Software Walkthrough Simulation

Problem

Gradesync is a university-built tool developed by the IT department to address a key limitation in the Instructure Canvas LMS: the inability to convert overall weighted grades into final letter grades via API integration with the institution’s grading system, S.A.I.L. As a result, faculty were required to manually input final letter grades into S.A.I.L—a time-sensitive process that effected efficiency of faculty time.

Because this tool originated from the IT department, my instructional design team was tasked with creating a training solution to ensure faculty could successfully use Gradesync before the next grading cycle. However, the rollout timeline was extremely limited, leaving just five business days to design, build, and deploy a university-wide training resource.

To avoid scheduling live workshops that would stretch our small team thin, I proposed creating a self-paced learning simulation. This approach would offer consistent, scalable training and reach all instructors—regardless of schedule—before the grade submission deadline. The task of designing, developing, and marketing the simulation across the university fell entirely to me within the tight five-day window.
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Solution

To address the urgency of the grading deadline and the need to scale training across the university, I designed and developed a self-paced, interactive simulation in Storyline 360 that walks faculty through each step of the Gradesync process. The goal was to equip instructors with the knowledge and confidence to submit final letter grades independently—without requiring live workshops or direct support from the instructional design team.

The simulation guides users through preparing grades in Canvas, accessing the Gradesync interface, and verifying successful submission to S.A.I.L., using a task-based workflow supported by clear narration, visual cues, and interactive hotspots. The training is structured around Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction, with a scenario-based quiz at the end to reinforce key decisions faculty may face during grade submission.

Due to the limited time and budget, the simulation was developed using static avatars within Storyline 360 instead of AI-generated avatars through tools like Synthesia or ElevenLabs. Despite these constraints, the final product is WCAG 2.1 AA–compliant, incorporating text-to-speech functionality, closed captions, keyboard-accessible navigation, and a downloadable job aid to support just-in-time performance.

Process

This project followed the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) to meet the urgent five-day turnaround. SAM allowed for rapid prototyping, early design feedback, and iterative adjustments while moving quickly from planning to deployment.

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1. Preparation Phase

The project kicked off with a rapid planning session between the instructional design team and stakeholders from both the IT and registrar departments. We clarified the workflow that faculty needed to learn, identified pain points in the new Gradesync process, and prioritized clarity and self-paced support as non-negotiables for the training solution.

Learning Goal: Faculty will accurately complete the final grade submission workflow, including letter grade entry, F-grade documentation, and verification within the S.A.I.L. system using the Gradesync tool. The storyboard includes these goals as learning objectives, integrating bloom's taxonomy.

Key Performance Indicator: 90% of faculty who complete the training will report successful grade submission without requiring one-on-one support.

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2. Iterative Design & Development

Using Storyline 360, I rapidly developed a prototype based on real screenshots and interface logic from Canvas and the Gradesync tool. Before building in Storyline, I created a detailed storyboard outlining each screen, interaction, narration, and accessibility feature. This storyboard was shared with internal stakeholders to collect early feedback and align expectations across teams. Their input informed adjustments to tone, pacing, and user guidance before development began. In parallel, I used Figma to design wireframes for the webpage that would house the simulation.

The initial prototype included narrated guidance using a static avatar named Nicole, interactive hotspots, and contextual help layers. Within 24 hours, I reviewed the first draft of the simulation with stakeholders and incorporated micro-iterations based on their feedback. This iterative process ensured the content was instructionally sound, accessible, and visually intuitive. I followed the WCAG guidlines to integrate accessibility throughout the development.

3. Implementation

Once approved, the simulation was published as a SCORM package and uploaded to the university website. A webpage was created specifically for the tool and its job aide.

To ensure faculty were aware of the new training, I led a short internal marketing campaign that included targeted emails, digital flyers, and placement in our faculty newsletter. The simulation was designed to be accessed asynchronously and used flexibly across colleges and departments.

4. Evaluation

Evaluation was conducted using a combination of qualititative data, website analytics, and help desk ticket monitoring. Faculty overwhelmingly reported that the simulation improved their confidence and understanding of the Gradesync tool. Most importantly, we observed a 60% reduction in grade submission–related support tickets compared to the previous term. Based on this success, the training will now be deployed at both midterm and final grading periods and included in onboarding materials for new faculty.

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