Design Responsive eLearning Courses with Articulate RISE

Introduction

Responsive eLearning design is the practice of creating eLearning courses that adapt to the screen size of the device being used. This means that learners can access and interact with your course content on any device, from smartphones to tablets to desktops.

Responsive eLearning design is important because it allows learners to learn on their own terms, wherever they are. It also makes your course more accessible to learners with disabilities, as they can use the device that best suits their needs.

Benefits of Responsive eLearning Design

There are many benefits to designing responsive eLearning courses, including:

• Increased learner engagement: Learners are more likely to be engaged in a course that they can access and interact with on any device.
• Improved learner outcomes: Responsive eLearning courses have been shown to lead to improved learner outcomes, as learners are able to learn at their own pace and in a way that suits their needs.
• Reduced development costs: Responsive eLearning courses can be developed once and then deployed on any device, which can save time and money.
• Increased accessibility: Responsive eLearning courses are more accessible to learners with disabilities, as they can use the device that best suits their needs.

What is Articulate RISE?

Articulate RISE is a web-based authoring tool that allows you to create responsive eLearning courses without the need for extensive coding or design skills. It’s part of the Articulate 360 suite, which includes other tools like Storyline and Studio. RISE is particularly known for its user-friendly interface and the ability to create courses that adapt to various devices, making it a go-to choice for many instructional designers and eLearning developers.

Key Features of Articulate RISE

• Responsive Design: One of the standout features of Articulate RISE is its ability to create fully responsive courses. This means your courses will automatically adjust to different screen sizes, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Pre-built Blocks: RISE offers a library of pre-built content blocks that you can easily drag and drop into your course. These blocks include text, images, videos, quizzes, and more, making course creation faster and more efficient.
• Accessibility Features: Articulate RISE places a strong emphasis on accessibility, allowing you to create courses that are compliant with accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). This ensures that all learners, including those with disabilities, can access your content.
• Collaborative Authoring: RISE supports collaborative authoring, allowing multiple team members to work on a course simultaneously. This feature streamlines the development process and enhances productivity.
• Built-in Assessment and Quizzing: You can create assessments and quizzes within your RISE courses. These assessments can be customized to meet your specific learning objectives and can include various question types such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and more.
• Reporting and Tracking: RISE integrates seamlessly with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and provides detailed reporting and tracking capabilities. This allows you to monitor learner progress and performance.

Best Practices for Designing Responsive eLearning Courses with Articulate RISE

1. Plan Your Course Structure: Before you start building your course, create a detailed outline and structure. Determine your learning objectives, target audience, and the overall flow of the content.
2. Use Consistent Branding: Maintain a consistent visual identity throughout your course by using your organization’s branding elements like colors, fonts, and logos.
3. Optimize Multimedia: Ensure that images and videos are optimized for web and mobile use to minimize loading times and maintain a smooth learning experience.
4. Keep Content Engaging: Use interactive elements like clickable tabs, accordions, and sliders to keep learners engaged and encourage active participation.
5. Test Across Devices: Regularly test your course on different devices and browsers to ensure that it functions as intended and looks good on all screen sizes.
6. Provide Feedback and Support: Incorporate feedback mechanisms and support options such as FAQs or discussion forums to help learners if they encounter difficulties.

Conclusion

Articulate RISE is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of designing responsive eLearning courses. With its intuitive interface, built-in features for accessibility and assessment, and collaborative capabilities, it’s an excellent choice for instructional designers and eLearning developers looking to create engaging and adaptable online courses. By following best practices and leveraging the key features of RISE, you can deliver high-quality eLearning experiences that cater to a wide range of learners and devices.