Free E-Learning & PowerPoint Template

A few weeks ago I shared an elearning example I created for an elearning workshop. Many of you requested a template based on the example so here it is. There’s a PowerPoint version and one for Articulate Storyline 2 that offers a lot more interactivity.

Click here to view the elearning example.

One of the challenges when using a pre-defined template is that it tends to look good with real content. And then when you get the blank template it doesn’t seem to feel the same. That’s OK. Just add your own content. And don’t be afraid to move things around to make them work for your needs.

You’ll also notice that there’s a big difference between a PowerPoint-based template and one created in Articulate Storyline. PowerPoint is generally a linear presentation product. You can add hyperlinks to create some interactions but you do a hit a ceiling with what you can create.

For example, generally there are three types of interactions: click, hover, and drag. In PowerPoint you’re mostly limited to click interactions. You can still create a lot of interactive content, but you do have that constraint. And each interactive element potentially increases your file size significantly.

In Storyline, I can create one slide with hovers for each module. In PowerPoint to create a similar effect would require a slide for each module. As I add more interactive slides, the slide content increases dramatically in PowerPoint. However in Storyline, I’m still able to use the same slide.

In the Storyline version of the template, I can leverage variables to track what the user does. That lets me mark courses complete and modify where the learner goes after all courses are complete. That’s something not possible in PowerPoint.

Here’s an example of the free PowerPoint template. I added some placeholder content.

Click here to view the elearning example.

In this template, I created a master slide for each module; and each module contains seven layouts. The reason I created seven different masters is so that each layout would have the selected state for the particular module.

You need to go into the master layouts and create hyperlinks to the appropriate slides.

Switching layouts is pretty simple. Just select a new layout. Also, for the quick knowledge check slides, you’ll need to add hyperlinks at the slide level.

Here’s an example of the free elearning template created in Articulate Storyline. This one was created in Storyline 2.

Click here to view the example.

The Storyline template only uses three layouts. As you can see that’s a big difference compared to PowerPoint. It also gets to leverage the slide layers and I used variables to track the learner’s progress and navigation. This lets me mark modules complete and also change the button to represent the appropriate module being visited. That’s why I don’t need to create all of the same layouts that I need in PowerPoint.

Download the free elearning templates here:

If you have any questions about using them let me know. In an upcoming post, I’ll do a couple of quick tutorials to show how to get the templates working.

Vancouver & Toronto Workshops: We’re planning a couple of workshops in Toronto & Vancouver. If you’re interested, let us know. Click here for more details. March 25-27 (Orlando, FL). Learning Solutions. Swing by the Articulate booth to say “Hello.” April 15 & 16 (Chicago, IL). Updated! Register for one or both days. 
Day 1: How to Build Interactive E-Learning 
Day 2: Use Articulate Storyline to Build Interactive E-Learning May 17-20 (Orlando, FL). ATD International Conference & Expo. Swing by the Articulate booth to say “Hello.” June 3 & 4 (San Francisco, CA). Registration info coming soon. 
Day 1: Learn to Create Your Own E-Learning Assets
Day 2: Use Storyline to Build Interactive E-Learning Other locations include: Philadelphia, Memphis, Atlanta, Vancouver, and Toronto.

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Here’s a Free E-Learning Template Made with Free Icons

One of the challenges I pose in our workshops is to create an elearning template using free resources like some of the free images and free icons you find online.

Here are three four good resources for free icons:

The first step is to find an icon style you like. Try to use icons from the same pack. Also, look for icons you can use for commercial use. And of course, give attribution to the creator. Here are a few ideas if you’re not sure how to give attribution in your courses. Create a few screen layouts. The screen is a blank space. And there are only so many things you can put on the screen: text, shapes, media files, etc. Create assets that work with the icons you’ve chosen. For example, if it’s an icon that is made of think black lines, than it makes sense to match the color and lines in the shapes you create for the slide. Use the color picker to pick colors from the icons. This way your other assets are using the same colors. You can also create a custom color scheme based on the colors.

I chose the ballicon icons. There are 20 free icons via Nick Frost. He also sells a more complete pack for $19.

Since the icons are a bit informal, light, and flat, I decided to go with a simple layout with a light wood background. To tie the icons and the other assets together I decided on a thicker white border on the assets.

I created all of the graphics in PowerPoint. Some of the graphics were easy because they are just simple rounded squares with the icons in them. However, others are combined shapes (something you can do starting with PowerPoint 2010).

I also decided on using the diamond icon to represent course progress by awarding a diamond upon completion of each module. The map icon links to my progress screen which you can see in one of the screens above. I then saved the graphics I created as image files so I can use them in Storyline.

I also played around with a few ideas to add some interactive elements. For example, in the demo below you’ll see a simple click and reveal question/answer interaction.

Click here to view the demo using free icons (Storyline).

Here are some free templates for your practice:

Here’s a PowerPoint version of the template to show you what’s in there.

Click here to view the PowerPoint version of the template.

If you need to learn to create a template or build off of the one provided, be sure to check out this blog post on the four essential tips. It includes some tutorials on creating a notebook and the process is the same.

If you’re limited to using free icons and other assets, then practice using them to create cohesive templates. Create your own shapes, layouts, and color schemes.

For those on holiday this week, I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving.

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