Europa Zoo - Interactive E-Learning Module

Europa Zoo

Lead Designer

This lesson explores four distinct animal species—European Badgers, Tasmanian Devils, Red Deer, and Moose—detailing their physical characteristics, behaviors, and roles in their respective ecosystems. It also highlights the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these animals and their habitats.

1. Purpose & Stakeholder Alignment

Why Training is Needed:
Address gaps in visitor/staff understanding of species-specific ecological roles (critical for conservation advocacy)
Convert passive zoo experiences into actionable conservation knowledge
Align with zoo’s mission to enhance public engagement in habitat protection

2. Performance Gap Analysis

Current State:
Visitors/staff recognize basic animal classifications but struggle to:
Link physical traits to environmental adaptations (e.g., badger claws ↔ burrowing)

Articulate ecosystem interdependencies (e.g., deer grazing ↔ vegetation management)

Propose feasible conservation steps beyond general awareness

Desired State:

Learners can:
Classify species using 3+ distinguishing traits (e.g., moose antler span vs. deer antler structure)
Explain how behaviors like badger clan grooming enhance survival
Design habitat plans addressing specific threats (e.g., Tasmanian devil tumor disease mitigation)

3. Data-Driven Design Validation

Sources:
Pre-assessment quizzes (15% accuracy on adaptation questions)
Visitor exit surveys showing 82% interest in "doing more" for conservation.
Staff reports of repetitive questions about zoo-led habitat projects.

Non-Training Solutions Considered:
Physical signage upgrades (rejected due to static content limitations)
Live workshops (excluded due to scalability constraints)

Training Justification:

Mobile/web module solves for:
Accessibility: 24/7 availability for time-constrained audiences

Adaptivity: Branching scenarios accommodate varied knowledge levels

Tangible Outcomes: Shareable infographics boost community impact



4. Activity-Specific Needs Mapping

Activity:
Zookeeper Simulation
Virtual Habitat Designer
Conservation Campaign Builder
Behavioral Match Game


Addressed Gap:
68% of visitors misjudged space requirements for badger burrows.
Staff identified decision-making gaps in enrichment planning.
Only 12% of attendees could name local conservation partners.
45% confused scavenging (devils) with predatory behaviors.


Data Source:
Keeper observation logs
Pre-test results
Post-visit surveys
SME interviews




5. Technical & Pedagogical Constraints

45-Minute Limit: Requires chunking content into ≤7-minute segments with progress savers

Mobile Optimization: Prioritize vertical scrolling layouts and touch-friendly drag-and-drop.

Assessment Alignment: Rubric weights mirror observed knowledge gaps (40% behavioral accuracy)


6. Success Metrics

80% pass rate on species classification post-assessment
60% increase in zoo’s conservation volunteer sign-ups
25+ user-generated infographics shared publicly monthly
This analysis confirms the module’s capacity to bridge critical performance gaps while aligning with zoo resources and stakeholder priorities. The interactive components directly target observed knowledge deficiencies through evidence-based design choices