AUDIENCE
Older adults who need to take Zoom classes but are unfamiliar with its features and are intimidated by technology
Responsibilities
Instructional design
Older adults who need to take Zoom classes but are unfamiliar with its features and are intimidated by technology
TOOL USED
Audience
Older adults with minimal Zoom experience who need foundational skills to participate confidently in online learning programs
Responsibilities
Subject Matter Expert
Instructional design
Storyboarding
Visual design
Prototyping
E-learning development
Audio editing
Tools
Articulate Storyline 360
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe XD
Adobe Photoshop
Genny
ChatGPT
The Problem
While working as a language instructor for older adults at a non-profit organization, I observed that Zoom classes have become the norm in post-COVID times. However, many older learners, especially those new to the program, lack experience using Zoom on their computers.
Limited computer literacy and difficulty following abstract instructions prevent these learners from grasping essential Zoom functions. Consequently, they face challenges in communicating with peers and instructors, resulting in frustration during the crucial early stages of learning. This negatively impacts their confidence and leads to lower attendance rates in the program.
The Solution
To bridge the software skill gap and build older adults’ confidence in online learning, I developed a scenario-based software simulation. Learners assist an animated character in setting up Zoom, allowing them to practice essential tasks in a risk-free, engaging environment. This approach helps familiarize them with the app and online-class settings, reducing anxiety and improving their adaptability to digital tools.
To reinforce learning, the simulation concludes with a downloadable job aid summarizing key steps, providing a resource for future reference.
The Process
This project was developed following the ADDIE model.
Acting as both the instructional designer and Subject Matter Expert (SME), I began by analyzing the problem to identify learner needs and define top-level learning goals. From this analysis, I created a detailed learning plan that included actionable objectives, context requirements, and an inclusive learning methodology. In the next design phase, I outlined the course structure using a text-based storyboard and visual mockups to ensure clarity and alignment with learning goals. Based on prototype testing and feedback, I then developed the final version of the course in Articulate Storyline 360.
The completed project was published on SCORM Cloud and shared with fellow instructional designers, whose feedback offered me valuable insights for future refinements.
Audience
Older adults with minimal Zoom experience who need foundational skills to participate confidently in online learning programs
Responsibilities
Subject Matter Expert
Instructional design
Storyboarding
Visual design
Prototyping
E-learning development
Audio editing
Tools
Articulate Storyline 360
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe XD
Adobe Photoshop
Genny
ChatGPT
The Problem
While working as a language instructor for older adults at a non-profit organization, I observed that Zoom classes have become the norm in post-COVID times. However, many older learners, especially those new to the program, lack experience using Zoom on their computers.
Limited computer literacy and difficulty following abstract instructions prevent these learners from grasping essential Zoom functions. Consequently, they face challenges in communicating with peers and instructors, resulting in frustration during the crucial early stages of learning. This negatively impacts their confidence and leads to lower attendance rates in the program.
The Solution
To bridge the software skill gap and build older adults’ confidence in online learning, I developed a scenario-based software simulation. Learners assist an animated character in setting up Zoom, allowing them to practice essential tasks in a risk-free, engaging environment. This approach helps familiarize them with the app and online-class settings, reducing anxiety and improving their adaptability to digital tools.
To reinforce learning, the simulation concludes with a downloadable job aid summarizing key steps, providing a resource for future reference.
The Process
This project was developed following the ADDIE model.
Acting as both the instructional designer and Subject Matter Expert (SME), I began by analyzing the problem to identify learner needs and define top-level learning goals. From this analysis, I created a detailed learning plan that included actionable objectives, context requirements, and an inclusive learning methodology. In the next design phase, I outlined the course structure using a text-based storyboard and visual mockups to ensure clarity and alignment with learning goals. Based on prototype testing and feedback, I then developed the final version of the course in Articulate Storyline 360.
The completed project was published on SCORM Cloud and shared with fellow instructional designers, whose feedback offered me valuable insights for future refinements.
Learning Plan
In analyzing the problem, I identified two key challenges faced by older adult learners: a lack of software skills and low confidence in digital environments. To address these, I established a clear learning purpose and outlined five actionable objectives based on essential Zoom features commonly used in virtual classrooms, such as joining meetings, using chat functions, and adjusting audio settings.
Recognizing older adults’ preference for mini-games, I incorporated a gamified learning approach combined with formative assessments to make the experience both engaging and confidence-building. By breaking content into manageable segments and adding interactive challenges, the course creates a supportive environment to help learners acquire skills and adapt to online learning with ease.
