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #346 – Using Anthropomorphic Characters in E-LearningAnthropomorphism means attributing human characteristics to animals and non-living objects. Using animals as characters can make the subject matter–in this case, the declining population of wild pandas–seem more friendly.

Click the image below to meet Bei Bei, and experience A Day in the Life of a Giant Panda.

Authoring Tools:

Powtoon animation, Canva images, Camtasia video editing, & Articulate Storyline 360

Name That Font!

This demo is another response to Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #345 – Using Font Games to Learn About Typography.

Click the image below to view the interactive eLearning game demo: Name That Font!

Development Details

For development details, see my blog post for Cheese or Font? The development process for both demos is essentially the same.

Authoring Tools:

Powtoon animation, Articulate Storyline 360

Cheese or Font?

This demo is in response to Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #345 – Using Font Games to Learn About Typography.

Inspiration

Articulate frequently revisits challenges after several years, and this challenge is no exception. I looked at the original challenge, and saw the title Cheese or Font, and thought it sounded like fun. Unfortunately, the link provided didn’t take me to a game, so I had to create my own!

Gamification

Sometimes you just have to memorize facts to get the job done (although probably not about cheese vs fonts). This short memory game demo shows an engaging, quick way to present this kind of task. Users can play the game several times, and teach themselves various ways to memorize the correct answers.

Click the image below to view the interactive eLearning game demo:  Cheese or Font?

Development Details

The animation application I used to create the intro to the game is Powtoon. I generally don’t start out knowing what I’m looking for when I create animated videos, I just look at numerous examples and templates on various sites until I develop some ideas of my own. Then I start out with a blank canvas and begin looking for the elements I want to use. In this case, I used a book prop from Powtoon combined with a mouse/cheese image from Pixabay.

Music is an important element, and I listen to music clips (sometimes furnished by Powtoon, sometimes by other applications/subscriptions) until I get the sound I want. Although the opening animation is only approximately 5 seconds long, I want the music to play for the entire Storyline interaction, so I include a couple of minutes to the video length of the Powtoon.

Camtasia Video Editing

After downloading the Powtoon video, I edit it using Camtasia. In this case, all I wanted to do was decrease the file size while retaining acceptable quality. I was able to reduce the file size of the video from 10,370 KB to 1,635 KB by removing the audio to a separate file, and adjusting the video quality settings before publishing.

Storyline Interaction

Since I want the music to play continuously throughout the interaction, the entire interaction needs to be contained on one Storyline slide, rather than using separate quiz slides for each question. This is done through the use of layers. The audio file is placed on the base layer, and plays continuously as the user interacts with each layer on the slide.

Video Tips

In Storyline, the video timeline and the slide timeline operate independently. By default, whenever the user clicks on a video (or touches it on a mobile screen), the video stops. However, the Storyline timeline marches on. This can wreak havoc with any timed interactions the developer plans to include on a video slide. In order to keep the video and slide timelines synchronized, I always include a “video shield” that I place on top of any videos I use on Storyline slides. The shield is simply a rectangular shape that covers the video entirely, set to 99% transparency. Now, the video timeline will be unaffected by a random touch. The user can stop or start the video only by using the play/pause controls that are used for the Storyline slide, thus making the video and the slide timelines function as one.

Using the Video Tools tab in the Storyline ribbon, I generally set the video compression to “none,” since I’ve already reduced the file size of the video in Camtasia.

Authoring Tools:

Powtoon animation, Pixabay, Camtasia, Articulate Storyline 360

Online Learning Journals

My entry for Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #344 – Using Learning Journals in E-Learning, is a scenario-based demo called Restaurant Management Training. To view the demo, click the image below.

In this course, the learner can take notes and reflect on their learning in an online learning journal.

Print the Journal by Using JavaScript

At the end of the course, the learner can either print or save their notes by clicking an icon. This is done by adding some JavaScript for Storyline to execute:

var player = GetPlayer();

var header = “Learning Journal~~”
var args =(
“Name:~~” +
player.GetVar(“Name_TextEntry1”) +
“~~Initial thoughts:~~” +
player.GetVar(“TextEntry2”) +
“~~Reflection:~~” +
player.GetVar(“TextEntry3”)
)

var url = (“print.html?=” + header + args);

window.open(url,”_blank”,”width=800,height=600,menubar=no”);

A customized logo has been included in the published output file. This is what the notes will look like when saved or printed:

Authoring Tool: Articulate Storyline 360

Interactive Job Aid

This demo is in response to Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #343 – Interactive Job Aids.

The demo is How to Clean Your Fish Tank in 5 Easy Steps, an interactive job aid for aquarium owners and pet shop workers.

Authoring Tools:

Powtoon, Articulate Storyline

Powtoon is an animation application I like a lot. It’s easy to use, provides a wide variety of styles to choose from, and enables users to download presentations in MP4 or PowerPoint form. In the resources section of the demo, there is a PowerPoint version you can download. This feature comes in handy when you need to turn an eLearning project into a print project.

The Great Escape

The Great Escape is an immersive escape room adventure demo using Articulate Storyline’s new 360-degree image functionality.

