Mr. Troy Roddy Brings Learning to Life with Interactive True Crime Project This year, Mr. Troy Roddy introduced an innovative and personalized project to his AP Language and Composition and English IV Honors students, blending academic rigor with creative engagement. As part of his newly earned Master’s in Education with a focus on Learning Experience Design , Mr. Roddy designed an interactive e-learning module that brought the excitement of True Crime into the classroom. The Project: Who Stole the Crown and Sash? The assignment asked students to explore a fictional crime, analyze evidence, and argue, defend, or qualify the guilt or innocence of one of three suspects. Using critical thinking and argumentation skills, students worked through the scenario while staying true to their curriculum. Objective : The students were tasked with mastering the ability to argue, defend, or qualify their position on the suspects’ guilt or innocence, honing their persuasive writing and reasoning skills in the process. Making Learning Personal and Fun Mr. Roddy’s goal was to create a lesson that felt personal, engaging, and relevant to his students. Knowing many of them are fans of true crime, he designed a lighthearted yet rigorous activity that incorporated their interests. Here’s how he made it special: School Culture & Catholic Identity : Mr. Roddy took pictures around the school and used AI to redesign them with a unique Comic Detective Noir feel, seamlessly integrating Chapelle’s culture and values. Favorite Teachers as Characters : Students were delighted to see their favorite teachers woven into the storyline! Interactive Environment : The module mimicked exploring the school, creating a fully immersive experience. Sense of Humor : Mr. Roddy’s signature humor added fun and personality to the project. The Five E’s of Learning Design To ensure a high-quality e-learning experience, Mr. Roddy followed the Five E’s of Learning Design : Engage : Students were hooked by the True Crime theme and the personalized school setting. Explore : The interactive module encouraged them to investigate evidence and suspects. Explain : Clear instructions guided students on how to craft their arguments. Elaborate : Students applied their skills to defend their positions. Evaluate : The final step involved presenting and justifying their conclusions. A Learning Experience Tailored for Chapelle Mr. Roddy explained the significance of personalized learning in his project: “Learning Experience Design is all about making personalized, relevant learning experiences tailored to our students’ learning preferences. I wanted to integrate our Catholic identity, school culture, and the students’ interests into one seamless experience.” An Exciting Future for E-Learning at Chapelle This project is just the beginning of how Mr. Roddy plans to use his expertise in Learning Experience Design to create interactive and meaningful lessons. By combining technology, creativity, and Chapelle’s unique culture, he’s redefining what it means to engage students in the classroom. Congratulations, Mr. Roddy, on this incredible accomplishment, and thank you for bringing such an exciting and innovative learning experience to our students!