Storytelling is often used to increase internal motivation. However, there is greater impact in offering more than a single storyline. Alternative narratives provide learners freedom to make their own choices, giving them a sense of autonomy. Step by step application of multiple narratives to online learning objects will be demonstrated.
Storytelling is often integrated into online courses in order to increase internal motivation. However, a greater impact can be achieved by offering more than a single storyline. Alternative characters and narratives provide learners with the freedom to make their own choices. They can be developed simultaneously during the design phase to meet the learning objectives.
Choosing to follow a narrative or character gives students a sense of autonomy, one of the three basic needs identified by the self-determination theory of motivation. In addition, when students see themselves in a story, it facilitates meaningful learning. It helps them to reflect back on their own experiences and integrate new information into their understanding of the subject.
The step by step application of multiple narratives to online learning objects will be demonstrated, including the use of different characters in the creation of video tutorials. Participants will learn how to incorporate multiple narratives in their teaching, in order to offer students control over their own learning. They will have the opportunity to reflect on one of their learning objects and imagine how it can be adapted with different perspectives through a brainstorming exercise and interactive handout.