How to Get Started Writing a Branching Scenario for Learning
Once you have decided on a branching scenario approach, how do you get started? This is my process for working with SMEs to prepare.
writing
ID and eLearning Links 5/26/20
In this post, I share links on writing about unfamiliar subjects and 3 different sets of instructional design competencies.
Instructional Story Design: Book Review
Rance Greene’s new book, Instructional Story Design: Develop Stories that Train, provides a systematic process for creating stories for training.
Consider 4 Cs in Scenario-Based Learning
When creating scenario-based learning, consider 4 Cs: characters, context, challenge, and consequences.
What Challenges Do Your Characters Face?
A story with no challenges is boring and won’t engage your learners. When we use stories for learning, the challenges should mimic the kinds of issues learners will face in their real workplace. You don’t need an evil villain in your story, but you do need obstacles to overcome.
What’s Your Character’s Goal?
Scenarios for learning should include several critical elements: a protagonist or main character, that character’s goal, and the challenges that character faces. The main character’s goal is what drives the scenario. All of the action and decisions in the scenario move you closer or further from that goal.
Protagonists Should Be Like Your Learners
In stories for learning, the protagonist should be someone your learners identify with, a person with similar goals and challenges.
Name Generators for Learning Scenarios
Use random name generators to quickly create character names for scenarios in learning. Different tools have different purposes and benefits.
Avoid This Pitfall in Conversational Writing for eLearning
We often talk about conversational writing for elearning. A conversational tone flows better in voice
What to Write First in Branching Scenarios
Writing a branching scenario can be intimidating or overwhelming. I have found that it’s easiest to write the ideal path from start to finish first. I note decision points and sometimes draft bad choices along the way, but I don’t fully write anything else until I finish the ideal path.