Text-based storyboard
Based on the learning objectives, which were grouped into three challenges, I crafted a text-based storyboard centered on a relatable character, Nancy, who needs to attend an online class for the first time. To guide learners through this journey, I introduced an instructor character, Yvon, who provides step-by-step instructions and on-demand support to help learners achieve each milestone.
Understanding that older adults may not be familiar with online settings, I made sure the language used in this project is plain, clear, and friendly to assist learners in navigating this learning journey confidently.
Visual Mockups
To bring the text-based storyboard to life and provide a clear vision of the final design, I started with a mood-board collecting real-life scenes, illustrations, and game elements to guide visual style. Understanding that older adults may face challenges such as 'color clutter interference, and impaired text and interface icon recognition' (Liu & Wang, 2024, p. 1) in digital environments, I explored colors for older adults to develop a style guide with enhanced accessibility.
The chosen color palette combines soothing cool tones with subtle warmth, fostering an inviting and reassuring atmosphere to reduce the anxiety and intimidation older adults may feel in unfamiliar digital settings. To enhance clarity and directing learner attention, strategic pops of vibrant colors were used to highlight key interactive elements.
To ensure accessibility and inclusiveness, I tested this chosen color palette and made sure that all buttons were labelled with text rather than simplified icons to make the purpose crystal clear for older adults, while larger fonts were used to improve readability.
I then developed high-fidelity (Hi-fi) mockups using Adobe XD to put all the ideas into a fully visualized design. This process allowed me to fine-tune every pixel, refining interface details before transforming the design into an interactive and dynamic learning experience.
Interactive Prototype
Once the visual mockups were finalized, I proceeded to create an interactive prototype using Articulate Storyline 360. The software simulation was meticulously crafted to replicate real-life interactions with the Zoom platform. Subtle sound effects, instructive animations, and on-time responses were also incorporated to guide attention and facilitate interactions, further encouraging older adults in developing their digital skills within a highly realistic but stress-free environment.
I leveraged Storyline 360's built-in accessibility features to ensure inclusiveness. For example, recognizing that some older adult learners may have hearing impairments, I provided an option to learn how to enable captions before introducing dialogue-heavy content.
After sharing the prototype to experts and test users and receiving feedback, I made key iterations to improve the project. For example, to hold learners' attention, I shortened the introduction by removing three pages. In response to suggestions for a return button throughout the journey, I chose to keep the steps in the software simulations non-returnable to better reflect real-world settings. However, I added a 'retake this challenge' option at the end of each simulation, allowing learners to review any missed information.
Full Development
Building on the feedback from the prototype, I advanced to developing the full course in Articulate Storyline 360, integrating the content, multimedia assets, and interactive elements.
To personalize the learning experience, I used variables to track learner behaviors and choices, enabling the course to adapt dynamically based on their actions. For example, the course tracks the number of times a learner accesses help and presents tailored messages such as, 'You reached help (X) times, less than (Y)% of learners!' By doing so, it builds a deeper connection with older adults and motivates them by providing positive reinforcement and a sense of accomplishment, fostering an enjoyable and rewarding learning journey.
Results & Reflections
Although this course was developed as a concept project without formal implementation and learner feedback collection, I uploaded it to SCORM Cloud to simulate a real-world deployment environment, introducing it to fellow instructional designers for feedback. This provided insight into how the course might perform in practical contexts and potential refinements for future projects.
OMG! That was a really amazing course you built.
The branching scenario shows your understanding of personalized learning. Learners can follow their own path in the learning process. I love how you involve the learner in helping Nancy. It made the learning really practical and memorable. The animated characters made it fun and engaging, the interactivity helped with keeping the learner engaged and the help button with Yvon was really smart and creative! Finally, I also love that you included downloadable job-aids in the course. That's blended learning and it helps reinforce learning even after they have finished the course.
Kikelola E.
Certified Learning and Development Professional
Reflecting on my journey with this project, I’ve gained valuable insights and identified opportunities for improvement:
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Enhance Inclusive Design: While I adopted an inclusive approach, there’s still room for improvement. For example, with more time, I would explore Storyline 360’s built-in ‘zoom region’ feature to let learners control the zoom-in function at their own need, rather than applying a universal zoom effect for everyone.
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Integrate Summative Assessment: While this project utilized formative assessments to provide feedback during interactions, incorporating summative assessment could further enhance the learning experience. For example, introducing key Zoom features before directing learners into a challenge with minimal on-the-spot instructions would allow them to test their understanding and reinforce their skills without interruptions.
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Polish Gamified Elements: The project includes basic gamified features such as challenges and accomplishments, but further enhancements could make the experience even more engaging. With additional time, I would introduce elements like time trackers and achievement badges to motivate learners and make their progress more tangible and enjoyable.