This week’s Articulate E-Learning Challenge #337 was to create an interactive example using the brand-new feature: Creating Interactive 360° Images in E-Learning.

What are you willing to do to escape your nightmare job?! Click the image below to find out!

Authoring Tools

Articulate Storyline 360, Images from Unsplash

Before and After

This demo is in response to Articulate E-Learning Hero Challenge #335: Showing Before and After Comparisons in E-Learning.

Cool Tool

I’m always looking for new tools to try, especially if they have free versions! I enjoy creating eLearning courses using a comic book style, so I was delighted to find a cool tool called Colorcinch to help me quickly “cartoonize” images for free!

It’s an online photo editor, so there’s nothing to download. This is a quick example that shows how the free version of the tool can quickly create cartoon versions of a photo.

There are more advanced versions of the application that require a paid subscription, but for this demo I went with the free version. View the video demo below.

Name that Bird!

Select the image below to roll the dice and play Name that Bird!

This game demo is in response to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #334: How are Designers Using Random Number Variables in E-Learning?

This game gives the illusion that clicking on the Roll Dice button rolls the dice to come up with a question in random order. However, you will never get the same question twice (unless you play the game more than once), so it’s not truly random. To check out how the variables are set up, check out the free download below!

Freebie Download 

I based my game on a free Storyline 360 template created by Paul Alders. It’s available for download here: Free Rolling Dice Interaction.

Cool Tool

To create the comic book effect with the images I used, I employed the use of a tool relatively new to me: Colorcinch. This online photo editor & cartoonizer is easy to use, and has a free option.

Authoring Tools

Storyline 360 and Colorcinch.

Survive an Earthquake

This demo is in response to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #332: How to Survive Anything: E-Learning Edition.

Select the image below to view the demo.

Freebie!

Download the zipped folder here: How to Survive an Earthquake. After downloading to your computer, right-click the zipped folder and select Extract All to find the editable Story file.

The format of the demo was inspired by Clark Aldrich’s Short Sims technique for quickly creating simple, effective eLearning interactions.

For those unfamiliar with Short Sims, here are some examples: https://www.shortsims.com/examples.

Authoring Tools

Storyline 360, eLearning Art, Red Cross Earthquake Safety site

Rotoscoping Animation

Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #329 is Using Video Backgrounds in E-Learning. This is an example of a Rotoscoping Animation video.

Select the image below to see the Storyline demo.

Tutorial

To see how I created this animation demo in about 20 minutes, using Camtasia and Photoshop, select the image below.

Learn how to export video files or image sequences from Photoshop:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/saving-exporting-video-animations.html

Authoring Tools: Camtasia 2018, Photoshop, Storyline 360

Audio Soundboard

Domestic Violence Statistics in the USA

This demo is my Interactive Audio Soundboard for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #317. Click the image below to view the demo.

Powtoon Animation

The introductory animation was created in Powtoon, and edited in Camtasia. The voice-over was done by Joanna, one of Storyline 360’s text-to-speech voices. I find that using text-to-speech voice-overs in eLearning demos is a real time-saver when creating interactive eLearning examples for clients–but nothing beats professional voice-over for the finished product, of course.

Storyline Lightboxes

The learner can click on any statistic in the soundboard, and a lightbox with more information will pop up.

Authoring Tools: Storyline 360, Camtasia, Powtoon

Word Search

Coronavirus Word Search Puzzle

Coronavirus Word Search Puzzle is my eLearning lightbox demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #316.

Click the image below to play the online eLearning game.

Lightbox Slide for Optional Information

Like many other eLearning developers, I frequently use lightboxes to allow learners to access optional information, as they see fit. In this case, the Instructions button leads to a short video describing how to play the game.

Game Mechanics & Free Download!

To create the game mechanics, I am indebted to Paul Alders, who shared a free word search interaction demo and Storyline download in the Articulate community website. Select the image below to view Paul’s demo, and download the file he shared.

Customizing the Interaction

The first step I took to customize the interaction above was to enlarge the puzzle–I’ve had poor eyesight all my life, and that’s generally the first step I take customizing any eLearning template! I also changed the color scheme/background and added a Powtoon character.

Next, I decided to use sentences as hints for the terms in the puzzle, rather than giving the learner the terms outright. Finally, I created the lightbox slide with a short video to explain how to play the game.

Authoring Tools: Storyline 360, Camtasia, Powtoon

T. Rex to Tweety Bird

Using Interactive Timelines to Present Sequenced Information in E-Learning

Timeline: From T. Rex to Tweety Bird is my interactive timeline demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #315.

Click the image below to view the online demo.

Combining Animated Video with Storyline Layers

The base layer of this Storyline 360 presentation is an animated video I created with Powtoon, which includes background music. I wanted the background music to play across the entire presentation, but Storyline does not support playing music across several slides. So, I added the timeline links I created with Storyline to the end of the video. The timeline links lead to the various slide layers with dinosaur information.

This way, entire presentation is kept on a single Storyline slide, so that the background music can play without interruption.

Authoring Tools: Powtoon, Camtasia, Storyline 360

Interactive Map

Thelma’s Adventure is my interactive map demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #314. The demo is based on a vintage 1926 Beverly Hills street map of the stars’ homes that I found online. I gave the presentation an Art Deco look, with vintage background music, to complete the 1920s look and feel.

