Storyline360: Underutilized Features to Improve Speed & Quality

Storyline 360, part of the Articulate 360 suite, is a powerful tool for creating interactive eLearning courses. While many of its features are commonly used, there are several underutilized features that can significantly speed up development and improve the quality of your courses. Here are a few:

1. Slide Master: The Slide Master feature allows you to create a consistent look and feel across your course. You can define layouts, fonts, colors, and interactive elements that can be reused across multiple slides. This not only speeds up development but also ensures consistency, which is a key principle of Merrill's Principles of Instruction.
2. Content Library: Storyline 360 comes with a vast content library of professionally-designed templates and multimedia assets. These can be quickly incorporated into your courses, saving you time on design and development. The content library is a great example of the Rapid Instructional Design model, as it allows for quick assembly and iteration of course content.
3. Triggers and Variables: Triggers and variables can be used to create complex interactive scenarios, quizzes, and personalized learning paths. While they require a bit more time to learn and set up, they can greatly enhance the learner's experience, aligning with the ARCS Model of Motivational Design by increasing relevance and satisfaction.
4. Layers: Layers can be used to display additional content without leaving the current slide, making your courses more interactive and engaging. This feature can be used to create branching scenarios, provide additional information, or give feedback. This aligns with Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction, specifically providing feedback and enhancing retention.
5. Translation Export/Import: If you're creating courses in multiple languages, the translation export/import feature can be a real time-saver. You can export your course text, have it translated, and then import it back into Storyline. This feature can help you reach a wider audience and is an example of the ASSURE model's "Select Methods, Media, and Materials" step.
6. Interactive Dial and Slider Interactions: These underutilized features can make your courses more engaging and interactive. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as exploring a process step-by-step or adjusting a value to see its impact. This aligns with the 4C/ID model's emphasis on complex learning and problem-solving.
7. Software Simulation: Storyline's software simulation feature allows you to create interactive simulations of software or systems. This is a powerful way to provide hands-on training, aligning with the SAMR model's modification and redefinition levels.

Remember, the key to effective instructional design is not just knowing the tools, but knowing how to apply them to create meaningful learning experiences. Always keep your learning objectives in mind and choose the features that best support them.