This week marked an important turning point in my project because I was finally able to move from planning to building. Although I initially struggled with Articulate 360 and found the learning curve frustrating, I was able to use Rise 360 to create and publish a proof-of-concept for my project, The Evolution of the English Language. My published sample currently includes Lesson 1, which introduces the timeline, explains why the topic matters, and identifies the lesson objectives. Published link: https://share.articulate.com/7cZPbm5IR_xi56PHsXWIU
One of the most useful ideas from this week’s readings was that engagement should support generative learning rather than keep learners busy (Clark & Mayer, 2023, Chapter 10). That helped me think more carefully about my design choices. Instead of adding too many interactive elements immediately, I first focused on giving learners a clear structure and a meaningful orientation to the topic. My opening lesson is therefore simple, but it is intended to help learners organize the major stages of English before moving into deeper content.
Chapter 11 also shaped how I thought about my own development process. Clark and Mayer (2023, Chapter 11) explain that worked examples are especially helpful when the task is complex and unfamiliar. That idea applies both to learners and to me as a designer. Building a small introductory lesson in Rise 360 functioned like a worked example for the larger project. Rather than waiting until I fully understood every feature, I learned by creating a manageable example and testing how content, visuals, and layout work together.
Finally, Chapter 12 influenced my next steps because it emphasizes that practice should align with the learning goal and that explanatory feedback is more valuable than simple right-or-wrong responses (Clark & Mayer, 2023, Chapter 12). As I continue building, I want future lessons to include short knowledge checks with feedback that explains why an answer is correct, especially when learners compare language periods or historical influences.
My contract has changed slightly in implementation but not in topic. The project remains an interactive module on the development of English, but I am now using Rise 360 to establish structure and publish progress while continuing to build my confidence in Articulate. This adjustment has made the project feel more achievable and has helped me move from frustration to forward progress
Reference
Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2023). e-Learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning (5th ed.). Wiley.