3.1 Choosing the Rights Tools and Platform

The right tool for building your branching scenario depends on what you hope to achieve, how much experience you have, and your comfort with technical applications. Chapter 2 emphasized starting with learners in mind. This also applies to selecting the right tool: choose one that supports the kind of feedback, engagement, assessment that will benefit your learners the most.

Branching scenarios can be implemented using various tools and formats, such as:

• Digital Platforms: Software like Twine, H5P, or Articulate Storyline (a subscription-based e-learning software) allows educators to create interactive scenarios that can be shared with learners or embedded into a Learning Management System (LMS).
• Analog and Lower-tech Methods: Non-digital (i.e., paper-based) or slide presentation-based branching scenarios might seem lower-tech, but can still be highly effective, especially as a component of in-class discussions or workshops.
• Hybrid Approaches: Combining digital and in-person activities fosters collaboration and engagement, while allowing flexibility in delivery.

Read the following sections for more help with deciding which way to go.

3.1.1 Digital Platforms

Digital branching scenarios offer a dynamic and responsive way for learners to engage with complex decision-making processes. Tools like Twine, H5P, or Articulate Storyline let educators build narratives where choices shape outcomes and trigger automated feedback.

While basic text-based scenarios (e.g., think of the “old school” adventure games of the 1980s), are a good starting point, many tools support multimedia – images, audio, and video – that create more immersive and engaging experiences.  

An advantage of digital branching scenarios is that they are asynchronous and self-paced. Learners can revisit scenarios multiple times, exploring different outcomes, and “try again” to learn from mistakes without time pressure.

Digital platforms offer scalability and reusability across courses and semesters with minimal updates, making them ideal for scenario-based, simulation, or problem-solving learning. 

However, developing digital scenarios does require some level of technical skill and time investment.  When choosing a platform, consider accessibility, institutional support, and what kind of learning curve you are comfortable with. 

🔎 USask Lens 

At USask, educators have supported access to H5P and Canvas. See section 3.3 Creating Branching Scenarios with H5P for more information.

3.1.2 Analog and Lower-Tech Methods

Although digital tools provide interactivity, non-digital (i.e., paper-based) or lower-tech slide presentation-based branching scenarios can be just as effective – especially in face-to-face or low-tech settings. Printed scenarios, flowcharts, decision trees, and role-playing exercises promote critical thinking and are ideal for group discussions where learners can collaborate, debate, and justify their decisions.

These analog and lower-tech approaches offer greater flexibility and improvisation. Instructors can adapt scenarios in real time, respond to learner responses, or add new challenges on the spot. For example, using a “Choose Your Own Adventure“-style handout or PowerPoint-based scenarios allow learners to make decisions and reflect as a group.

These formats offer ease of creation and accessibility. They do not require technical expertise or specialized software. This makes them an ideal starting point for instructors new to branching scenarios or teaching environments where technology access is limited. They can serve as low-tech prototypes for future digital versions, helping refine content before investing in more complex tools. 

3.1.3 Hybrid Approaches 

A blended approach that combines digital and analog elements can maximize the benefits of both formats. For example, instructors might start with an in-class discussion or role-play, then move to a digital scenario for self-paced exploration – combining collaboration with independent learning.

An effective hybrid strategy is having learners design their own branching scenarios on paper, mapping out decision paths in groups. Once refined, they can use tools like Twine or H5P to build a digital version, reinforcing both content knowledge and digital literacy skills.

Hybrid strategies help scaffold learning experiences. Starting with guided, paper-based activities before moving to digital formats ensures learners understand core concepts and supports different learning needs and tech levels.

3.1.4 Conclusion 

Ultimately, choosing the right approach – digital, analog, or hybrid – depends on the learning outcomes, available resources, and learner needs. A well-designed branching scenario, regardless of format, will help to foster active learning, critical thinking, and decision-making skills that enhance learner engagement and understanding. 

🌐 Web Resources 

Explore the following link from Christy Tucker and Experiencing Elearning for more information:

• Combining branching scenarios with other approaches for better results