The document discusses various levels of interactivity in e-learning content development, ranging from passive formats with minimal learner engagement to highly interactive simulations and game-based learning. It outlines four interactivity levels: passive, limited, moderate, and advanced, detailing the characteristics and suitable applications for each level. Effective e-learning design should align the interactivity level with corporate objectives, content nature, and learner needs to optimize engagement and learning outcomes.

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eLearning Content Development |Code and Pixels
Tables of Contents
Development Levels- eContent development ............................................................................................... 1
Which levels of interactivity do you need?.................................................................................................... 1
Level 1. Passive-no interaction ....................................................................................................................... 2
Level 2. Limited interaction ............................................................................................................................ 2
Level 3. Moderate interaction ........................................................................................................................ 4
Level 4. Simulation and game-based learning ............................................................................................... 4
Following activities involved in development of e-Lessons .......................................................................... 5
Development Levels- eContent development
If you are using eLearning resources, planning to develop courses/Computer Based
Course, you should know that eLearning courses can be classified according to the level
of interactivity offered.
According to these levels of interactivity you can determine how interactive you want
your eLearning courses to be. (it can be CBT/WBT/Econtent/HTML 5 based course).
Therefore, if you are just looking to distribute basic information, a simple page- turner
course could meet your requirements.
However, if you are looking for an actual engagement and interaction by the learner, a
more interactive eLearning course is a must-have.
Using the right amount of interactivity is key.
Not necessarily the more interactive the course, the more effective it will be. Use the
right type of interaction according to your needs and objectives.
Which levels of interactivity do you need?
The interaction level that fits the most for your company and your corporate objectives is based on
many factors, for example:
The nature of the content
Your technological infrastructure
Budget
Target audience
Level of Interaction: is a metric used in eLearning that refers to concepts such as user
interaction, complexity and level of sophistication of the course.
Let's look at the details:
codeandpixels.net/development-levels-econtent-development

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Level 1. Passive-no interaction
This level is what is commonly referred to as ‘page-turners'. The course is linear and could be
considered basic training, in which the student acts only as an information receiver.
Basically, the sequence of screens is fixed and the student cannot choose the order in which you
want to see the content, return to a previous topic or browse freely. How ever it can be effective
for communicating simple concepts, and is relatively inexpensive to develop.
At this level learners do not interact with resources, they just have:
Graphics, images and simple animations Rollovers
Basic quiz questions
Some refer to level 1 e-learning as the “click next” style of e-learning. It has very low
amounts of interactivity (i.e., clicking the Next button is as interactive as it typically
gets) and there is a lot of static text and images.
Level 1 quizzes are usually basic multiple-choice and true-or-false questions. Level 1 e-
learning, while basic, does have its place: it can be a quick and inexpensive way to cover
simple rules or procedures.
This type of courses or CBTs are used For non technical courses i.e. HR Rules, Company
policies, new employees Orientation classes etc.. which deals with Knowledge transfer.
Level 2. Limited interaction
In this case, the course continues to be basic, but the student has more control over their
training; they have the ability to do more than just watch, read and navigate. This level is used
for non-complex operations and maintenance lessons.
At level 2, e-learning courses start to have richer multimedia. Courses at this level

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typically contain some audio and video, as well as some basic animations and
transitions. This level of content is also often accompanied by narration and activities
such as “click and reveal” interactions.
Typical level 2 quizzes are drag-and-drops and matching activities.
Level 2 e-learning is often used because it’s a nice middle ground that offers a richer
experience for the learner without too much development expense (comparatively) for
the designer.
At this level learners interact with resources such as:
Clickable animated graphics
Navigation expands to menus, glossaries, and links to external resources. Often
includes simple exercises (i.e. drag-and-drop, matching, and identification
components). Audio and video.
At this level learners interact with resources such as:
Clickable animated graphics
Navigation expands to menus, glossaries, and links to external resources. Often
includes simple exercises (i.e., drag-and-drop, matching, and identification
components).
Audio and video.
Clickable animated graphics
This level is best for courses that are intended to support on-the-job-performance or when
importance is more on the skill development (Software simulations using Demo, Practice,
Perform/Hands-on), animated character animations, video documentaries real life scenarios
etc.

