Month: September 2020

Resource: Daily Agenda and Learning Goals

When hosting instructor led events, I often include an abbreviated agenda with the invitation. Since plans and schedules may change in the weeks leading to the training session, I’ve learned it is easier to distribute the detailed agenda when the event begins than make revisions to what has already been communicated. Usually, I handout a simple document- the specific schedule, presenters’ names, and a brief synopsis of the topic. For a three to four day event, this would be three to four pages of details.

A few weeks ago, I realized a daily agenda might be a better format, and I don’t think this would be any more complicated to prepare than the document I currently provide to learners. Most likely, I would supplement this with a basic agenda that simply lists presentation titles and times, presented as a handout or as a wall chart.

I’ve attached an example here. Pay close attention to the space on the right side of the document. In addition to listing details regarding the day’s events, the blank space provided for questions and follow-up goals will hopefully prompt your participant to think strategically about the knowledge he/she/they gain and how they might apply to make performance improvements in the workplace!

Agenda-and-Learning-Action

Adjust Multiple Lines of a Text Box to Enter by Paragraph

I’m excited to share this tip because I didn’t know this trick for the longest time. That’s a bit embarrassing to admit, but it also serves as a lesson- there’s always something new to learn to be a better designer and more efficient Storyline developer.

Previously when I had a group of text, like a bulleted list, I would create a text box for each line or item. On the timeline I would label each box (Point 1, Point 2, Point 3, etc) and adjust it to enter the screen based on narration cues.

As mentioned in a previous post, eliminating unnecessary and unused states, triggers, variables, and slide objects can prevent headaches when it is time to publish or troubleshoot project issues. Instead of using multiple text boxes as I mentioned above, you can use one, adjust the animation to enter by paragraph, and then adjust each line to enter the screen at the appropriate narration point.

First, simply add your text to the screen. In this example, I’ve listed basic supplies you may need when you welcome a dog into your home.

Next, adjust the animation to the desired effect and timing. In the sequence area (near the bottom of the effect options) select BY PARAGRAPH.

Now, check the timeline. You should notice a toggle-like arrow now appears with the text box, and when expanded, you will be able to adjust each line’s timing. Once you’re finished you can minimize the text box toggle. Not only have you eliminated unnecessary objects on your slide, the clean timeline is easier to manage.

Even though this is a simple example, I’ve included a link to a published version so you can see how this works.

Click here!