Innovation Project Update

​ ​Journey Through Innovation: Transforming Online Learning with

Interactive Videos

Project Overview and Components

The Genesis of Change

As an instructional design specialist at the Office of Extended Education, my journey began during a team-building professional development session where we explored ways to ensure excellence in course design. The challenge was clear: our online courses needed more engaging learning experiences. Having worked as an educator in online learning for five years, I had observed firsthand how students often struggled to stay focused during conventional video lectures, resulting in lower participation levels and potentially diminished learning outcomes.

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This observation sparked my innovation project - enhancing online learning through interactive videos using Adobe Captivate. The vision was compelling: transform passive video content into dynamic, engaging learning experiences where students become active participants rather than mere observers. As outlined in my proposal to the Director of Extended Education, this initiative would not only improve student engagement but would do so cost-effectively, as Adobe Captivate was already part of our existing Adobe Cloud package.

Building the Foundation

The first phase of my journey involved extensive research and planning. I conducted a comprehensive literature review that revealed fascinating insights about interactive videos in education. Research by Dieck-Assad et al. (2020) showed that 90.4% of students preferred interactive videos due to increased motivation, and 91.6% credited these videos with enhancing their understanding of key topics. These findings strengthened my conviction about the project's potential impact.

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To ensure a structured approach, I developed a detailed implementation outline spanning 13+ months. The plan began with establishing context and rationale, followed by familiarizing stakeholders with Adobe Captivate, and gradually moving toward pilot implementation and eventual full integration across all courses. This methodical approach was designed to allow for testing, feedback, and refinement at every stage.

What Worked

Frameworks and Strategies

The project's architecture was built on multiple frameworks. I employed Fink's Taxonomy of Significant Learning to create a comprehensive three-column table that aligned learning goals, activities, and assessments. This framework ensured that the interactive elements weren't just technological additions but meaningful pedagogical tools that enhanced learning outcomes.

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To drive organizational change, I integrated the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) framework with a clear Wildly Important Goal (WIG): increase student engagement and knowledge retention in online courses by 30% through implementing interactive Adobe Captivate elements. This was supported by lead measures tracking the number of course modules enhanced and interactive elements added.

Area for Improvement

Challenges and Growth

The journey wasn't without its hurdles. During usability testing, I faced unexpected resistance from coworkers who were unwilling to participate. This taught me valuable lessons about stakeholder engagement and the importance of building relationships before implementing change. The experience led me to embrace self-differentiated leadership principles and techniques from "Crucial Conversations" to better navigate high-stakes discussions and build stronger relationships within the organization.

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Current Project Status and Next Steps

The Path Forward

Currently, the project stands at the threshold of pilot implementation. The next critical phase involves introducing interactive videos in one course, gathering student feedback through surveys, and making necessary adjustments before broader integration. I have developed a professional learning plan that incorporates ongoing support, active learning approaches, modeling of best practices, and discipline-specific content to ensure successful implementation.

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Lessons Learned

Reflections and Future Applications

Looking back, I realize that while the extensive research and planning phases were crucial, earlier emphasis on stakeholder engagement might have smoothed the path to implementation. The action research component of the project, focusing on evaluating the effectiveness of interactive videos, will provide valuable data for continuous improvement.

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For future innovation projects, I would invest more time in building support networks and developing comprehensive faculty training programs from the outset. The experience has taught me that successful innovation requires not just technical expertise but also emotional intelligence and strategic communication.

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Communication and Promotion Strategy

Moving forward, the project will be promoted through:

• Regular updates to stakeholders on implementation progress

• Sharing success stories and positive outcomes

• Documentation of best practices and lessons learned

• Presentation of results at professional conferences

• Publication of findings in academic journals

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The Ongoing Journey

As we move forward with implementation, our focus is on careful documentation of successes and challenges, regular communication with stakeholders, and continuous refinement of our approach. The project will be shared through professional conferences and academic publications, contributing to the broader conversation about innovation in online education.

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This journey has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of thoughtful innovation in education. While the path wasn't always straight, each challenge has contributed to a deeper understanding of how to implement meaningful change in educational settings. As we continue this journey, the goal remains clear: to create more engaging, effective online learning experiences that inspire and educate in equal measure.

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The story of this innovation project is far from over, but the foundation has been laid for a significant transformation in how we approach online learning. As we move into the implementation phase, I'm excited to see how our carefully crafted plans will translate into real-world impact, always keeping in mind that at the heart of this innovation is our commitment to enhancing the learning experience for every student.

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References:

Dieck-Assad, G., Hinojosa-Olivares, J. M., & Colomer-Farrarnos, J. (2020). Study of the effectiveness of interactive videos in

applied electronics courses. International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM), 14(3), 983–1001. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12008-020-00689-2

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Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning. Jossey-Bass.

www.deefinkandassociates.com_GuidetoCourseDesignAug05.pdf

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Patterson, K., Grenny, J., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2011). Crucial conversations tools for talking when stakes

are high, 2nd edition. McGraw-Hill.