James Dougan

Bringing

eLearning to

life

A Little About Myself

My faithful companion – Doug

Over the past decade, I have gained significant insights into myself and my career path. My journey began in a Jewson’s branch where I supported administration and sales, gaining valuable face-to-face experience with customers. I then moved within the business, into a training role, embracing its challenges and ultimately finding my long-term niche in content creation and learning development. I have discovered a strong affinity for the technical and digital aspects of creating learning content. My focus is now on producing immersive and engaging materials for learners, ensuring that the content is both simple to digest and enhanced with creativity and technology.

Since childhood, I have always had an interest in computing, particularly gaming and the surrounding technology. I have often been the go-to person for technical issues among family and friends and enjoy keeping up to date with ever changing developments in the technological world. This lifelong passion fuels my interest in finding new approaches to digital learning and I frequently draw upon my hobby to infuse creativity and technology into my work, more recently adding gamification into my creations.

Outside of technology, nothing beats spending time with my faithful companion, Doug, our two year old Labrador who enjoys walks by the coast as much as I do! Ensuring he is well cared for and exercised daily helps me avoid spending too much time indoors. Doug brings a perfect balance to my life, providing both companionship and encourages a healthy routine.

Many work examples may have been modified to remove any branding identification and to reduce the content for demonstration purposes. This may cause strange behaviour and is not an accurate reflection of the final product.

Crown Jewels

My proudest achievements

Throughout my professional development, I have created various types of learning materials, including informative and system training content. Significantly enhancing the digital learning offerings of my previous employer.

Designed for Desktop / Laptop Computers
View Example Module

Operation: Date Night

This piece was developed as a sample module to showcase my skills and expertise for an interview. It serves as a testament to my abilities and was specifically designed to meet the requirements and expectations of the role I was applying for with only three days to produce this.

The majority of the imagery was sourced from free resources, including the built-in Storyline 360 asset library, as well as third-party libraries.

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Objective:

Develop a digital learning module that instructs users on how to prepare one of your favourite meals.

Noteworthy:

This module incorporates an experiment introducing gamification (a game of sorts). These elements were created entirely using the built-in functionality of the Storyline 360 environment. It utilises a sophisticated combination of triggers, variables, and basic animation loops.

Designed for Desktop / Laptop Computers
View Example Module

How to Build a House

My latest eLearning project, where I was tasked with reimagining an existing piece of material to make it more engaging, specifically by incorporating gamification. The project is approximately 90% complete, with only functionality testing remaining.

The majority of the imagery was licensed through Adobe and other third-party asset libraries.

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Objective:

Recreate the “How to Build a House” written guide, expanding on key topics while maintaining the original overview. This module will seamlessly integrate with more detailed existing specialist eLearning content.

Noteworthy:

Incorporating a scoring and level-up system to encourage user engagement.

With this module I have embarked on a journey to enhance my understanding of improving materials using JavaScript. Through research, tutorials, and publicly available JavaScript libraries, I have elevated the quality of the levelling-up system within this module. JavaScript is an area I believe is worth improving upon.

This module demonstrates play.ht narration.

Designed for Desktop / Laptop Computers
View Example Module

Taking Payment Over the Phone

I was assigned the responsibility of collaborating with multiple subject matter experts to develop an eLearning module aimed at providing systems training to over 4000 colleagues. This was crucial as we were rolling out an updated telephony system and ensuring comprehensive training was readily accessible.

The majority of the imagery was sourced from the company’s assets pool or created by a colleague specialising in illustration.

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Objective:

Collaborate with subject matter experts to identify project requirements and develop an interactive eLearning solution that meets the specified needs.

Noteworthy:

This module enhances the storytelling experience for users. It briefly presents the perspectives of both employees and customers, helping to visualize the changes and expectations associated with the new systems.

The animated safe found within this module has been created entirely out of basic shapes and animations available within Storyline 360.

Authoring Tools

Tools of the Trade – The Power of Three

The foundation of my experience in developing eLearning content rests primarily on three essential tools. These tools each serve distinct purposes and are instrumental in creating and refining the final product. Depending on the unique requirements of each project, I strategically employ these tools to maximize their effectiveness and ensure the delivery of high-quality material.

Majority of production – 70% workload

Articulate Storyline 360

The foundation of many of my projects, whether simple or ambitious, are often accomplished using Storyline 360 alone. I have accumulated 6 years of experience starting with Storyline 2, progressing swiftly to its successor, Storyline 3, and finally the current version, Storyline 360.

Modification or Image / Video – 20% workload

Adobe Creative Suite

Much of my proficiency with the Adobe Suite is self-taught, leveraging resources like Udemy to continually expand my skill set. This self-directed learning has been useful for projects requiring rapid edits and adjustments to maintain high-quality standards. Within the Adobe Suite, I adeptly enhance and create imagery, edit or produce video content, develop bespoke animations and more as projects need.

New enhancement – 10% workload

JavaScript

JavaScript has recently captured my attention as a new avenue for delivering learning materials. While I do not claim expertise in the subject, nor have I received formal education in it, I’ve conducted extensive research which has then allowed me to explore various approaches that have significantly enhanced elements of my work such as gamification, animation and error checking. Although early days, I remain engaged in discovering its potential and I am eager to see how this knowledge can further develop.

