Gestational Diabetes
eLearning Module
This concept project is a scenario based eLearning project for patients newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes. It is designed to give the learner basic information about gestational diabetes and ways to manage their blood glucose levels during the first few weeks after their diagnosis, alongside their healthcare professional. The short course has them assist a patient with some daily choices they will also have to face when they have received their diagnosis.
Overview
Between 2% and 10% of all pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes. In our ever shrinking world, it has become more common for people to get pregnant and give birth in countries where the national language isn’t their first language. This could lead to confusion in understanding their diagnosis, treatment methods, and management choices.
I identified the need for this additional training option after speaking with friends who had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during their pregnancies, both in countries where they spoke the language and countries where they did not. During these discussions, the common feeling from people in countries was that it was very impersonal and they often felt like they were given the information, in the local language only, and then left to figure out the rest. This confirmed the need to develop an eLearning module that could be implemented alongside working with a health care professional during the initial diagnosis period, equipping them with the knowledge to select appropriate ways to manage their diabetes during the first few weeks of their diagnosis in their home language.
Process
I used the ADDIE Instructional Design Model throughout the process of this eLearning module. Utlising my conversation with learners in the area and research. I used action mapping, scenario based learning, Articulate Storyline 360, Canva for the background design, and Storyset for the images to develop and design this eLearning experience.
Action Map
After speaking with learners in this area and researching I created an action map detailing the knowledge and skills patients needed to manage their blood glucose levels during the first few weeks of their diagnosis.
Text based Storyboard
Utilising my action map as the foundation, I then created a text based storyboard for this project. With the input from my conversations and research I knew the idea for this scenario had some important requirements:
- it needed to feel personal
- include information about diabetes
- linked the information to everyday choices patients would have to make
The eLearning module introduces the learner to Dr. Jay and Tess, who will share key information about gestational diabetes and require assistance in selecting the best choice to manage their gestational diabetes.
The text based storyboard breaks down the eLearning module and maps out how it would start with the character introductions, provide some information with a related follow up question if appropriate, and continues in this way until all information is covered.
Mockups
I chose to use Canva for the backgrounds and creating the hospital logo as it offers a lot of choices and keeps the presentation consistent throughout the eLearning experience. When choosing the colour palette I want to make sure the choices were calming and didn’t distract from the content, focusing on warm tones. I used Storyset and Freepik for the characters and images throughout, this allowed me to keep the colours and style consistent.
Visual Storyboard
Once the mockups were approved, I created the visual storyboard that included the slide text, programming, triggers, onscreen image, and everything else needed to transfer into the Storyline project.
Interactive Prototype
I created the interactive prototype with Articulate Storyline 360. It consisted of the monitoring information section and one of the questions. Utilising the background and characters I integrated animations and triggers from Storyline. I shared the prototype for feedback, gaining valuable feedback including, keeping buttons consistent, pacing out the text so it isn’t there all at once, and giving the option to go back to the information if they select the wrong answer.
Full Development
Once adjusting the recommendations within the prototype and making sure it was up to a high standard, I began working on the full development. Having the Visual Storyboard allowed this process to go smoothly. Whenever I was faced with a challenge within Storyboard of how to get a trigger to work a particular way, for example making sure each management section had to be visited and the questions answered correctly before it moved on, I was able to find a solution either on YouTube or within the Articulate 360 forum.
Results and Takeaways
The project was well received by people affected by gestational diabetes. With comments about the colour choices, how the whole experience had a welcoming/personal feel, and how the scenarios included several choices they had to make at the start of their gestational diabetes journies.
Throughout the creation of this project, I became fully invested in developing my skills in Articulate Storyline 360. I troubleshot problems I had, finding solutions to bring my vision to life. I have loved this experience and I know the skills and knowledge I have gained will be beneficial for my future projects!