Click the image below to view the online demo.

Interactive Map of the Stars’ Homes

Authoring Tools: PowerPoint, Storyline 360

2 Truths and a Lie

Classic Icebreaker Practice: 2 Truths & a Lie is my demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #313.

Click the image below to view the online demo.

Animation Tools: Powtoon, PowerPoint, & Camtasia

I created the animated cartoons with Powtoon, and edited the videos with Camtasia. To animate the cat’s face with different expressions, I used PowerPoint shapes.

Authoring Tools: Powtoon, Camtasia, Storyline 360, PowerPoint

Passenger Safety Card

Health and Safety at Desert Air is my demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #309: Creating Interactive Passenger Safety Cards. Click the image below to view the online demo.

Powtoon

I created the animated cartoons with Powtoon, and edited the videos with Camtasia. Storyline 360 was used to add the interactive aspects of this eLearning sample. Powtoon published an excellent review of this eLearning demo on their YouTube channel:

Authoring Tools: Powtoon, Camtasia, Storyline 360

Urban Beekeeping

Keeping the Urban Bee is my demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #312: Combine Photos and Illustrations in E-Learning #312

Click the image below to view the online demo.

Using PowerPoint to Alter Photographs and Images

The background photographs were edited in PowerPoint, using the application’s Artistic Effects tool. Techniques used:

  • Tint the photos with sepia tones
  • De-saturate colors
  • Blurred background images
  • Darkened images

Some of the illustrations were also edited using PowerPoint, using the following tools:

  • Background removal tool
  • Sharpen contrast tool
  • Increase color saturation
Powtoon and Camtasia for Video Editing

I used Powtoon to create slide transitions, add the animated bee, and to add background music. Camtasia was used to reduce the size of the video and provide the video player.

Authoring Tools: PowerPoint/Presenter 360, Powtoon, Camtasia

Urban Beekeeping info from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_beekeeping

Keep Your Teeth!

Did you know that more than 36 million Americans do not have any teeth? Many more have lost at least one tooth. The purpose of the eLearning game Can You Keep Your Teeth, is (not surprisingly) to keep your teeth.

You can keep them if you answer the dental hygiene questions correctly! Make a mistake, and lose a tooth. Click the image below to play the game.

Update

I originally created this game in 2016, using Storyline 2. This version, submitted to Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #311 – Using Dials and Sliders to Select E-Learning Characters, has been completely updated in Storyline 360, with new graphics and a new video.

The animated video introduction was created with Powtoon, an online, easy-to-use video software application.

Authoring Tools: Powtoon animation, Camtasia, Articulate Storyline 360

Clinical Trials

Articulate’s eLearning Heroes Challenge #307 is about building the most common e-learning interactions. I decided to create a tabs navigation interaction about clinical trials.

Before a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 could be released to the public, it had to successfully go through randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials. Select each term in the tabs interaction demo to learn more about why such trials are referred to as the “gold standard” of clinical trials.

Click the image below to view the demo.

Authoring Tools

To create this presentation, I used Powtoon to create the intro video, and Camtasia to edit the video. Articulate Storyline 360 was used to create the tabs interaction.

Medical Template

This is an entry for Articulate’s Course Starter Templates for the Healthcare Industry – E-Learning ELH Challenge #171. The template features a slider interaction, click-and-reveal light-boxes, several different types of quiz questions, and has some generic audio instructions included.

Click on the image above to view the demo.

FREEBIES!

The template is fully customizable. In fact, this template is a customized version of the my Teamwork Training Free Customized Storyline 2 Template, found here.

There are two versions of the medical template available to download; one for Storyline 2, and one for Storyline 360 (that one will also work for Storyline 3).

Downloads:
  • The freebie Storyline 2 medical template download is here.
  • The freebie Storyline 360 medical template download is here.

Authoring Tools: PowerPoint (for editing images), Storyline 2, Storyline 360

Wash Your Hands!

Click on the image below to see the course example.

say-diane

What is Articulate Rise?

Rise is a web-based authoring tool that allows you to quickly (and I mean quickly!) create fully responsive courses that look great on any device. While you build your course, you can easily preview how the course will look when it automatically adapts to computer screens, tablets, and phones.

You build the course right in  your web browser, choosing from a variety of pre-made lesson formats.

“No software to download, no learning curve.”

Articulate makes easy-to-learn software. I found it very easy to learn Storyline, and if anything, Rise is much easier to learn. Within a few minutes, I was creating my first sample course–called Wash your hands!in order to learn the application.

Lesson formats

I used the following lesson formats in my short course:

  • Image gallery (for a comic-book effect)
  • Tabs interaction
  • Embedded YouTube video
  • Interactive labeled graphic
  • Interactive checklist
  • Quiz with immediate feedback
My Verdict

I’m very impressed by how quickly and easily I could work with Rise, with no training at all! I’m not used to working within pre-built lesson formats, so it did feel a bit constraining when I couldn’t do exactly what I envisioned immediately. But I’m sure if I continue to play around with the application, I will learn how to be more creative with it.