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Level 3. Moderate interaction
At Level 3 there is a high degree of complexity and customization of the course. In addition
the student has more control over their training and perceives the course as a participative and
dynamic activity and not just a presentation of content.
This level is a favorite in the industry mainly because it optimized the balance between active
learning and development time. Some resources:
Animated Videos, Customised Audio recording, Complex simulations where the learners
enter data into fields, Scenario-based cases, Custom Flash Animations where learners
have the ability to investigate, Character Animation, Game Based learning. 3d Animations,
Voice over, Video
Level 4. Simulation and game-based learning
This level gives the highest degree of interaction by the student.
The course includes simulations and the contents are transmitted through the use of educational
games to keep the student motivated.
Real-time learning.
Use of gaming technology.
3D simulations: for example, software or hardware simulations and serious games.
Includes variety of multimedia (i.e., custom videos and interactive 3D objects).
Basically, involves all of the elements of levels 1, 2, and 3 plus recharged interactivity;

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and greater levels of sophistication.
For technical courses i.e., Equipment's/device explanation, walkthrough, 3d views,
hands on practice, software simulations where High level of interactivity is required to
engage user or disseminate knowledge
AR and VR, 3d Simulations, interactive 3d Objects etc.
Following activities involved in development of e-Lessons
Description Examples of interactivity
Level- Informational e-Lessons, focus on awareness Linear
1 Provides information, with simple interactivities Back/Next
like rollovers. The information is presented in a navigation
linear format through a combination of text and Multiple
simple photographs. Select/Single
Graphics include simple text animations and Select Questions
are not created afresh (for example, clip art True/False
and screenshots). Questions
Audio may be up to 50% of the text in the Drag-and-
screen. Drop/Multiple
Select/Single
Select Questions
to facilitate
recalling
Case study
given as
Example

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Description Examples of interactivity
Level- Procedural e-Lessons, focus on application of Drag-and-Drop/
2 knowledge and skills Flip chart/
Provides information and a fair degree of Multiple
interactivity. Information may be presented in a Select/Single
non-linear format. Select Questions
The design comprises elements (mostly to explain/test
photographs with some illustrations) that understanding
enhance the learning experience and includes concepts
multimedia elements like customized vector Fill in the blank
illustrations, 2D animations that are created questions
specifically for the program. short
The e-Lesson will include audio / video. answer/reflective
Logical and Conditional Branching of screens. practice
Discovery learning will be the instructional questions
designing approach. Software
Application
simulations for
demo
Simple scenario
based learning
(Offline case
study)
Scored
Assessment
(Questions from
a question bank)
Description Examples of interactivity
Level- Analytical contents, focus on Decision making Scenario based
3 Offers a high degree of interaction and learning with
provides real-life/application-oriented training. conditional
It also offers multiple paths to accomplish an branching
objective, and fosters learning by doing and Story-Based
learning through mistakes. Learning
Methodology (With
animations)
The design comprises elements that enhance
the learning experience and includes rich
multimedia elements like illustrations and Simple games
animations that are created specifically for the such as
program. hangman, tic-
The e-Lesson will include higher proportion of tac-toe, word
audio/video. search etc.
Multiple branches (two to three levels) and (Game lets)
rapid response is provided to support Calculations and
remediation. cross checking
Simulations can be presented via graphics, etc.
including complex images and animation. Online case
Instructional design techniques for study with online
engagement in a complex interaction include feedback and
complex simulations where the learner must opportunity for
enter actual data into fields and experience user to revise
consequence for errors and faulty data. In their responses.
addition, scenario-based branching logic is ‘What-if’ type of

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introduced. When using branching logic, exercises.
learners experience some kind of jeopardy for Chain-effect
incorrect responses, and their progress is situations
determined by their decision. Software
Application
simulations for
exercise