Want to bring course content to life with real, relatable, and relevant stories? Join our expert filmmaker, learning designers, and instructors on a journey to develop a story-driven approach for designing online learning experiences that keep learners coming back for more!
Story (a type of narrative) provides a structure for sharing information in ways that engage receivers, enhance memory, and create meaning (Haven, 2007). Humans are hard-wired to use story as an organization and storage mechanism. Consequently, we remember facts gained through story much more effectively than through any other means.
Story is arguably the most powerful method for engaging students with course content, and it’s especially useful in an online learning environment, where forging connections with learners is a paramount challenge. A great story hooks learners into the content on a visceral and emotional level, cementing the instruction in their memories, increasing their connection with the material and ultimately building their confidence in the subject matter. Key learning points come to life when you embed them in a relatable narrative about someone who overcomes obstacles and experiences a transformation.
We are partnering expert storytellers, learning designers, and instructors to guide participants on a journey to develop their own story-driven learning experiences. At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
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Describe the elements of a story-driven learning experience
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Explain the benefits and potential challenges of creating a story-driven learning experience for online delivery
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Create a story plan for an online learning experience.
Note: To optimize learning in this hands-on workshop, please bring a syllabus for a course of your choosing and a laptop or other mobile device.
Workshop Outline
Workshop Introduction
Introduction to Story-Driven Learning
What Is Story?
Creating Story-Driven Learning Experiences
BREAK
DIY: Creating the Story Plan
Story-Driven Learning in Context
Wrap Up
References
Haven, K. (2018). Story proof: The science behind the startling power of story. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.