Green Adventure – A Microlearning Experience for Sustainable Corporate Retreats

Introduction

This case study was developed as part of my training with IDOL Academy, a program dedicated to instructional design excellence. The course topic was carefully selected to reflect the current corporate landscape, where team-building events in natural settings are on the rise, along with the need for greater environmental awareness in line with international sustainability directives and ESG goals.

  • The Problem

    While many corporate teams engage in outdoor events, participants often lack practical guidance on how to act responsibly in natural environments. Despite basic environmental awareness, employees are unsure how to apply sustainable choices in real-time — particularly in areas such as waste disposal, trail use and wildlife interactions.

  • The Goal

    To design a concise, scenario-based course that helps corporate learners make informed, eco-responsible decisions during company retreats, while also encouraging them to lead by example and influence peers in real-world settings.

  • The Product

    A 30-minute microlearning course designed for corporate employees participating in outdoor team-building events. The course delivers real-world, scenario-based learning on how to behave responsibly in natural environments.

  • Project Duration

    March 2025– April 2025

  • My Role

    Instructional Designer | Learning Experience Designer

  • Responsibilities

    - Instructional Designer

    - Storyboard and Scenario Writer

    - Visual and UX Planner

    - Course Authoring in Rise 360

    - Alignment with ESG and sustainability messaging

Instructional Framework

1. Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction

This course was informed by instructional design models like Merrill’s Principles, ensuring a cohesive and effective learning experience:

  • Learners solve real problems they may face during outdoor events.

  • The course begins by activating prior knowledge (e.g. myths about biodegradable waste).

  • Visual simulations, infographics, and interactive scenes show the consequences of poor choices.

  • Learners practice decisions through drag-and-drop games, hotspot activities, and role-playing scenarios.

  • A final reflective pledge helps learners commit to applying sustainable habits post-training.

2. Adult Learning Theory enriched by my background in Montessori education

In both childhood and adulthood, learning thrives when it is authentic, personal and driven by curiosity:

  1. Real-life relevance as a foundation for meaningful learning

  2. Self-directed exploration within a thoughtfully prepared environment

  3. Intrinsic motivation supported by observation, autonomy, and peer modeling

Target Audience

  • Tina is a corporate professional who attends outdoor company events and may act unsustainably out of habit, lack of awareness, or social pressure

    Starting Point: Tina had general environmental awareness but lacked actionable strategies and confidence in applying sustainable practices in group settings.

Learning Objectives (ABCD-Aligned)

  • The learner will be able to identify and dispose of waste in an environmentally responsible way

  • The learner will be able to demonstrate safe trail behavior and respect protected areas

  • The learner will be able to respond ethically in wildlife interactions

  • The learner will be able to lead by example and promote sustainable habits in team settings

… and Performance Goal

  • The amount of waste left behind at corporate team-building events will decrease by 30% by the end of the next fiscal year, as employees apply sustainable practices learned in the training.

Course Structure Overview

Delivered via Rise 360, the course follows a modular, scenario-based flow:

    • Real-world impact visuals

    • Animated before/after scenes of event sites

    • Knowledge activation: “What would you do?” poll

    • Interactive hotspots on waste objects

    • Flashcards on decomposition timelines

    • Myth-busting: "Is biodegradable really harmless?"

    • Interactive infographic of hidden damage (soil, noise, animal stress)

    • Clickable decision points

    • Simulated event scenes with drag-and-drop activities

    • Trail, trash, and wildlife interaction scenarios

    • Knowledge check with applied reflection

    • Role-play activity: responding to unsustainable peer behavior

    • Gamified pledge board

    • Final badge: “Green Ambassador”

Feedback

  • Increased awareness of hidden environmental risks

  • More confidence in influencing team behavior respectfully

  • Appreciation for interactive, story-driven scenarios

The Micro-course:

What I Learned

This project deepened my understanding of how instructional theory, psychological insight, and practical design come together to create relevant, behavior-shaping learning. I saw firsthand how task-centered instruction and real-life simulation increase confidence and commitment.

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