Soapbox
(SO-p BAH-ks)
SOLID
What is Soapbox?
Online, rapid authoring tool allowing users to quickly generate a training lesson plan with a sequence and flow of activities connected to learning outcomes.Awards and Acknowledgements
Soapbox by Endurance Learning was recognized by the readers of Training Magazine as a top Authoring Tool.
Read reviews of Soapbox from those whose work has been changed by using Soapbox to develop their training.
Soapbox was voted one of the top tools for learning for 2021. Check out the full list to see a lot of great tools to improve how you work.
Other Common Names
Other common names for Soapbox include:
- Soapboxify.com
- Game changer
- Rapid authoring
- Perdisco (well, not really)
Key Properties of Soapbox
Soapbox is a web-based tool that:
- Is designed to be used for instructor-led training (whether in-person or virtual)
- Generates a lesson plan with a sequence and flow of training activities connected to your learning objectives
Resources From The Train Like a Champion Blog
- Setting SMEs up to be more successful presenters – When we think of the lack of instructional design skills of an SME, it’s tempting to make them sit through a train the trainer or presentation skills program to improve their presentations. Maybe there’s a better, less intrusive way to help SMEs design presentations.
- Stop Stressing About Virtual Training Activities – Learn about how Soapbox helps create engaging lessons for virtual training sessions.
Insights That Were not Generated with the Help of a Rapid Authoring Tool
- "Soapbox is a tool for learning and development professionals to save time and generate a high-quality learning experience, although as with many of the other solid elements—actually with all the elements on this periodic table— you’ll reap an amount of benefit commensurate with how much time you put in to mastering the best time and place for its use."
- "When experimenting with this element, it may only take you several minutes to generate a basic set of learning activities. You can always choose to spend additional time refining what’s been generated. Soapbox takes some basic information about your session (the duration of your presentation, anticipated number of attendees, your learning objectives, and whether you’re delivering an in-person session or virtual session) and generates a series of learning activities. You’ll then need to add talking points or technical information to the lesson plan it generates for you."
- "Soapbox is an interesting element because it automates several key pieces of the instructional design process (see webpage for element 40, Instructional Design). Using Soapbox in some situations can actually allow you to substitute or eliminate the need to have deep knowledge of adult learning, dialogue education, lesson plans, and instructional design."
CLOSELY RELATED ELEMENTS
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
While this tool makes it easy to come up with a logical sequence and flow of activities, you will still need to fill in your own content. Using your own knowledge or engaging a subject matter expert to determine key talking points, technical data, or other content-related information can round out anything generated by Soapbox.
Virtual Meeting
As we discussed earlier in this chapter, just because you’re planning to deliver a virtual session doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the same care and intentionality that you would when designing in-person training. In fact, it can be trickier to come up with activities that engage your virtual learners and lead to effective training. Soapbox can help you generate a virtual learning experience with appropriate activities that help keep your learners engaged while aligning with your learning outcomes.
Virtual MeetingMr. Sketch Markers
Many of the activities generated by Soapbox—from setting up stations around the room with pre-made posters for small-group discussion to fast-paced games to get your participants out of their seats—will require the use of flipcharts and markers. As I’ve mentioned already, the most solid of writing instruments (in my opinion) is the Mr. Sketch marker.
Flipchart
When you use Soapbox you’ll often be employing activities that require writing or call for voting dots or sticky notes to be prominently displayed. Flipcharts are a great resource for these activities.
FlipchartSmile Sheets
Post-training evaluation forms allow you to collect information about your participants’ reactions to any learning experience in which you choose to use training tools, such as Soapbox. It’s especially important to collect as many data points as possible when you employ a new tool or element for your learning program.
Other Sources of Information on Soapbox
- Soapboxify.com: The home of next generation presentation development