Branching blocks let you create multiple paths that a learner can follow, with different blocks or content assigned to each branch. When a viewer reaches a branching block, they see a question with answer options, and their choice determines which path they continue on.
This is useful for building decision-based learning, assessments, or any experience where learners need to explore different outcomes based on their choices.
There are two types of branching blocks:
- A Simple branching block shows the learner a question and multiple options where they can only pick one.
- Conditional branching allows the learner to pick multiple answers, and you can direct them to different paths based on what combination of answers they pick using 'AND' and exclusive 'OR' conditions.
To create a branching block, click 'New block' or hover over an existing block > click the plus icon > select ‘Branching’. A new window will pop up where you can select the type of branching:
Simple branching blocks
Simple branching blocks present the learner with a question and multiple options, where they can only pick 1. Each creates its own path (branch), and the learner's path is determined by which option they choose.
- Use the ‘Title’ field to enter a question or provide context for different choices the learner can make.
- Use the ‘Branch’ fields to set different choices that will be presented to the learner. Each option will create a new path (branch).
- Click ‘Add branch’ to add another option/branch.
Conditional branching blocks
Unlike simple branching, conditional branching blocks allow the learner to pick multiple answers, and you can direct them down a different path based on what answers they selected. To create a conditional branching block, you need to consider 4 questions:
- What question or choice do you want to present to the learner?
- What options can the learner pick?
- How many outcomes do you want to create (for example: 'Wrong answer', 'Good answer', 'Perfect answer')? Each outcome will be a different branch/path, normally followed up by different content.
- What combination(s) of answers leads to each path?
We recommend using conditional branching blocks if you need to use combinations of answers to determine the learner's path. If each branch is associated with only 1 answer, you can use simple branching instead.
Once you are ready, create a new branching block, click 'Simple branching' and choose the 'Conditional branching' option instead, then fill out the form:
Creating conditional branching blocks
- Create a new branching block, click 'Simple branching' and choose the 'Conditional branching' option instead,
- Enter the question in the 'Question' field. You can also describe a situation instead of asking a direct question.
- Enter the answers/choices the learner will see into the 'Answers' fields. Use 'Add answer' if you need to add more options.
Note that each answer is denoted by a letter (A, B, C, etc.) for easier reference. These letters are used in the editor interface only, the learner will not see them. - Use the 'Add branch' button to add the desired number of branches. Each branch is denoted as #B1, #B2, etc. for easier reference.
- Click the 'Edit' button next to each branch to choose a condition for the branch - a combination(s) of answers that will lead the learner to this branch. Conditions are described in more detail below.
- The Else branch is an additional branch that handles any combinations of answers that do not meet the conditions for other branches; it's a fallback branch. It cannot be removed.
How conditions work
Conditions let you pick combinations of answers that will direct the learner to a certain branch. For example, if you select answers A and B as a condition for branch #B1, then the learner will be directed to this branch if 1) they select answers A and B and 2) do not select any other answers.
You can add multiple conditions for each branch. For example, in the screenshot below the learner will be directed to branch this branch if they select answers A and B without selecting any other option, or if they select answer A only:
The conditions will be displayed next to each branch (and shown on top of the branch block in the editor interface):
Note that if you set multiple conditions for a branch, they will be exclusive. In other words, the learner will be directed to that branch if they meet only one of the conditions. In the screenshot above, the learner will be directed to branch #B1 if they select answer C without selecting any other answers or answers A and B without selecting C. If the learner selects A, B and C they will be directed to the Else branch.
Note that you cannot set the same condition for multiple branches, as we would not be able to determine which path the learner should follow.
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