I’m also quite impressed by the beautiful course examples shown on the Articulate website, created with the Rise application:

Wish List for Rise
  1. I would love more format options for quiz questions.
  2. Some built-in eLearning game interactions.
  3. A timer.
  4. Badges, and/or certificate of completion.
  5. I REALLY wish there were more options other than one-year subscriptions!

Have you tried any of the Articulate 360 applications yet? If so, what did you think?

Immunity Game

Articulate E-Learning Challenge: Use Animation in E-Learning #201

Click the image below to view  my short eLearning Game Demo for Mobile Devices: Can You Get Immunity?

I created this demo specifically to be viewed on phones, by altering the default slide size and orientation in Articulate Storyline 360. The game features videos created with Plotagon animation, edited with Camtasia.

Authoring tools for this presentation: Storyline 360, Plotagon, Camtasia

Rules of the Road

The Rules of the Road is my eLearning game/quiz demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #245: Designing Custom Quiz Results Slides in E-Learning (2019).

Click the image below to view the online demo and play the game!

Custom Quiz Results and Feedback Slides

The Rules of the Road game is really a Storyline eLearning quiz with gamified elements, including custom question feedback slides and customized quiz results slides.

Authoring Tools: Storyline 360 for the quiz slides, PowerPoint for altering images, Camtasia for video editing

Your Brain on Soccer

Click the image below for the demo.

Powtoon Animation

Soccer Training, Drills, and Examples in E-Learning is Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #241. My example is a short public service announcement video that highlights the danger of brain injury from excessive head trauma. I created the video using Powtoon animation, and included an interactive hotspot (a hyperlink to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) by editing the video in Camtasia.

Authoring Tools: Powtoon, Camtasia

London Navigation

Getting Around London is my demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #250: How are You Using Text and Images in E-Learning Design?

Click the image below to view the online demo.

Using PowerPoint to Alter Images

The images were edited in PowerPoint, using the application’s Artistic Effects tool. Techniques used:

  • Gradients superimposed on images
  • Blurred background images
  • Darkened images
  • Transparent text boxes over images
  • Contrasting sharp and blurred images
Powtoon and Camtasia for Video Editing

I used Powtoon to create slide transitions, and to add background music. Finally, I used Camtasia to insert an interactive hotspot over the url for the Transport for London site, where they can get further information.

Authoring Tools: PowerPoint, Powtoon, Camtasia

Coronavirus FAQs

Articulate’s eLearning Heroes Challenge #272 is Using Tabs Interactions in eLearning. I decided to create a short interaction about the recent Coronavirus outbreak. All information in the demo comes from the CDC – Centers for Disease Control an Prevention.

Click the image below to view the demo.

Freebie!

Download the free Articulate Storyline 360/3 tabs template.

Authoring Tool

This presentation was created with Storyline 360.

 

Tabs Interaction

For my second entry to this Articulate Challenge, I created a short animated tabs interaction, that combines Plotagon animation with a new, very inexpensive PowerPoint add-in that I’ve been trying out, called the BlueFX Whiteboard Explainer Template.

Click on the image below to view the demo.

Authoring Tools

For tutorials on using any or all of the following tools I used to develop the presentation, I recommend doing an online search! Each of the software applications listed have excellent tutorials on their websites.

  • BlueFx Whiteboard Explainer PowerPoint Template – for whiteboard animation
  • Plotagon – for animated 3D characters
  • Camtasia – for video editing
  • Articulate Storyline 360 – for eLearning development

 

Aussie Bushfires

Animation doesn’t have to be reserved for humorous topics! In Breaking News – Aussie Bushfires, I’ve used Plotagon 3D animation to portray a serious dialogue between a news anchor and reporter, about the recent devastating Australian wildfires. At the end of the presentation, there are links to several reputable charitable organizations, should you want to lend a hand.

This video is my second submission to Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #233: Showing Dialogue and Conversations in E-Learning.

Click the image below to view the informational demo.

Authoring Tools

To create this presentation, I used Plotagon Animation, Camtasia, and Articulate Storyline 360.

 

eLearning Rock Band

In 2016, Articulate posed eLearning Challenge #143, to “design an interactive graphic or micro site for your (fictitious) eLearning rock band!”

The eLearning rock band I manage is called äSynchronous eLeärning. Click the image below to check out their website. They’re available to hire for weddings and bar mitzvahs!

Creating the Demo Using PowerPoint, Camtasia, and Storyline

I used PowerPoint to create the demo video, because I wanted to use the glass-shattering transition available in PowerPoint. I published the PowerPoint as a video to edit in Camtasia.

In Camtasia, I added the glass shattering sound effect and added a rock song that plays throughout the presentation. The royalty-free track is called Fit of Rage. I used a text-to-voice tool to record the ultra-simple (and simple-minded) lyrics to the song, which I renamed the scope creap. I combined the robotic voice, the music, and the PowerPoint video to create my demo video, which was imported into Storyline 360.

Authoring Tools: PowerPoint, Camtasia, Articulate Storyline 360

Color Wars

Color Wars: The Rise of Classic Blue is my submission to Star Wars E-Learning Examples, Articulate’s E-Learning Challenge #262.

