Workshops and Speaking
Workshops
I offer workshops on branching scenarios and on Twine, the free, open-source tool I use for planning, writing, and mapping out branching scenarios. These workshops are available either in person or virtually and can be customized for your audience and needs.
Build Branching Scenarios Fast
Duration: 6-8 hours. 1 day in person or 3-4 virtual live sessions
In this workshop, you’ll design and develop a short branching scenario practice activity in just a few hours. You may either use a topic from your own work or a hypothetical case study.
You’ll start by identifying objectives and the skill learners need to practice. Next, you’ll follow a framework document to plan the characters, context, challenges, and rough outline of your scenario, making sure the scenario aligns to your objectives.
Using the open source program Twine, you’ll map out the structure of your branching scenario, creating decision points and consequences for different choices. Twine is a free, open source program for creating interactive stories and games. Because Twine is specifically designed for creating non-linear content, it can speed up your planning and writing process. With Twine, you can storyboard branching scenarios with structure and content much faster than most other tools.
You’ll build the structure and flesh out the text or dialogue in your scenario. Next, you’ll play through a prototype of your scenario and see examples from other participants. Finally, you’ll work on the visual design for your scenario using formatting options within Twine.
We’ll also review the options and tips for migrating the content from Twine to another authoring tool like Storyline. You’ll leave with a short but functional branching scenario that provides a more realistic practice activity for a complex skill. You’ll walk away with hands-on experience with Twine, as well as resources for scenario planning for the future.
Crafting Captivating Branching Scenarios in 90 Minutes
Duration: 90 minutes. This is a mini-version of the above workshop.
Interested in creating branching scenarios, but worried about how much time they take to create? In this workshop, you’ll create a basic but functional prototype of a branching scenario in 90 minutes. I’ll walk you through the process of mapping out, writing, and prototyping branching scenarios.
Starting from a provided scenario concept and introduction, you’ll map out the branching structure. This includes the “ideal path,” or what happens if the learner does everything right, plus the alternate choices. You’ll draft some dialogue for characters and show consequences for learner decisions. You’ll learn some tips and tricks for managing the branching structure without letting the complexity get out of control.
In this hands-on practice, we’ll use Twine, a free, open source program for creating interactive stories and games. Because Twine is specifically designed for creating non-linear content, it can speed up your planning and writing process. With Twine, you can storyboard branching scenarios with structure and content much faster than most other tools.
Twine also creates a functional prototype as you write. You can publish the story, host it online, and share it with SMEs and stakeholders for review. You can instantly create a clickable story where your reviewers can choose their path, just like a learner will in the finished product.
At the end of this workshop, you’ll have a functional branching scenario prototype to start working with. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in Twine, which can accelerate your branching scenario development in the future.
Speaking and presentations
I’m a regular speaker at industry conferences and events. I’m available for both virtual presentations and in-person events. See the list below for example topics and presentations. I’m happy to create something new or customize any of the below for your audience.
- Go Beyond Boring: Creating Scenario-Based Learning that Engages Participants
- Streamlining Branching Scenario Planning and Design
- Gathering SME Stories to Craft Relevant and Engaging Scenarios
- Set the Stage: Make eLearning Relevant and Authentic with Scenarios
- To Branch or Not to Branch? When and How To Use Branching Scenarios and Alternative Approaches
- Beyond Right or Wrong: How to Craft Better Feedback for Scenarios
- Build Branching Scenario Prototypes Fast with Twine
- Creative Branching Scenario Solutions with Twine
- Writing Scenarios: Compelling Characters and Distinctive Dialogue
- Avoiding Voice Over Script Pitfalls
- Building Simulations in Twine: Points, Feedback, and Design
- Generating Plausible Choices and Consequences for Scenarios Using AI Tools
View recordings of some of my past presentations and webinars for examples of my work.