Analyze

The client, Citrus Grove Realty (a fictional company created for this concept project), owns one 50-unit apartment complex called Waterview Terrace in Beachville, USA.

Kickoff Meeting

I initiated a kickoff meeting to communicate with the project sponsors, identify the target audience, and determine if a learning solution was needed. The SMEs at the meeting included the two co-owners of Citrus Grove Realty and the Maintenance Manager.

Needs Analysis

I conducted a needs analysis, which began with an interview with the SMEs. The team reported that their outside garbage and recycling collection center is usually overflowing with loose garbage, which causes litter to blow onto the surrounding beach. They have received fines of $100 for the last 4 months from the town for the beach litter. They also have received numerous negative online reviews about the aesthetics of their apartment complex due to the litter. They fear that the negative reviews will hinder their ability to fill apartment vacancies, which will result in lost money.

The Maintenance Manager shared photographs from the last several months of what the garbage and recycling collection center looked like. In evaluating the photos, we were able to collect data on the fullness level of each recycling bin, the dumpster, and we could measure the amount of overflow garbage placed outside of any bin. The allowed us to develop specific learning outcome objectives. We identified that the tenants were mostly defaulting to using the landfill dumpster rather than the recycling bins, causing the dumpster to overflow. We also noticed that the paper recycling bin had a lot of empty space available due to cardboard boxes not being folded prior to placing in the bin. This caused an overflow of cardboard onto the surrounding ground and into the dumpster. The objectives follow the "Apply" layer of Bloom's Taxonomy hierarchy; learners will be expected to engage in actual, measurable behavior change following the training.

I reviewed the online reviews to collect and evaluate data. Of all the reviews that mentioned aesthetic vocabulary words, 25% were positive (e.g., "beautiful") and 75% were negative (e.g., "dirty"). I used this data to help create an objective that can measure change post-training (i.e., "Positive online reviews and aesthetics of building or garbage will increase from 25% to 75%").

The SMEs shared that at no time of the resident's tenancy are they currently exposed to any training regarding how to properly use the recycling tools provided by Citrus Grove Realty (e.g., recycling bins for apartment, outside collection area) and they are also not informed of local town recycling and sanitation guidelines.

Based on the needs assessment, it was determined that a training program was necessary to teach tenants how to properly recycle. We decided that I would design, develop, and implement an eLearning training using Articulate Storyline. We also decided that I would design a supplemental training aid in the form of an infographic that would be available via paper and electronically on the Citrus Grove Realty tenant portal website.

Design

Action Map

During our Kickoff Meeting, I used MindMeister to design an Action Map. Using an Action Map allowed the SME's/Stakeholders to clearly identify the problem and the positive impact expected from my training program. I find that Action Maps helps our cross-functional team remain focused and minimizes the likelihood of extraneous variables interfering with the learning outcome goals.

Develop

I developed this eLearning training using Articulate Storyline, Vyond, Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Suite, Envato Elements, GarageBand, iMovie, and Freepik.com.

Scenery/Sounds

I continuously included beach-themed elements within this project to replicate the beachside environment in which the actual hands-on learned recycling practices will take place once the training is completed by the learners. This follows the Adult Learning Theory component in which content should be oriented towards real world applications. Using this approach aligns with Gagnés Nine Events of Instruction; using realistic stimuli during instruction promotes learner's ability to recall information from their own experiences. I used iMovie to extract the audio from a Vyond beach waves soundtrack and merged it with sound effects of seagulls on GarageBand. As a multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter, I have proficient digital audio workspace skills and I have even written and produced my own background music for eLearning courses!

Reinforcement/Feedback

To ensure retention and transfer of learning material, I embedded reinforcement throughout the eLearning training. I conditioned the textual reinforcement by pairing it with quick, pleasant game sound tones. That way, the sounds would continue to serve as indicators to the user that they were performing interactions correctly.

User Interactions

Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of this eLearning course is its use of multiple engaging, unique learner experiences.

Learning Material

I designed a supplemental infographic using Canva. This infographic was presented several ways to the users during the eLearning course. Instructions at the end of the course also guide the user to identify where they can obtain both a paper copy and digital copy of the infographic.

Implement

This Articulate Storyline eLearning training is designed to be implemented by the user via a computer, tablet, or smartphone. I carefully reviewed and tested the usability of each interactive feature across multiple devices. The contents of the training materials I used are realistic and follow standard sanitation and recycling guidelines to mimick a training that would positively impact many communities to provide real-world positive behavior change.

Evaluate

This training is designed to follow Kirkpatrick's Model of evaluation. Citrus Grove Realty could measure the success of my training program by evaluating the actual results, as demonstrated by the measurable objectives defined during our kickoff meeting:

• The amount of paper, plastic, and metal recyclable items placed in the correct recycling bins by tenants will increase by 60%

• The amount of recyclable items placed in or beside the dumpster by tenants will decrease by 50%

• Tenants will break down cardboard boxes before placing them in the paper recycling bins

• Positive online reviews about aesthetics of the building or garbage will increase from 25% to 75%

• The overflow of garbage will decrease by 80%

• Garbage from the building entering the beach will decrease by 100%

• The weight of paper recyclables in the recycling bin will increase by 25%