Click the image below to view the demo.

Authoring Tools

I created the introduction videos in this e-Learning demo using Plotagon animation. Camtasia was used to edit the videos in the demo, by adding speech bubbles and background music. PowerPoint was used to create the opening image, and text effects.

Gamification

Storyline 360 was used to create the the Color Wars game.

Jet Lag

5 Facts About Jet Lag is my submission to Using Dials to Design Interactive Infographics, Articulate’s E-Learning Challenge #261. Click the image below to view the demo.

Powtoon

I created the videos in this online infographic using Powtoon animation. I used Camtasia to edit the videos–primarily to separate the 5 Facts video into five short lightbox segments, accessed by using the Storyline 360 dial feature.

Authoring Tools: Powtoon, Camtasia, Storyline 360.

Holiday Office Party

The Holiday Office Party is another submission to Using Interactive Video Quizzes and Scenarios in E-Learning, Articulate’s E-Learning Challenge #258. Click the image below to view the comic book-themed gamified demo.

The boss is pretty strict! Can you meet her unwritten dress code standards and win prizes at the office holiday party?!

Authoring Tools: Camtasia, PowerPoint & Storyline 360.

Arctic Survival Game

The Arctic Survival Game is my demo for Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #252: Using Checklist Interactions in E-Learning.

Click the image below to view the online game demo.

Animation

I used the Powtoon animation application to create the retro animated video, and PowerPoint to create and/or alter some of the 8-bit images. Camtasia was used to edit the video. Finally, Articulate Storyline 360 was used to create the game (quiz). 

Authoring Tools: Powtoon, Camtasia, PowerPoint

Breakfast Challenge

The Breakfast Challenge is my demo for the new Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #247: Using E-Learning Characters to Engage and Connect with Learners.

Click the image below to view the online demo.

Retro Style

The slides and images were edited in PowerPoint, using the application’s drawing tools, artistic effects, and slide transitions. I exported the PowerPoint to create a video, which I edited in Camtasia, to add music and sound effects. Finally, I uploaded the video to Storyline 360, where I added the quiz slide for interactivity.

Authoring Tools: PowerPoint, Camtasia, Articulate Storyline 360

Workplace Onboarding

The History of Workplace Onboarding is my demo for the new Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #246: Using Interactive Timelines in E-Learning (2019).

Click the image below to view the online demo.

Creating the Videos with Plotagon & PowToon

I created four animated videos for this presentation–three using Plotagon Animation, and one using Powtoon.

Articulate Rise

To add some interactivity to the presentation, I imported the videos into a Timeline lesson block in Articulate Rise.

Authoring Tools: Plotagon Animation, PowToon Animation, Camtasia, Articulate Rise

Meet the Team

Meet the team at Generica, a warm and inviting workplace! Click the image below for the demo.

The presentation is my response to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #244: Meet the Team and Interactive Org Charts in E-Learning (2019).

Creating the Video with PowToon

I created this animated demo using PowToon, then edited the video in Camtasia.

Interactivity

To add some interactivity to the presentation, I imported the video into Storyline 360, and included a couple of interaction slides and feedback.

Authoring Tools: PowToon, Camtasia, Storyline 360

Play Connect 4!

Click the image below for the demo.

Let’s Play Connect 4! is my response to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #243: How Would You Build a Connect Four E-Learning Game?

I never played Connect Four–I’d never even heard of Connect Four, before being introduced to it through the Articulate E-Learning Heroes website. So, instead of trying to come up with a different version of the Storyline game available on the Articulate website (created by Russell Killips), I decided to add elements to it.

Animated Into, Instructions, and Sound Effects

I added an animated introduction, created with Plotagon animation, and edited with Camtasia video editing software. I also included a lightbox with instructions, accessible to users like myself who are new to the game. In addition, I included some sound effects on the Winner and Draw slides.

Free Connect 4 Storyline Download:

Connect Four Freebie By Russell Killips

Authoring Tools: Storyline 360, Plotagon, Camtasia

Food Safety in the Wild

Click the image below for the demo.

Food Safety in the Wild is my response to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #242: Use Audio, Music, and Sound Effects in E-Learning.

Plotagon Animation

My example is a short public service announcement video that highlights the potential dangers of handling and cooking food while camping. I created the video using Plotagon animation, and added ambient noise using the application (crickets, birds, wolf howling, etc.) The character’s voice was added using Plotagon’s text-to-speech option. For this video, a chose a Southern accent for my character.

I edited the video in Camtasia, to add additional graphics. Finally, I housed the video in Storyline 360, to add a hyperlink to view or download a pamphlet from the US Food and Drug administration on handling food safely in an outdoor environment.

Authoring Tools: Plotagon, Camtasia, Storyline 360

L. A. Homicide

Show Where You Live

l.a. homicide

Articulate E-Learning Challenge #86 was to create an interactive map showing where you live. My hometown is Los Angeles, and I chose to create a map showing some of our most famous homicides. Unfortunately, I hardly had time to scratch the surface. So many murders, so little time… Click the image above to see the demo.