Play.ht

Most recently, I put forward a business case to gain funding for the use of an AI voice synthesiser and text- to- speech synthesis platform that I have used to significantly cut down the cost and time required to get professional level narration into video and learning content.

Systems Training

Learning material designed to simulate systems training

The majority of my completed works have focused on systems training. These modules are typically designed to simulate an element of, or the entire system software used throughout the business.

Designed for Desktop / Laptop Computers
View Example Module

Finance – Expenses

This piece provides an in-depth exploration with bespoke imagery within systems training, aiming to bring it to life. The training is more intensive, targeting individuals in specialist roles. By glamorizing the quiz and introducing achievements throughout the module, it transforms a traditionally monotonous subject into a more engaging and appealing user experience.

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Objective:

Collaborate with subject matter experts to deliver systems knowledge for a new finance system rollout.

Noteworthy:

This module incorporates a layer of gamification. Throughout the module, users will encounter animations that indicate their progress in completing specific actions. This concept replicates the rewarding experience found in video games, where effort is acknowledged.

This module features a completely custom-built quiz scene designed to be engaging and incorporate a narrative element that motivates users to aim for top scores.

Designed for Desktop / Laptop Computers
View Example Module

New Starter – Basic Sale

There was a business requirement to create extensive eLearning materials based on an existing in-person training curriculum. This initiative aimed to enhance the digital offering and reduce the dependency on face-to-face training. This was a significant project spanning 12-18 months. I was responsible in delivering this project and upskilled a number of colleagues to assist with development. The above is a sample module out of a large suite developed at this time.

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Objective:

Develop a digital offering based on existing training worksheets to create a comprehensive suite of learning materials covering all topics of a new trading system.

Noteworthy:

This project comprised of 68 separate modules covering a wide range of topics, totalling approximately 25 hours of learning material. The material was later redesigned to have a more modern visual asthetic.

I created several mini guides to upskill colleagues in this area. These guides were designed to help less experienced colleagues quickly grasp the Storyline 360 platform and assist with the project.

Detailed use of fonts, type size, templated designs and explanations went into the mini guides.

Designed for Mobile Devices
View Example Module

Driver Basics

This is one of two modules created specifically for mobile devices. I developed this module exclusively for mobile phone access. By using BlueStacks, a technology to emulate a mobile phone, I captured accurate imagery of the new system.

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Objective:

Create an offline eLearning module for the Driver phone application that will be uploaded locally to the company drivers’ mobile phones. This module must be accessible at all times and accurately simulate the system.

Noteworthy:

The use of BlueStacks made the creation of this module a simpler task.

Comprising of recorded footage from an emulated mobile phone and screenshots, careful attention was paid to seamlessly simulate the mobile app experience.

Rapid Content Creation

Using tools that allow for fast content creation

Sometimes time is of the essence, requiring the rapid production of suitable digital content. While reducing the emphasis on interactivity, it remains crucial to maintain high quality materials.

Rise 360 belongs in the same software family as it’s bigger brother Storyline 360. It is a web app that lets you create beautiful, fully-responsive courses quickly. Rise 360 courses use the latest web technologies, so they automatically adapt to any device. Not the strongest tool for system simulation, but great for simple text, picture and video content.

Designed for Desktop / Laptop Computers and Mobile
View Example Module

Take Advantage of Your Benefits

This straightforward project consists of animated .GIF image files accompanied by text explanations. It comprehensively covers the range of benefits available to employees, presenting information in a visually engaging format that ensures clarity and understanding.

Designed for Desktop / Laptop Computers and Mobile
View Example Module

Company Development Hub

This module, larger and more intricate from an authoring perspective, delves into a vast number of available options for company apprenticeships. This module experiments with the built in navigation features and serves as a comprehensive information hub for users to browse through.

Informational Training

Informational training videos

The examples below are a few quickly assembled videos on safety topics. Created using Adobe Premiere Pro, they consist of several assets animated with simple transitions for rapid deployment.

Asbestos Awareness and Safety

A short video raising awareness on what to do when Asbestos has been disturbed.

Fire Safety

A short video raising awareness on what to do when a fire breaks out.

Completed Projects

Storyline 360
Rise 360
Premiere Pro – Videos

Employment Timeline

A breakdown of my employment history and ongoing employment.

July 11, 2024

STARK UK – Digital Content Specialist [2018 -2024]

To support the delivery of the Learning and Development strategy through the design and development of engaging and interactive learning solutions via multiple online learning mediums, focused on supporting the achievement of the business goals and future direction.

Utilise curriculum design and break down complex concepts into easy-to-digest pieces of learning in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Ensure all learning solutions fulfil objectives in a clear, well written and creative manner.

Work collaboratively with subject matter experts to produce accurate and high-quality content.

Work with the business to undertake piloting, validation and performance evaluation of training courses to ensure they are and remain, fit for their intended purpose.

