Looking for a way to ensure learners complete an activity before moving to the next slide in Articulate Storyline 360? One effective solution is to use Microsoft Forms verification codes. By combining Microsoft Forms with Storyline 360, you can create a code-based navigation system that requires learners to enter a correct verification code before they can continue.
Click Preview to watch the how to Unlock the Next Slide in Storyline 360 Using Microsoft Forms Verification Codes.
This method is particularly useful for compliance training, assessments, workshops and instructor-led activities where learners must complete an external task before progressing.
In this blog, you’ll learn how to create code-based navigation in Storyline 360 using Microsoft Forms and then embed the interaction into an Articulate Rise 360 course.
Why Use Verification Codes in Storyline 360?
Verification codes add an extra layer of learner validation. Instead of simply clicking a Next button, learners must complete a task and enter a unique code before they can continue.
- Ensure learners complete a required activity.
- Prevent learners from skipping important content.
- Validate participation in external forms or surveys.
- Create a controlled learning path.
- Improve learner engagement and accountability.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Verification Code Activity in Storyline 360
Create a Verification Code Activity in Storyline 360
Step 1: Create a Microsoft Form with a Verification Code
Before working in Storyline 360, create a Microsoft Form that learners must complete.
Best Practices
- Add your questions or survey fields
- Display a unique verification code in the confirmation message after form submission
- Make the code easy to read and enter
Once your form is ready, copy the Microsoft Forms URL.
Step 2: Insert Microsoft Forms into Storyline 360
Open your Articulate Storyline 360 project and navigate to the slide where you want learners to complete the form.
Add the Form as a Web Object
- Select the Insert tab
- Click Web Object
- Copy the Microsoft Forms URL you created earlier
- Paste the URL into the Web Address field
- Click OK
Resize the web object to fit your slide layout.
Learners will now be able to access and complete the Microsoft Form directly within the Storyline 360 course.
Step 3: Create a Text Entry Field
Next, create a field where learners can enter the verification code received after submitting the form.
- Go to Insert > Data Entry > Text Entry
- Place the text entry box on the slide
- Create a text variable to store the learner’s input
This variable will be used to compare the entered code with the correct verification code.
Step 4: Add a Submit Button
- Insert a button labeled Submit Code. Learners will click this button after entering their verification code
- The button will trigger the validation process and determine whether the learner can proceed
Step 5: Create an Incorrect Feedback Layer
To provide feedback when an incorrect code is entered:
- Open the Slide Layers panel
- Create a new layer named Incorrect
- Add a message such as: “Incorrect code. Please check the code provided after submitting the Microsoft Form and try again.“
- Add a Close button so learners can return and try again
This ensures learners receive clear guidance if they enter the wrong code.
Step 6: Add Triggers for Code Validation
Now it’s time to configure the navigation logic.
Trigger 1: Move to the Next Slide
Create a trigger that:
- Jumps to the next slide
- Runs when the learner clicks the Submit button
- Checks whether the entered code matches the correct verification code
When the code is correct, the learner can continue to the next slide.
Trigger 2: Show the Incorrect Layer
Create another trigger that:
- Shows the Incorrect layer
- Runs when the learner clicks the Submit button
- Activates when the entered code does not match the verification code
This provides immediate feedback and prevents unauthorized progression.
Step 7: Test the Interaction
Preview Storyline 360 course and test both scenarios:
- Enter the correct code and confirm that the next slide opens
- Enter an incorrect code and verify that the feedback layer appears
Testing ensures the interaction works as expected before publishing.
Embed the Storyline 360 Interaction to Rise 360
Step 8: Publish the Storyline 360 Course
Once testing is complete:
- Publish the course to Review 360
- Wait for the upload to finish
The Storyline 360 interaction is now ready to be added to Rise 360.
Step 9: Open Rise 360
- Launch Articulate Rise 360
- Open the course where you want to embed the interaction
Step 10: Add a Block
- Navigate to the lesson
- Click Add Block
- Open the Interactive category
- Select Storyline 360
Step 11: Insert the Published Storyline 360 Project
- Click Browse Review 360
- Select the published Storyline 360 course
- Insert it into the lesson
Step 12: Add a Continue Button
- Add a Continue Divider block below the Storyline 360 interaction
- Open the Continue button settings
Step 13: Lock Progress Until Completion
- Set the Continue button to: Complete Block Directly Above
- This prevents learners from continuing until the Storyline 360 interaction is completed successfully
Step 14: Preview the Rise Course
- Preview the course
- Complete the Microsoft Form
- Enter the correct verification code in Storyline 360
- Confirm that the Continue button unlocks only after successful code verification
Benefits of Using Microsoft Forms Verification Codes in Storyline 360
This approach offers several advantages:
- Ensures learner participation.
- Creates secure progression controls.
- Supports compliance and certification workflows.
- Integrates easily with existing Microsoft 365 tools.
- Works smoothly within both Storyline 360 and Rise 360.
Summary
Using Microsoft Forms verification codes in Articulate Storyline 360 is a simple and effective way to create code-based navigation. Learners must complete a Microsoft Form, obtain a verification code and enter it correctly before progressing through the course.
When combined with Articulate Rise 360 and locked Continue buttons, this method provides a powerful way to enforce course completion requirements and improve learner accountability.
Whether you’re building compliance training, onboarding programs, or certification courses, this solution offers an easy-to-implement and highly effective learner validation process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Microsoft Forms be embedded in Storyline 360?
Yes, Microsoft Forms can be embedded in Storyline 360 using the Web Object feature. This allows learners to complete forms directly within the course without leaving the learning environment.
Why use verification codes in eLearning courses?
Verification codes help ensure learner participation and completion of required activities before allowing access to the next section of a course. They are commonly used in compliance training, workshops, and certification programs.
Does this method work for virtual instructor-led training (VILT)?
Yes. Trainers can provide a verification code during a live session, requiring learners to enter it in the course before proceeding.
Is Microsoft Forms free to use with Storyline 360?
Microsoft Forms is included with many Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making it an accessible option for creating verification and data collection activities.
How do I add a web object in Storyline 360?
To add a web object in Storyline 360, go to the Insert tab, select Web Object, enter the URL of the web page or form you want to display, and click OK.