Updated for Challenge #237: Using Interactive Maps in E-Learning

6/16/19: I edited the short video introduction in PowerPoint. I saved the PowerPoint as a video, edited it in Camtasia, then imported it into Articulate Storyline 360.

For the updated interactive map, I added a new location: the Beverly Hills mansion where Bugsy Siegal was slain.

I wanted music to play in the background continuously, but I needed to give viewers the freedom to click any link they want, and take as much (or as little) time exploring each link as they wanted.

Currently, Storyline 360 does not support playing background music across multiple slides, so I put the entire presentation on one Storyline slide, using multiple layers. The audio is contained on the base layer, and the hyperlinks take viewers to various layers of the same slide.

Reduce Your Global Footprint

Articulate’s  E-Learning Challenge #238 is to use a step-by-step approach in an e-learning example. Click the image below to see my demo, and learn how to easily reduce your carbon footprint immediately.

Step #3: Plant Greens!

For this example, I chose to use Articulate Presenter, a PowerPoint add-in, rather than Storyline, because I wanted some background music to play across several slides. Storyline 360 does not have that capability, but Presenter 360 does! It’s great to have a variety of e-learning tools in the toolbox.

I created the animated videos with PowToon animation.

Authoring Tools: PowToon Animation, PowerPoint, Articulate Presenter 360, Camtasia for video editing

Interactive Infographic

Updated – June 6, 2019:

I discovered the original interactive infographic I submitted to the Articulate challenges years ago was no longer working correctly. I took this opportunity to update the infographic to Storyline 360, and create a new video for the project.

I believe this presentation was the first of mine to make it to the Articulate eLearning Examples page! Click the image below to view the demo.

Challenge #236 is an interactive infographic challenge. For the challenge, I created an interactive poster as my infographic, available on one page, rather than a multi-page e-learning module. The very simple design is similar to Pinterest tiles. I used Plotagon animation to create the animated characters, and made the owl out of PowerPoint shapes.

Tutorial: Learn How to Re-size the Storyline Slide:

I decided to use a portrait orientation to give it the feel of a poster. Storyline makes it easy to change the size and orientation of your presentation. To change your Storyline module’s size, click on the STORY SIZE button, shown below, and choose either a preset size, or go with a custom size.

change the story size

 

Authoring tools: PowerPoint, Plotagon animation, Camtasia video editing & Storyline 360.

Create Common Craft Style Characters with PowerPoint

Click the image above to view the tutorial I created as a response to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #170. The challenge was to create and share your own “hand-crafted” explainer video, similar to a Common Craft style video. In my tutorial, I’ll show you how to create Common Craft style graphics in less time than it takes to hand-draw and cut out images, using PowerPoint shapes and shadow effects. Click the image above to view the tutorial.

Using the Paper Cutout Effect to Design E-Learning Graphics – Articulate Challenge #235

Update: The same technique can be applied to photos for a paper cutout effect!

PowerPoint Freebie!

Click here to download the PowerPoint with all the graphics in the tutorial above.

Authoring tools: PowerPoint, Camtasia, Storyline 360

Freebie Office Template

Articulate’s E-Learning Challenge #234 is to create a course starter template, using an office theme.

This editable course starter template is a PowerPoint presentation on the perils of office gossip, which can be imported into Storyline, or used as an Articulate Presenter presentation.

Video demo:

PowerPoint’s Artistic Effects

All of the images in the presentation come from the Articulate 360 Content Library. I used PowerPoint’s Artistic Effects tools to transform an Articulate photographic character into a comic book character, to fit with the office comic book theme.

Freebie PowerPoint download: https://tracycarroll.net/234%20office%20theme.pptx

Authoring Tools: PowerPoint, Camtasia for video editing

Medline

Articulate’s E-Learning Challenge #233 is to show how dialogue can be shown in e-learning courses. I chose to demonstrate an animated conversation between two characters on a televised medical show called MEDLINE.

Click the image below to watch the MEDLINE demo and learn about the recent measles outbreak!

Interactivity

To add interactivity to the Plotagon animated video, I used a Storyline 360 quiz slide to assess user knowledge.

All of the information in the demo comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I used a Storyline marker to provide a link for more information.

Authoring Tools: Plotagon animation, Storyline 360, Camtasia for video editing

What do you Hear?

How many musical instruments can you identify accurately, by listening to the sounds they make? Play What do you Hear? to find out!

Click the image above to view the eLearning game demo.

This Storyline eLearning game demo is a response to Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge #231: Interactive Audio. The challenge is to share an eLearning example that demonstrates how eLearning can be used to help students learn about music.

Gamification

I created the What do you Hear? game using Articulate Storyline 360, and Plotagon Animation software. To increase learner engagement, the game is personalized throughout with the learner’s name, by employing a Storyline UserName variable.

Authoring Tools

Plotagon Animation, Camtasia 2018 for video editing, Storyline 360

Leadership 101

Widget Review: Change the Colors of the Modern Storyline 360 Player!

This Leadership 101 template is another submission to E-Learning Heroes Challenge #230: Course Starters: E-Learning Templates for Leadership Training. Click the image below to view the Storyline demo template.

