Most training looks polished yet forgettable; this one shows how to make learning unforgettable by design. This episode breaks down five practical strategies that turn passive content into active skill-building: set laser-clear objectives, transform quizzes into decision practice with rich feedback, build shallow but meaningful branching scenarios, introduce lightweight simulations that let learners try again without fear, and bake accessibility and UDL into every step so engagement is equitable, not exclusive.
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Crafting Interactive Content Diagram
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Episode Transcript
Hello, and welcome to the Designing with Love Podcast.
I am your host, JackiePelegrin, where my goal is to
bring you information, tips, andtricks as an instructional
designer.
Hello, instructional designersand educators.
Welcome to episode 67 of theDesigning with Love Podcast.
(00:20):
In this episode, I'll sharetips on creating engaging
content, such as quizzes,simulations, and branching
scenarios that keep learnersmotivated so they can apply what
they learn to their personallife or professional work.
Each section of today's episodefollows the same structure.
First, I'll start with a quickinsight, then share some
(00:43):
actionable tips you can useright away, and finish with a
real life scenario to bring itto life.
So, grab your notebook, a cupof coffee, and settle in for the
next few minutes as we explorehow to create engaging content
for your learners.
Strategy one, start with clearlearning objectives.
(01:03):
Interactive elements shouldalways connect to the learning
goal, not just be bells andwhistles.
Here's some actionable tips.
Begin with verbs from Bloom'staxonomy, like apply, analyze,
or evaluate to guide which typeof activity fits best.
Ask a question like, what do Iwant learners to do with this
knowledge?
(01:23):
That answer helps shape theinteractivity you build later.
Here's a real life scenario.
Imagine you're creating acompliance training on data
security.
Instead of asking learners torecall a definition, design a
short scenario where they decidethe safest way to handle a USB
drive.
That's directly aligned withapply safe data handling
(01:46):
practices.
Now that we've talked aboutstarting with clear learning
objectives, let's explore howquizzes can do more than just
check recall.
They can actually reinforcelearning and promote
application.
Strategy two, design quizzesthat go beyond recall.
Quizzes are more effective whenthey help learners practice
(02:07):
rather than just test memory.
Here's some actionable tips.
Use case-based, multiple choicequestions like, what should you
do in this situation?
Always provide meaningfulfeedback that explains why an
answer is correct or incorrect.
Let learners retry so they canlearn through iteration, not
pressure.
(02:28):
Here's a real life scenario.
In a customer service training,instead of asking, what is our
refund policy?
Give a short customer dialogueand ask, what would you do next?
The feedback then explains howthat ties back to the policy.
Quizzes are great forpracticing specific knowledge,
but sometimes learners need tosee how their decisions play out
(02:49):
in a real world context.
That's where branchingscenarios come in.
Strategy three, craft branchingscenarios for decision making.
Branching scenarios immerselearners in decision making and
show consequences in a safe way.
Here's some actionable tips.
Keep the branching shallow butmeaningful.
(03:09):
Three or four decisions areplenty.
Focus on realistic challengeslearners will actually face.
Show both positive and negativeoutcomes so learners understand
the ripple effect of theirchoices.
Here's a real life scenario.
Picture a leadership trainingwhere a manager must handle a
team conflict.
(03:29):
The learner chooses to A,ignore it, B, confront one
person, or C facilitate a teamdiscussion.
Each path plays outdifferently, showing what
effective versus ineffectiveleadership looks like.
Branching scenarios simulatechoices, but for even deeper
practice, simulations givelearners a safe place to try
(03:52):
skills, see consequences, andbuild confidence.
Strategy four, incorporatesimulations to build confidence.
Simulations let learnerspractice in a safe, controlled
environment without fear offailure.
Here's some actionable tips.
Start small with role play ordialogue simulations before
(04:13):
moving into more complex builds.
Think of the 4C ID model here,where you move from simple to
complex learning tasks,gradually adding authenticity
and difficulty.
Provide clear feedback and letlearners reset to try again.
Use multimedia such as video,audio, and visuals
(04:35):
intentionally.
Make sure not to overwhelm thelearner.
Here's a real life scenario.
In a healthcare training,learners practice diagnosing a
patient using a symptomchecklist and dialogue
simulation.
They might choose the wrongtest at first, but the
simulation guides them withfeedback so they can try again
until they're confident.
(04:55):
As powerful as simulations canbe, they're only effective if
all learners can engage withthem.
That's why accessibility andinclusive design are essential
considerations.
Strategy five.
Keep interactivity accessibleand inclusive.
Engagement only works ifeveryone can access the content.
(05:16):
Here's some actionable tips.
Always test activities withscreen readers and mobile
devices.
Offer alternative pathways liketranscripts or simplified
navigation.
Avoid click fatigue.
Here's where clarity and flowmatter more than flash.
Think of Universal Design forLearning, known as UDL
(05:37):
principles here.
Learning should be designed soit's accessible to everyone, no
matter their level, ability, orcontext.
Here's a real life scenario.
In a global onboarding module,you create an interactive
branching activity and provide atext-based version so learners
with limited bandwidth oraccessibility needs can fully
(05:58):
participate.
Wonderful.
So now that we've explored fiveways to bring interactivity
into your designs, you don'tneed to use them all at once.
In fact, starting small isoften best.
So here's my challenge for you.
Take one module you've alreadydesigned and enhance it with
just one new interactiveelement.
(06:19):
Maybe it's a decision-basedquiz question, a short branching
scenario, or even a lightweightsimulation.
Small changes like this canmake a big difference in learner
engagement that your learnerswill certainly appreciate.
As a recap, here's what wecovered in the episode today.
Start with clear learningobjectives.
(06:41):
Make quizzes more aboutapplication than recall.
Use branching scenarios tobring decision making to life.
Incorporate simulations tobuild confidence.
And always keep accessibilityand inclusion in mind.
If you found today's tipshelpful, I'd love for you to
share this episode with acolleague or leave a review.
(07:02):
It really helps otherinstructional designers discover
the podcast.
You are also welcome to checkout the interactive resource
that was developed to accompanythis episode and to take your
learning even further.
The link to the resource can befound in the show notes.
As I conclude this episode,here's an inspiring quote by
Benjamin Franklin.
(07:23):
Tell me and I forget, teach meand I may remember, involve me
and I learn.
Thank you for taking some timeto listen to this podcast
episode today.
Your support means the world tome.
If you'd like to help keep thepodcast going, you can share it
with a friend or colleague,leave a heartfelt review, or
offer a monetary contribution.
(07:44):
Every act of support, big orsmall, makes a difference, and
I'm truly thankful for you.
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