✨ Genially: The Canva of eLearning✨

💡 My Game-Changing Discovery

We all have those "aha!" moments with tools that make our workflow smoother and more creative. Canva was that tool for me in the world of graphic design. And now, I've found its eLearning equivalent: Genially.

Genially makes building interactive learning experiences as simple as drag-and-drop—without needing to code or watch hours of tutorials.

🚀 What Is Genially?

Genially is a cloud-based platform that helps you create interactive learning materials like:

✅ Microlearning modules
✅ Simulations and branching scenarios
✅ Infographics, quizzes, and presentations

Its clean, intuitive interface is beginner-friendly but powerful enough to support full instructional design workflows.

🎯 My Challenge: Plain Language Microlearning

During an internship, I struggled with simplifying complex content into bite-sized, plain-language lessons. To solve this, I created a microlearning module in Genially that broke down key writing principles using interactive visuals and layered information.

🌟 What Makes Genially Stand Out

✅ Ready-to-Use Templates: Professionally designed slides, icons, and layout components
✅ No Learning Curve: You can start creating instantly, even without prior experience
✅ Interactive Features: Add buttons, pop-ups, hotspots, and layers to keep content dynamic
✅ Flexible Use Cases: Works just as well for simple explainers as it does for complex branching simulations

🏥 Real Example: Simulated Medical Charting

I used Genially to create a chest pain assessment scenario. With just a few clicks, I added pulsing hotspots that revealed key information—just like opening different tabs in an electronic health record. Learners could explore at their own pace, mimicking a real-life task environment without any programming.

🧠 Tips for Genially Users

✅ Plan Before You Build
Sketch out your interaction flow and content structure before diving into Genially. This helps reduce rework and makes your modules feel intentional, not cluttered.

✅ Use Master Pages
Master pages in Genially allow you to create a layout once and apply it across multiple slides. This is especially useful for maintaining consistent navigation bars, headers, or instructions. Any edits you make to a master page automatically update across all linked slides—saving time and ensuring consistency throughout your project.

→ Use for repeated elements like branding, footers, or button placement
→ Keep your layout clean and uniform across lessons or screens
→ Great for modules with recurring slide types like introductions, instructions, or summaries

✅ Limit Interactivity on Each Screen
Too many clickable elements can overwhelm learners. Stick to 1-3 clear actions per screen to keep things digestible.

✅ Use Animations Sparingly
While Genially includes fun animations, avoid overusing them. Keep transitions smooth and purposeful, always in service of clarity.

✅ Preview Often
Use the Preview mode throughout development to see how your interactions function from the learner's perspective. This helps catch usability or navigation issues early.

✅ Test on Multiple Devices
Check how your Genially module performs on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Ensure buttons, text, and images scale properly for accessibility and responsiveness.

✅ Export a Static Version for Backup
If your learners are in a low-bandwidth environment, consider exporting a static version of the project for offline or fallback access.

⚠️ Like Canva, Use With Intention

While Genially is incredibly user-friendly, experienced designers can often spot template-based projects. Keep these points in mind:

✅ Use Genially as part of a larger toolkit, not the only solution
✅ Customize templates to better match your brand or audience
✅ Build more unique experiences for flagship projects

🎉 Final Thoughts

Genially has earned its place in my instructional design toolkit. It combines ease-of-use with enough power to create truly engaging learning experiences.

Whether you're building microlearning, simulations, or just trying to simplify content, Genially is worth exploring—especially for instructional designers who want to create fast without sacrificing quality.

💬 Have you tried Genially yet? What tools have made your eLearning workflow easier?

📚 Official Genially Resources

📁Genially Academy: Tutorials and courses to master the platform

📁Genially Blog: Case studies and tips directly from their team

📁Genially Gallery: See featured interactive projects