Scientists & Inventors
Interactive Learning Experience
Background
I designed and developed this eLearning experience for fourth grade students at a local school district. The teachers needed a project that celebrated Black History Month while also connecting to existing curriculum. I suggested focusing on African American scientists and inventors connected to the branches of science they covered through out the year.
Audience
Fourth Grade Students
Year
2019
2020
Responsibilities
Research
Instructional Design
eLearning Development
Visual Design
Prototyping
Audio Recording
LMS integration
Tools
Keynote
Voice Recorder App
iMusic
Google Slides
Schoology LMS
The Process
Upon completing the needs analysis and agreeing on the project, I continued through the full lifecycle of project development. Utilizing the fourth grade science curriculum as a framework, I researched scientists and inventors within each branch of science. Then, I planned and conceptualized the user experience, specifically how the learners would interact with the learning tool, as well as the visual elements. Then, I built the learning experience, wrote scripts for each individual, and created individual recordings of the audio. Last, I combined all the elements into a finished product and embedded it in the school’s learning management system for use.
I also developed an additional deliverable in the form of a worksheet/job aid that could be used to extend the learning experience further. I decided to include limited text and audio recordings of the information to ensure the learning was accessible to the most students, regardless of reading ability. I also thought it would be more engaging than copious amounts of text. The project has been in use for a few years and reaches between 300-400 learners each year.
Reflecting upon this project, I would do more to improving the inclusive accessibility of the activity by including alt text and speaker notes to make it accessible to screen readers.
