Click the image to watch a step-by-step guide on using the Jump to Time trigger to control video in Storyline 360.
How to Use Jump-to-Time Trigger to Control Video in Storyline 360
Articulate Storyline 360 is a powerful eLearning authoring tool that enables instructional designers and eLearning developers to build courses, simulations, quizzes, and other learning content for various devices.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to use the Jump-to-Time trigger in Storyline 360 to control video playback and create custom eLearning experiences.
What is a Jump-to-Time Trigger Storyline 360?
The Jump-to-Time trigger allows you to control the playback of a video by specifying a particular time (in seconds) to jump to. This is particularly useful if you want to create custom navigation within a video, such as skipping to a certain section, or resuming the video from a specific point based on user interaction.
For instance, you may want to:
✔ Skip the introduction and jump to a particular section of a training video.
✔ Allow users to skip ahead to a different part of a tutorial by clicking a button.
✔ Resume playback from where they left off.
Step-by-Step Process – How to Use the Jump-to-Time Trigger in Storyline 360 Project
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the Jump-to-Time trigger in Storyline 360:
Step 1: Insert Your Video into Storyline 360
To begin, open Articulate Storyline 360 and creating a New Project.
1. In the ribbon at the top, click Insert.
2. Select Video > Video from file.
3. In the dialog box, browse your computer and select the video file you want to use.
4. Click Open to insert the video onto your slide.
Video is embedded and ready for interactive functionality.
Step 2: Add Forward and Backward Buttons
Create two navigation buttons—Forward and Backward—to control the video timeline using Jump-to-Time triggers.
1. Go to the Insert tab and click Button to add two buttons to your slide.
2. Label one button Forward and the other Backward.
a. Set Up the Forward Button Trigger
1. Select the Forward button.
2. Click Create a new trigger.
3. Set the action to Jump to time / cue point.
4. For Time, select +5 seconds to move the video forward.
5. Set When to: User clicks Forward button.
6. (Optional) Check Play timeline if you want the video to continue after jumping.
7. Click OK.
b. Set Up the Backward Button Trigger
1. Select the Backward button.
2. Click Create a new trigger.
3. Set the action to Jump to time / cue point.
4. For Time, enter -5 seconds to rewind the video.
5. Set When to: User clicks Backward button.
6. (Optional) Check Play timeline.
7. Click OK.
Step 3: Preview and Test Your Interactive Video Triggers
1. Watch the example to see how the Jump-to-Time Trigger lets you move to different parts of the video. Use the buttons to go forward or Backward by 5 seconds.
Why Use Jump-to-Time Triggers in eLearning?
The Jump-to-Time trigger is one of the best features in Storyline 360 for creating interactive eLearning courses for several reasons:
Personalized Learning:
It allows you to create custom learning experiences, enabling learners to jump directly to the content that matters most to them.
Improved Engagement:
Interactivity boosts engagement, and by allowing learners to control video playback, you increase their involvement in the learning process.
Efficient Navigation:
For longer training videos, the ability to jump to specific points saves time and enhances the learner’s experience.
Better Knowledge Retention:
Directing learners to key sections for review or assessment can improve retention and comprehension.
Scenarios for Using Jump-to-Time Triggers in Custom eLearning
Jump-to-Time triggers in Articulate Storyline 360 offer flexible ways to enhance video-based eLearning. Here are some scenarios where this feature can elevate the learner experience:
1. Interactive Training Videos:
Enable learners to click buttons that let them explore specific sections of a video based on their needs or interests. This empowers self-directed learning and increases engagement with the content.
2. Scenario-Based Learning:
Create interactive paths within videos where learners can make choices that determine what happens next. For instance, in a safety training module, users can jump directly to the section relevant to their role or the protocol they want to learn about.
3. Video Quizzes and Assessments:
After watching a video segment, present a quiz question. Based on the learner’s response, use a Jump-to-Time trigger to redirect them to a detailed explanation or a relevant part of the video for review and reinforcement.
4. Skip or Review Content:
Allow learners to bypass long introductions or repetitive content by jumping straight to the core material. You can also offer the option to revisit key moments for review before progressing.
Best Practices for Using Jump-to-Time Triggers
To maximize the effectiveness of this feature in eLearning course design, follow these tips:
1. Use Accurate Timestamps:
When specifying the time for the trigger, ensure that you’re setting it to a point where the content makes sense. It’s a good idea to have an accurate timestamp of your video’s content.
2. Offer User Control:
Consider giving users more control over the video. If you are using the Jump-to-Time trigger for skipping sections, make sure users can choose the sections they want to jump to.
3. Test Across Devices:
If you’re publishing to HTML5 for mobile devices, always test to ensure that the video control features work across different devices and browsers.
4. Maintain Flow Consistency:
Make sure that the trigger timings are consistent with the content flow. Jumping too quickly or abruptly to different parts of the video may confuse users.
Advanced Tips for Using Jump-to-Time Triggers
1. Combine with Variables for Dynamic Content
Storyline 360 allows you to use variables in conjunction with Jump-to-Time Triggers. This can enable dynamic branching scenarios where the video content adapts based on user decisions or quiz results.
For example, if a learner chooses an incorrect answer in a quiz, the Jump-to-Time trigger can be set to return them to the video’s explanation section to reinforce the correct information.
2. Create Interactive Video-Based Scenarios
Incorporate interactive video by adding multiple jump points based on user choices. For example, after watching a section of the video, learners could make decisions that influence the next video timestamp they’ll be directed to.
3. Use with Quizzes and Assessments
Integrate the Jump-to-Time Trigger with quizzes and assessments. After learners take a quiz, the video could jump to a relevant section that reviews their incorrect answers or provides additional information.
Summary
Incorporating the Jump-to-Time trigger in Articulate Storyline 360 can take your eLearning development to the next level. Whether you’re building interactive compliance training, video-based tutorials, or custom assessments, this feature enhances learner engagement, supports personalized learning, and helps create a more effective digital learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Jump-to-Time trigger in Articulate Storyline 360?
A. The Jump-to-Time trigger is a feature in Storyline 360 that lets you control video playback by jumping to specific timecodes on a timeline, enabling precise video interactivity.
Q2. When should you use the Jump-to-Time trigger in eLearning design?
A. Use this trigger when you need learners to revisit key video moments, skip ahead after completing a quiz, or when implementing scenario-based branching with video elements.
Explore our full range of Articulate Storyline 360 tutorials here: https://www.swiftelearningservices.com/articulate-storyline-360-free-tutorials/
Q3. What are the benefits of using Jump-to-Time in corporate training videos?
A. It enhances learner control, allows easy video navigation, and supports scenario branching—all of which boost engagement and retention in corporate training environments.
Q4. Why is Jump-to-Time useful for custom eLearning course design?
A. It enables custom branching, decision-making simulations, and microlearning elements within a single video asset, streamlining development and enhancing interactivity.
For more information, please visit our Custom eLearning Development Services page.
Q5. Why is Jump-to-Time useful for compliance training videos?
A. It allows learners to review critical segments like policies or legal disclaimers and ensures understanding through forced video playback or return-to-section triggers.
Q6. How can I use Jump-to-Time with buttons or hotspots?
A. You can assign Jump-to-Time triggers to buttons, hotspots, or quiz results to let users control video playback based on their interactions or decisions.
Q7. How do you set up a Jump-to-Time trigger in Storyline 360?
A. To set it up, go to the Triggers panel → select “Jump to time / cue point on this slide” → specify the exact time (in seconds) → choose the object or condition that triggers it.
