Lectora e-Learning Lesson: Keep Score in Your e-Learning Course Using Variables

In a recent e-Learning webinar, Diane Elkins from Artisan E-Learning shared how you can easily add a running score to a game in your e-Learning course to make it an interactive and competitive learning experience.First, you need to consider these three elements:

  1. Choose a question type. These questions can be a simple yes or no answer or more complex. It’s up to you.
  2. Use a variable to track the score. When tracking two scores you will need two variables.
  3. Decide how you will display the score.

Now it’s time to put these elements into action! In Elkins' example, she uses simple question types and keeps score in the form of a football scoreboard using text boxes.

To create a running score, Diane shares how you can easily add this into your own course using these steps:Create a Variable to hold the score. You can easily do this by using the Variable Manager button. Next, you will want to add the first Variable and name it. In the example below, she uses _Score_Home and sets the initial value at 0.

If you want to have two running scores, you will need two variables. In her example, she adds a second variable for the visitor’s score. She names it _Score_Visitor and sets the initial value at 0.Add an Action to the correct answer. In this example, “NO” is the correct response. To add the action in this example, go to your action properties and follow the example below.

As you can see, this will give the score to the “Home” team because it was answered correctly. In the Value box, add how many points should be added to the home team score.You will also need to set up an action on the incorrect answer to add points to the visitor score. Follow the same steps above, but choose the _Score_Visitor Variable in the Target section.

This is just one example of how you can add a score into your next e-Learning course to create interactivity and fun for your learners. To watch the full video and to learn more tips and tricks on how to add a score to your game visit, Use Variables to Keep a Score in Lectora.