Microbiology Streak Plate Procedure Activity

Introducing the Streak Plate Procedure Activity

This project, the Streak Plate Procedure e-learning module, is designed to introduce or review the essential laboratory skill of creating a streak plate. This lesson guides learners through a sequence of steps to ensure a successful outcome, using Storyline 360's interactive features to keep the content engaging.

Key Features of the Streak Plate Procedure e-Learning Activity

• Flip cards to introduce materials and define key terms.

• Video demonstration of the skill in real-world context.

• Audio voiceover for explanation to enhance on-screen text.

• Drag-and-drop interactions to simulate the streak plating process.

The Instructional Design Process

Before beginning, I determined that this activity would be used as an introduction or simple review of the streak plate procedure. I decided to keep the goals simple, since I only had a short time to design and develop the project during the free trial period of the software. Accordingly, the learning goals would be placed in the remember and understand levels of Bloom's Taxonomy. Since it is an introduction, this activity does not include a summative assessment.

Using backward design, I began by defining the learning goals:

1. Understand the purpose of creating a streak plate.

2. Describe the steps involved in creating a streak plate.

From these goals, I worked backwards to map out the sequence of information presentation and designed activities to guide learners through the process. In this project, I did not consult an outside subject matter expert, since I was drawing on personal expertise.

Using Canva, I created a storyboard to visualize the lesson and wrote the voiceover script concurrently. I used graphic elements to build a science-themed background that would set the scene without distracting from the active objects. I created custom graphics to depict changes in the petri dish at different stages in the streaking process.

Next, I built a prototype in Storyline 360

As I constructed the slides, I was able to preview and test activities frequently. I practiced creating flip cards and drag-and-drop interactions. I designed graphics with different appearances for objects in normal, hover, and dropped states. I had a blast learning how to use Storyline 360's animation, interaction, and navigation features.

Review and Iteration

Once I had a complete draft prepared, I asked a science education colleague to test it. After receiving her feedback, I made some adjustments and added a voiceover track. To save time, I used the text-to-speech feature of Storyline 360. The AI voiceover was not as robotic as I thought it might be, although it is noticeably not human.

Try the Streak Plate Activity and Tell Me What You Think

My journey of learning Storyline 360 and creating this Streak Plate Procedure activity has been incredibly enjoyable and rewarding. By combining interactive elements and a structured design process, I have developed a resource that I hope educates and engages learners. While it does not replace the experience of creating a streak plate by hand, perhaps it piques the curiosity of a future microbiologist.

If you're an educator, e-learning enthusiast, or just curious about what can be done with Storyline 360, I invite you to check out my Streak Plate Procedure project. I would love to know what you think.