Strategic Tool Mashup
By repurposing tools intended for creating traditional e-Learning, we were able to create a deeply immersive and collaborative capstone exercise within the virtual classroom.
Natural Resources Crime Virtual Course
US Forest Service Office of International Programs + International Law Enforcement Academy, US State Department
Overview
THE ISSUE
Illegal logging, arson, and mining threaten ecosystems and rule of law across Latin America and Southeast Asia. Environmental and law enforcement officers needed training on all aspects of natural resource crime investigation. Then the Covid pandemic created another challenge: pivoting a hands-on, in-person course into an engaging and effective virtual format.
01
OUR APPROACH
Kirby Crider collaborated with U.S. Forest Service experts to adapt the curriculum for online delivery—translating and localizing content to meet the practical needs of professionals on the ground. With learners spanning multiple countries and sectors, the course design emphasized relevance, realism, and connection—prioritizing interactivity and human connection over passive content delivery.
02
WHAT WE DID
The previously hands-on, full-day program was transformed into a group-based virtual experience using Articulate Storyline, typically used for self-paced eLearning. Small teams conducted interviews, analyzed evidence, and built investigative plans in real time. This novel reapplication of digital tools created an immersive capstone exercise within the constraints of a virtual classroom.
03
Human-Centered Facilitation
Kirby facilitated all live sessions, intentionally fostering a sense of psychological safety and trust across screens. The result: deep engagement and genuine community across borders and time zones.
Project Outcome
High-Impact Learning
Delivered to over 50 law enforcement officials, magistrates, and policymakers from across Latin America and Southeast Asia, the program earned near-unanimous five-star feedback. Participants reported that the course was one of the most engaging and effective virtual learning experiences they had ever attended—proving that strong community, skills practice, and relevance can thrive even in a fully remote environment.