Form 30 Simulation for MassDOT Managers

Empowering managers to document roles accurately through interactive eLearning

🎯 Project Overview

A scenario-based eLearning module developed to support Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) managers in accurately completing the Form 30 — the official position description form used across state agencies. The training presents real-world job update situations and guides learners through appropriate classification decisions, editing tasks, and common form completion pitfalls.

Audience: MassDOT managers and supervisors
Duration: Self-paced (~30–45 minutes)
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Google Docs, SharePoint, Videoscribe, Canva
Instructional Design Models Used: Constructivism, Situated Learning, Scaffolding (ZPD), UDL, Multimedia Learning
Collaborators:
- HR Classification & Compensation Team
- Learning & Development Team
- HR Engagement Team
- HR Business Partners
- Managers from the Highway, RMV, and PES departments
- Labor and Negotiation Team managers

❓ The Problem

Despite Form 30 being a critical HR document, managers often struggled with:

Differentiating when a form update was required (minor change vs. major change vs. new role)
Describing duties clearly and comprehensively
Locating and referencing official guidelines or sample forms
Avoiding vague or outdated job descriptions

Initial review of submitted forms showed frequent omissions and inconsistencies, and there was no formal quality control process in place to catch errors before submission.

✅ The Solution

To address these gaps, the learning solution included:

Three branching scenarios based on common job update types:
- Minor Adjustment (e.g., tools/software change)
- Major Modification (expanded scope or responsibilities)
- New Position (entirely new job)
Interactive editing exercises that mimic the Form 30 structure
Built-in reference library (guidelines, sample forms, JD library)
Voiceover toggle option for accessibility
Knowledge checks with immediate, scenario-specific feedback
Final comparison views showing before/after forms

Experience the Simulation

🔍 Design Process

1. Analysis & Research

Training need was identified based on recurring errors and inconsistencies in submitted Form 30s.
Inquiry meetings were held with stakeholders from HR, Classification, Engagement, and department managers.
Reviewed real Form 30 submissions to identify common issues in duty statements, supervisory roles, and classification triggers.
Consulted policy guidelines and past audits to understand compliance expectations.
Insights were also gathered from new and experienced managers across departments to understand their workflows and barriers.

2. Design Planning & Storyboarding

Developed a detailed storyboard for each scenario, including script, navigation, feedback paths, and media notes.
Designed wireframes and mockups using Canva and Videoscribe for layout, animations, and transitions.
The simulation was structured to follow a real manager’s workflow: email → review resources → edit Form 30 → submit.
Included three cases of increasing complexity to scaffold learning and promote mastery.

3. Scenario Writing & Development

Used real-life job scenarios as the basis for the branching paths: minor update, major modification, and new role creation.
Created interactive components such as drag-and-drop, multiple choice, and error identification activities.
Incorporated multimedia elements (audio, animation, visual cues) to support different learning preferences.
Accessibility and readability were prioritized across all devices with captioning, narration options, and high-contrast visuals.

Instructional design models applied:

Constructivism: Learners solve real problems in context
Situated Learning: Based on actual tasks and processes
Scaffolding (Zone of Proximal Development): Gradually builds challenge
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and WCAG: Inclusive and accessible content
Multimedia Learning Theory: Strategic integration of text, audio, and visual media

4. Collaboration & Feedback Loop

Collaboration involved multiple internal groups, including HR, Learning & Development, departmental managers, and business partners.
Feedback was collected at each stage through meetings, shared documents, and prototype testing.
Suggestions were logged systematically and categorized by content, visual design, accessibility, and technical behavior.
Revisions addressed clarity of instructions, alignment with policy, and smoother navigation.

5. Final Build & Testing

The full course was developed in Articulate Storyline 360.
Videoscribe was used to introduce the course and scenarios through animated sequences.
Accessibility features such as audio toggles, closed captions, and simplified text were built in.
Pilot testing was conducted with representative users across different departments.
Final revisions were based on learner experience feedback regarding pacing, clarity, and navigation.

6. Pre-Launch & Rollout

Prepared course for upload to MassAchieve and initiated coordination for distributing supporting materials via SharePoint.
Final checks included platform compatibility, resource linking, and announcement planning.
A post-launch monitoring plan was created to gather usage metrics, learner feedback, and update needs.

📁 Supporting Resources Created

Blank Form 30

Sample Completed Form 30

Instructions for Submission

Handouts

📈 Results & Feedback

“I finally understand what’s expected from Form 30 and how to get it right.”
“Really like the voice toggle and clear examples — great for our new hires.”

✍️ Takeaways

Multi-team collaboration grounded the course in practical realities across departments
Scenarios created a safe space for mistakes, feedback, and application
Action-based design led to better retention than policy explanation alone
The design benefited from a structured, version-controlled feedback process

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