Experience with the Learning Management System (LMS). – originally Cornerstone replace with Eloomi at a later date.

Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues to support development and implementation of learning solutions.

Expertise in eLearning authoring and design tools.

Create engaging micro-learning materials/media, including audio, video, interactive eLearning modules, simulations, role plays, games, etc.

2018

Saint-Gobain – Project Trainer [2016-2018]

To support the business in providing solutions and developing requirements for training design, content creation and delivery activity, across all aspects of the business, including new system upgrades and implementation.

Support the creation and delivery of learning solutions, across a range of delivery methods and techniques as required by the business.

Training – assist with planning, material creation, compilation and administration for operations colleagues and central support teams.

When supporting a system or strategic project go-live. Perform on-site support duties post-live, guiding Branch staff through all essential branch tasks after the conversion.

Be the contact on location during project rollouts for training and optimisation.

Evaluate the impact and benefit of all training delivered, and using the outputs of evaluations to continuously improve training effectiveness.

Ensure training venues are clean, tidy, and safe and that equipment is fit for purpose at each site.

Always promote a positive image, complying with all Company policies and procedures.

Promote a positive Health and Safety culture and adhere to all required procedures.

Actively contribute to meetings using system knowledge and processes to add value.

Willingness to travel across the UK and stay overnight for extended periods of time.

Clean driving licence

2016

Yard / Admin / Sales [2014-2016]

For the first two months of my employment at Jewson I started by working in the timber yard, then I was given the opportunity to replace a former member of staff in the office as an admin / sales member. I started part- time before an opportunity to work full- time arose.
 
Responsibility of incoming goods.

Investigate any discrepancies in stock levels.

Adhere to trading standards when dealing with product pricing.

Serving customers over the Counter.

Taking phone calls and speaking directly with customers.

Processing sales orders.

Picking orders from the warehouse.

Booking in deliveries, putting goods away, keeping the whole branch tidy.

Working as part of a tightly-knit team to ensure that the branch runs efficiently and effectively.

Experience with a world class trading system – Kerridge.

Eons ago

The rest is history

During and after completing my university degree, I worked in the restaurant industry as a waiter and barman, gained experience on an assembly line wiring and packing lighting fixtures and initially volunteered at the local library. Which by now, feels like ancient history.

Education Timeline

A breakdown of any significant education completed and ongoing.

2023 – Ongoing

Self-directed and motivated

Originally during my out of work time and later given permission during the quieter periods at work, I had taken the initiative to focus on self-directed development in key areas to enhance my offerings. I was also provided with a year-long subscription to a Udemy personal plan, giving me access to thousands of online courses across a vast array of topics.

Current Focus:
Complete Adobe Premiere Pro Megacourse: Beginner to Expert

Future Plans:
Adobe Illustrator Mega Course – From Beginner to Advanced

Other Interests:
Complete Blender Creator: Learn 3D Modelling for Beginners
The Complete JavaScript Course 2024: From Zero to Expert!

Oct 16, 2021

Tap Certificate in Creating Visual Impact

The Creating Visual Impact training course is designed to help individuals and teams enhance their visual communication skills. This course covers essential principles and practical techniques for creating visually compelling content that captures attention and effectively conveys messages.

Key Learning Objectives
Visual communication and the human brain.
The Gestalt theory of perception.
The power of colour.
The language of typography.
Working with graphics.
Elements of visual design.
Applying principles.

Sept 27, 2019

TAP Certificate in eLearning Design

This course will help L&D professionals, with experience of designing or developing other forms of learning, apply their skills to designing eLearning modules. The course will cover how to add the important human element into online learning and how to create both engaging and effective content.

Key Learning Objectives
Discussion on the drivers for digital transformation and demand-driven learning impacting digital design.

Effective learning design to include ‘think and do’ activities to keep a learner’s attention.

Six-stages of the development process for eLearning.

Design effective and engaging eLearning modules through storytelling and scenarios.

Structure content to create bite-sized eLearning content ‘on demand’.

Experience and knowledge of the leading eLearning tools on the market.

Design an eLearning solution and producde a detailed set of documentation. (stroy board etc.)

2018

Omniplex – eLearning Project Management

Learn who should be involved with the development process.

Learn the different stages of eLearning development:
Ignition, wireframe, blueprint, actualisation and continuation.

Consequences of badly defined project requirements.

Looking over a number of Cast Studies.

2018

Omniplex – Articulate Storyline Training

Discover how to use Articulate Storyline to create innovative and interactive digital learning programmes.

Key Topics
Create compelling, highly interactive eLearning modules within Articulate Storyline 2.

Understanding Basic Slides / Complex Learning Modules.

Learn how to use variables to create dynamic and personalised learning experiences that adapt to a learner’s activity.

How to use conditional branching to create customised assessments and scenarios.

2013

Bachelor of Science: Computer Science (Games Development)

Core aspects of computer science, with a focus on coding and development of creative software including game development

Key Topics
Advanced Web Technologies
Computer Graphics and Artificial Intelligence
Games Development
Object Orientated Programming

Days of old

The rest is history

Although arguabbly no longer relevant I am always willing to tell you more.

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