The development stage of this project emphasized a user-centered, iterative approach—focusing primarily on building, testing, and refining a prototype for the first module, while also designing and mapping out essential components for later modules. By concentrating initial development on Module 1, I was able to gather targeted user feedback, validate design decisions, and set quality standards before expanding to the entire course. This phase included selecting an e-learning tool that balanced user-friendliness with scalability, applying a comprehensive accessibility and content accuracy checklist, and integrating ongoing feedback.
Key interactive elements—such as the branching scenario planned for a later module—were carefully mapped and prototyped during this phase to ensure alignment with learning objectives and a cohesive user experience. I also applied the UX Honeycomb Model to enhance usability and learner engagement and used a Miro board to visually organize and track development. These efforts combined to create a solid foundation for a scalable, adaptable, and effective learning experience.
Selecting the Right Tools for Learning
To create an engaging, adaptable course, I relied on a suite of tools designed to meet both instructional and collaborative needs. Articulate Storyline was selected for its flexibility and capacity to deliver custom, interactive learning experiences. Canva was essential for prototyping visuals, creating buttons and graphic assets, sourcing images, designing layouts, and developing job aids, ensuring a cohesive visual identity across the course. In addition, I launched a companion Google Site, Beyond the Classroom, which serves as a virtual Professional Learning Community (PLC). Integrated with Google Drive and Forms, this site enables teachers to access resources, share best practices, and provide ongoing feedback—fostering both collaboration and continuous improvement throughout the project.
Designing for Active Engagement
Active learning was a guiding principle throughout the course design, not only in the prototype module but across the entire learning experience. From the start, I intentionally planned for interactive elements that would encourage teachers to engage deeply and practice applying their skills. For example, the branching scenario, designed for a later module, gives educators a safe space to make critical decisions and see the impact of their choices in realistic contexts. This kind of experiential learning supports deeper understanding and builds confidence before teachers implement new strategies in real classrooms.
Beyond the branching scenario, the course design incorporates a variety of custom interactions and opportunities for reflection, discussion, and self-assessment. By offering multiple ways for teachers to participate, whether through interactive activities, real-life case studies, or peer collaboration, I aimed to ensure that every learner feels engaged and supported at every stage.
Iterative Feedback and Quality Assurance
During development, I gathered targeted feedback from a select group of educators and stakeholders by sharing early versions in Articulate Review 360. To collect specific insights and broader reflections, I created a detailed course feedback form for testers. This process allowed me to identify key improvements and refine the course to better meet the needs of its intended audience.
While not explicitly part of the initial development stage, I created a custom quality assurance checklist as the project progressed. This tool is now part of my process for addressing navigation, accessibility, and content accuracy, allowing for more proactive quality checks in future course development.
Ensuring Accessibility, Inclusion, and Sustainability
Accessibility and inclusion guided every design decision, with features such as clear language, screen reader-friendly navigation, and multiple ways for users to engage with the content. By aligning with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, the course was designed to be usable and meaningful for educators with diverse backgrounds and abilities. At the same time, I planned for scalability and sustainability by building a modular structure, integrating collaborative tools, and developing reusable quality assurance processes. These strategies ensure the course can be updated, adapted, and expanded over time, providing a flexible, long-term solution for a variety of educational settings.
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Continue to the next section to explore the implementation plan.
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Check out the feedback survey.
Want to explore the course in action?
Try out the interactive course module to experience the design firsthand, or navigate the branching scenario to see how teachers engage with real-world decision-making. You’ll also find additional resources and design artifacts below that offer a deeper look into the development process—including the full-size, interactive quality assurance checklist right here on the page.
Preview the interactive first module and experience the course through a learner’s eyes.
Try a sample decision-making activity from Module 3 that simulates real-world classroom challenges.
See how the course design aligns with essential user experience principles in this interactive overview.