Design Process

PROBLEMS: This safety course, along with other compliance courses, were delivered as yearly ILT trainings. However, it’s increasingly challenging to schedule ILT training. To provide more flexibility, this ILT course was turned into an e-learning one. However, when turned into an e-learning course, the rating for this course has plummeted, and new hire frequently failed the course.

GOAL: To increase the course rating and decrease the failure rate of the first-time test takers.

INITIAL ASSESSMENT: I found that the content of this course is dry and the e-learning module has a first level of interactivity. Therefore, the challenge is to increase learners’ engagement, so that not only they complete their training, but view it positively, retain and apply their new knowledge. And second, to use only materials which are important and applicable for the employees’ job, to avoid cognitive overload and maintain focus. John Kerr, an educational psychologist, introduced the ARCS model to boost learner’s motivation.

SOLUTION: Design and develop an e-learning module (for flexibility) based on John Kerr’s ARCS model.

• A = Attention grabbing. I used chemical incident stories throughout as a hook to draw the learners in, as well as used different types of interactions to keep the course engaging.

• R = Relevant. I incorporated real-life scenarios to make this course relevant to real life. Thus, this course follows the stories of resort workers as they handle two pool chemicals. Branching scenarios are also employed to make the stories more interesting.

• CS = Confidence & Satisfaction. Scenario-based knowledge checks and quizzes with instant feedback and opportunities to re-do, provide practices to increase confidence and create feeling of accomplishment.

Project Overarching Scenario

This course follows the stories of resort workers as they handle two pool chemicals. Scenarios are also employed to illustrate decision-making point the characters make in a variety of situation.