Transforming personal mental health support into a lasting, interactive eLearning experience for ANU students

PROBLEM

The Australian National University (ANU), through its School of Medicine and Psychology, had developed a successful face-to-face program to support students in managing social anxiety. The program was well-received, but delivery in person limited access and scalability. 

To reach a broader student cohort and enable flexible, on-demand access, ANU needed to convert the program into an engaging, self-paced eLearning experience—without compromising the supportive tone and interactivity of the original. 

SOLUTION

Strawberry Solutions partnered with ANU to co-create eight online modules designed to retain the personal, practical nature of the face-to-face program while expanding accessibility. 

Key components of the solution: 

• Collaborative co-design
• Worked closely with ANU stakeholders to ensure clinical accuracy and preserve the tone and intent of the original program.
• Integrated expert-led videos featuring university staff to maintain connection and credibility. 
• Engaging, supportive design
• Developed interactive elements to maintain student engagement and gently guide learners through challenging topics.
• Included custom graphics to simplify complex psychological models and explain key concepts clearly. 
• Practice and reflection
• Designed activities and reflection prompts to help students apply what they were learning to real-life situations.
• Ensured the tone of the course was empathetic and reassuring, fostering self-paced exploration without pressure. 

VALUE DELIVERED

ANU’s program on managing social anxiety is now available to more students, with flexibility to learn in their own time and at their own pace. 

• 8 modular self-paced units accessible online, increasing reach across the student body. 

• Improved engagement and retention through relatable expert content, activities, and visual supports. 

• Continued support and connection via integrated expert videos that mirror the trusted face-to-face experience. 

This project successfully translated a highly personal, face-to-face program into an interactive and effective digital learning experience, ensuring ANU students have ongoing access to vital mental health support, anytime.