Free Template from Articulate

I started creating this demo by leveraging Nicole Legault’s Three Tabs Template, which you can download for free on the Articulate E-Learning Heroes website: https://community.articulate.com/download/storyline-360-3-tabs-templates

To make the template my own, I added several interaction slides from the Articulate Content Library, and changed the color of Storyline’s Modern Player!

Editing the Modern Player

Those of you who have an Articulate 360 subscription know that Storyline 360 has two player options: the Classic Player and the Modern Player. The Classic Player can be extensively customized, including choosing your own colors for every aspect of the player. However, the Modern Player has only two overall color options: light, or dark.

In order to customize the colors of the Modern Player, I had to look for help outside of Articulate.

Cluelabs

I discovered Cluelabs, a company that offers free, nifty widgets for several eLearning software applications:

Ready-to-use widgets powered by Cluelabs cloud for your Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate elearning course.

Using their Storyline 360 Modern Player Custom Colors widget, I created a turquoise player for my Leadership 101 course starter template.

Your Thoughts

How about you? If you create eLearning courses using Storyline 360, have you missed the ability to customize the colors of the Modern Player?

Authoring Tools

Storyline 360

Leadership Training Template

E-Learning Heroes Challenge #230 is: Course Starters: E-Learning Templates for Leadership Training. This week’s challenge from Articulate is to share a course starter template for leadership training.

Click the image below to view the Storyline version of my comic book style demo.

Creation Process

I started creating this demo by leveraging Paul Alders’ PowerPoint template, which you can download for free on the Articulate E-Learning Heroes website: https://community.articulate.com/download/powerpoint-comic-strip-template

Original template

My template

To make the template my own, I changed the colors on the slide master backgrounds, using PowerPoint’s picture tools. I like bolder colors for comic books, so I darkened and increased the color saturation and color contrast on most of the background images. (I thought it would be quicker and easier than it was, because I thought the backgrounds were shapes rather than images! So, I’m not sure I actually saved myself much time in this process!)

I replaced the existing fonts with some I already had on my computer (Bangers & Back Issues BB – both can be downloaded for free), and decided to go with photographic images, rather than cartoons, for the characters in the scenario. I altered the photographic characters by using PowerPoint’s artistic effects. Then, I included some office backgrounds, again altered by using PowerPoint’s artistic effects tools.

PowerPoint Versatility

I like creating in PowerPoint when I want to manipulate images extensively, using PowerPoint’s image-editing tools. It makes for a smoother workflow for me, rather than uploading images into Photoshop, editing them, then downloading them from Photoshop and uploading them to an eLearning application. When I’ve edited all the images in the PowerPoint to my satisfaction, I can upload the PowerPoint to Storyline, or use Articulate Presenter, to finish my eLearning course and add interactivity. Sometimes I export the PowerPoint to video, and use Camtasia’s video-editing tools and quiz capability, too.

Free PowerPoint Template Download!

Download my version of the comic book template here.

Authoring Tools

PowerPoint, Storyline 360

Map Reading with Magellan

Learn the lost art of map-reading, with world explorer Ferdinand Magellan! Click the image below to view the demo.

This Storyline demo is a response to the Articulate’s E-Learning Heroes Challenge: Reviving the Lost Arts with E-Learning. Articulate defines the “lost arts” as the basic life skills for self-sufficient living that have been forgotten or replaced by modern technology.

Animation & Personalization

I used Plotagon Animation software to create the Ferdinand Magellan character. The demo is personalized throughout with the user’s name, by employing a Storyline UserName variable.

In this way, the learner is incorporated into the scenario-based adventure, to increase their engagement in the story.

Authoring Tools

Plotagon Animation, Camtasia 2018 for video editing, Storyline 360

Play Mongoose vs Cobra!

It’s Mongoose vs Cobra! Who will win? Marty and Mona Mongoose battle the snake charmer’s cobra to get to the finish line. Click on the image below to view the demo, roll the dice, and play the game!

This Storyline game demo is a response to Articulate’s E-Learning Games Challenge #225. The challenge is to create a variation on the classic board game, Snakes and Ladders.

I used Russell Killips‘ original Snakes and Ladders Storyline Game for inspiration. To learn more & download Russell Killips’ freebie Snakes and Ladders Storyline template on the Articulate E-Learning Heroes site, click on the image below.

Authoring Tools

PowerPoint 365, Storyline 360

St. Patrick’s Day Trivia Game

Play the St. Patrick’s Day Trivia Game!

This eLearning game demo is a response to Articulate E-Learning Challenge #224: How are Designers Using Progress Bars in E-Learning?

In this case, the progress bar shows a shamrock if the user answers correctly, a dark green oval if the answer is incorrect, and a light green oval if the question is unanswered. To view the demo, click the image below.


Features & Authoring Tools

Besides the progress bar, the Storyline 360 game features a custom animated character I created with Plotagon animation, and Plotagon’s text-to-speech audio. The game is personalized with the user’s name, using a Storyline userName text variable. I used Camtasia’s video-editing software to edit the Plotagon videos in the game.

Name that Color!

This eLearning game demo is a response to Articulate E-Learning Challenge #214: Using the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year. I designed the game with a vertical interface in Storyline 360, to be played either on your phone, or your computer.

