TELECOM TOWER
TRAINING 101
This e-Learning AGILE project trains telecom engineers and drafters on self-support tower fundamentals in its first module rollout.
Audience: Telecom Engineers & Drafters (New Hire / Current)
Responsibilities: Instructional Design, e-Learning Development, Design Document, Action Mapping, Visual Design, Job Aid, Gamification
Tools Used: Articulate Rise 360, Review 360, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, MindMeister, MS Office
A telecommunications engineering firm has observed a lack of proficiency in telecom tower fundamentals among their new engineering and drafting hires. This has been causing project delays and inaccuracies when aligning with project scopes. Additionally, their existing training materials are outdated and require revision. As a result, they have approached me for assistance.
// THE PROBLEM.
// THE GAP.
During the kick-off meeting and collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs), I discovered that they had already conducted their own needs analysis and laid much of the groundwork. Their findings highlighted a knowledge gap.
As the instructional designer, I conducted my own needs analysis to confirm the existence of a knowledge gap, which was indeed present.
Further analysis led me to narrow down the root causes to fundamental aspects of tower appearance, characteristics, and advantages for this particular project.
// MY SOLUTION.
The firm plans to introduce a new training series throughout the year, following an AGILE model. Each module will be distributed individually after an evaluation of its effectiveness, aimed at improving subsequent modules. This project marks the initiation of the training series, focusing on self-support towers (SSTs).
I recommended the training modules to be delivered as asynchronous e-Learning developed in Articulate Rise 360 due to the course content, learner volume, and schedules.
I proposed that the course content gradually introduces learners to the subject matter in a thought-provoking manner, thus enhancing the impact and memorability of the learning experience.
Furthermore, I suggested integrating gamification into each module to sustain learner interest and motivation, particularly given the distributed nature of the learning.
This approach aims to ensure that learners not only acquire new or refreshed knowledge but also retain it due to the impactful learning experience and the incorporation of gamification elements.
// MY PROCESS.
My process during the first steps involved creating an action map, drafting a design document, conducting source content analysis, and designing visual assets.
Once the aforementioned steps were approved, I moved on to full development with its alpha version, which then underwent a client review cycle. This iterative process continued until reaching the final 'gold' version.
// THE CHALLENGE.
Integrating gamification and engaging approaches within the constraints of the Rise tool proved to be the project's most challenging aspect. Considering the straightforward nature of the module content, presenting information in an engaging manner while maintaining the learner's interest was a formidable task. Nonetheless, the project achieved success through meticulous planning and a series of iterative refinements.
// THE ACTION MAP.
I consulted with the SME to develop an action map, posing specific questions to identify the fundamental aspects of a self-support tower. Once this was completed, I determined high-priority concepts to focus the module on, ensuring that business goals are met. This process enabled me to establish SMART learning objectives (LOs) using Bloom’s Taxonomy.
After SME review and approval, I moved to the design document (DD).
// THE DESIGN DOCUMENT.
I created a DD to incorporate all the information gained from the kick-off meeting and SME collaboration. This was my opportunity to convey my understanding of the project's objectives and how I intended to achieve them. The review cycles heavily focused on the accuracy and correctness of the LOs, training outline, and evaluation plan.
After SME review and approval, I moved to source content analysis.
// THE SOURCE CONTENT ANALYSIS.
In this phase, I confirmed with the client the availability and access to existing source content. We concluded that utilizing Articulate’s Content Library 360 and Canva for the majority of the visual assets would be beneficial.
For the gamification implementation, the creation of custom graphics would be necessary to fully realize my vision. Therefore, I offered to leverage my graphic design skills to produce these custom assets, enabling complete creative freedom.
// THE VISUAL ASSETS.
Deciding on the high priority visual assets was essential to create a cohesive and impactful learning experience. Regarding the gamification elements, I crafted each component to simulate the sense of reward acquisition throughout the learning experience. Additionally, I created a job aid as a takeaway for the learner once they complete the training module.
// THE DEVELOPMENT: ALPHA, BETA, & GOLD.
I developed the alpha version by utilizing my visual design skills and following the guidelines established in the DD. This project incorporated thoughtful content approaches, cohesive visual design, and impactful gamification to ensure an easy-to-approach and memorable learning experience.
Following the alpha development phase, I performed a thorough quality assurance (QA) examination prior to presenting it for client evaluation. In this particular project, the decision was made beforehand to use Articulate's Review 360, aiming for a more streamlined review procedure. The insights gathered during the alpha client review will be integrated into the beta iteration, involving enhancements to aspects like text, sections, and interactions, with the goal of enhancing the course even further.
Following the conclusion of beta development, an additional round of QA evaluation was carried out, and the submission for review utilized the same approach, ensuring a familiar process for all stakeholders. Comments gathered from the beta client review would subsequently be incorporated into the final version.
After gold development was complete, the project was released in accordance with the client's wishes. If necessary, I am able to ensure the e-Learning course is compatible with their LMS by making it SCORM-compliant.
// THE RESULTS & TAKEAWAYS.
Mentors and peers provided overwhelmingly positive responses to the project, unanimously praising the course for its exceptional and influential learning journey. The incorporation of gamified components within the module was particularly well-received and validated the dedication put into their implementation.
Crucially, the realization of this project hinged on the iterative process. The valuable input gathered during the review cycles played a pivotal role in driving the project's achievements.
If given the chance, I would like to make the following modification:
Develop additional learning content using Storyline and incorporating it into the Rise training module as a Storyline block. This would provide more dynamic learning within the limited Rise tool.
My talents align? Reach out.