Plotagon Animation

I used Plotagon’s animation application to create the animated segments, and edited them using Camtasia’s video-editing software.

To view the eLearning game demo, click the image below.

Authoring tools for this presentation: Storyline 360, Plotagon, Camtasia

Living Coral Template

Articulate E-Learning Challenge #214: Using the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2019 is Living Coral. To view my Living Coral eLearning Template demo, click the image above.

Customizing the Template

I customized the Articulate 360 Serenity template by changing the color scheme on the Master Slide, and changed the colors on the Articulate Player to correspond with the new Living Coral theme. I added background images, made available on the Articulate website by Tom Kuhlmann, for visual interest.

The classic Articulate cartoon characters were customized by saving them as Microsoft Drawing Objects, then changing colors as desired, to correspond with Pantone’s Focal Point palette.

 

Free Assets!

Authoring tools for this presentation: Articulate Presenter 360, PowerPoint

Newspaper Infographic

A More Engaging Info Dump

Click the image below to view the Articulate Storyline demo, a very late submission to the Articulate ELH Challenge #12: Transform Infographics Into Interactive Graphics

As an instructional designer/eLearning developer, sometimes I’m called upon to create “information dump” eLearning modules. These modules frequently contain a lot of downloadable documents on various disconnected subjects, such as forms for procedural updates.

I created this fun newspaper-themed interactive infographic to demonstrate how such information might be organized in an engaging way. Each pulsating button plays a short animated video, created with Plotagon animation, that describes the document update in question. Learners are encouraged to download the documents from the Resources tab.

Free Resources

Authoring tools: PowerPoint 365, Storyline 360, Plotagon

Anti-Bias Training

Widget World Presents: Interpersonal Skills Training is another submission to Articulate’s Creating Animated Characters in E-Learning Challenge #163.

Anti-Bias Training in the News

Workplace anti-bias trainings have proliferated in recent years, culminating with the Starbucks chain closing more than 8,000 company-owned stores in the United States on May 29, 2018 to conduct racial-bias training for all employees. Although Starbucks chose to focus almost exclusively on racial bias in their recent training, biased behavior in the workplace is not limited to racial bias.

Such workplace training programs often focus on getting people to own up to their implicit biases. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that getting people to acknowledge their implicit biases alters their behavior in the workplace. In fact, a meta-analysis of 494 anti-bias studies (with 80,356 participants) found no evidence that getting people to come to terms with their implicit biases alters behavior. (A Meta-Analysis of Procedures to Change Implicit Measures)

What’s the Goal?

The goal of workplace training should be to see some measurable, desirable change in employees’ behavior on the job. One approach that can be effective in producing behavior change is scenario-based training that aligns with the behaviors learners are expected master once the training is complete.

During the scenario-based training, learners are plunged into situations where they are allowed to practice skills and develop relevant behavior strategies. In this way, they can safely learn from their mistakes and acquire beneficial experience.

Interpersonal Skills Training Demo

In the short animated example demo, the learner must make a decision about how to react to a workplace interaction. The learner experiences consequences, and has the opportunity to correct any mistakes made.

Animation & Video Editing Tools

The animated video scenario in the demo was created with the Plotagon animation application, then edited with Camtasia video editing software, and imported into Articulate Storyline 360 to add learner feedback.

Who Said That?

Who Said That?! is my submission to Articulate’s Using Badges, Awards, and Achievements in E-Learning Courses Challenge #197.

Gamification

This demo is a short American history e-learning game, where the learner must correctly identify the quotes of four famous figures in American history. Answering all four questions correctly will earn the learner the coveted Simply the Best badge!

Animation & Video Editing Tools

The animated videos in the demo were created with the Plotagon animation application, then edited with Camtasia video editing software. I imported the short videos into Articulate Storyline 360 to complete the quiz.

Updated 6/3/18.

Your Weight on Other Worlds

Articulate E-Learning Heroes Challenge #200 is: How Are You Using Lightbox Slides in E-Learning? Click the image below to view my demo: What Would You Weigh on Other Worlds?

Lightbox Slides

Using a lightbox slide gives eLearning course developers a way to present learners with additional information and/or resources, without leaving the current slide. In my demo, learners type in their weight on earth in the numeric entry box.

Next, they click on a planet to open a lightbox that reveals what they would weigh on that planet, and includes some interesting facts about the planet in question.

Making Storyline Calculate the Learner’s Weight on Various Planets

For this to function, I needed to create some variables, and tell Storyline to perform various functions with the variables.

Step #1: Create the needed number variables. In this case, I used: yourWeight, and a variable for each planet: mars, jupiter, etc.

Step #2: Create triggers that tell Storyline what to do with the variables. On the Planets screen, I created a trigger that sets the value of yourWeight to the typed value in the numeric entry box.

On each lightbox screen, I created triggers to assign each planet’s variable the same value as yourWeight. Next, I created triggers to tell Storyline to multiply the value of the planet’s variable by the value necessary for each planet.

Authoring tools for this presentation: Storyline 360, Plotagon for creating the animated video introduction, and Camtasia for video editing.